The Rhodes Scholarship

What is the Rhodes Scholarship?

The Rhodes Scholarship offers talented students the opportunity to study a postgraduate program of their choice at the University of Oxford. It was established in 1903 and every year, 9 Australian students are selected for this prestigious award. The scholarship covers course fees and provides students with an annual stipend.

Am I eligible?

The Rhodes Trust establishes the following criteria for selection:

  • literary and scholastic attainments (academic excellence)
  • energy to use one's talents to the full (as demonstrated by mastery in areas such as sports, music, debate, dance, theatre, and artistic pursuits, particularly where teamwork is involved)
  • truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship
  • moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow beings.

How are recipients selected?

Each Australian State Committee selects a candidate for this scholarship, whereas the remaining 3 are Australia-at-Large Scholarships awarded by a Selection Committee in Canberra. For more information for Australian candidates, and the age stipulations to be eligible, please check the Rhodes website for Australia.

How do I apply and who can help me with my application?

A Rhodes Scholarship is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the application process will take time and effort to collate, so if you are interested in applying for a Rhodes Scholarship you need to prepare well in advance.

It is important to start thinking about it early, even if you are in the first year of your program, so that you can seek opportunities to practice your leadership skills and meet the selection criteria by the time you are on the 3rd or 4th year of your degree.

In addition to this, UniSA offers workshops and information sessions to help you write and gather your documentation and give you the best chance for selection.

Applications for admission in 2024 will open soon, so please watch this space.