Rhodes Scholarship (United States)
Offered by Rhodes Trust
About This Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and arguably the most famous full-ride graduate award in the world. Each year, 32 American students win the chance to pursue full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, with the Rhodes Trust paying all university and college fees, a living stipend, and transatlantic airfare for the duration of the degree — typically two years, and sometimes three.
The scholarship is about far more than money. Rhodes Scholars join a residential community at Rhodes House in Oxford and a global alumni network that includes heads of state, Supreme Court justices, and Nobel laureates. Selection turns on academic excellence plus energy, character, and a demonstrated commitment to leading and serving others.
Competition is intense and the application runs through your college or university first, so the real work starts months before the October deadline. Candidates apply within one of 16 US districts and finalists interview before district committees in November.
Eligibility
- US citizens, US permanent residents, and US DACA status holders (per the Rhodes Trust's US eligibility criteria; verify your situation in the current Information for Candidates)
- Age limits apply — generally 18 to 23 by October 1 of the application year, with an alternate limit for older students who finished their degree recently
- Must hold a bachelor's degree before starting at Oxford (college seniors apply during their final year)
- Institutional endorsement from your college or university is required
- Must apply through one of the 16 US districts, generally where you live or attend school
How To Apply
- Read the current Information for Candidates on the Rhodes Trust site and confirm your district and eligibility
- Request institutional endorsement from your college's fellowships office — campus internal deadlines typically fall in late August or September
- Complete the online application, personal statement, and academic materials, and secure five to eight letters of recommendation
- Submit by the national deadline (11:59 pm Eastern, October 7, 2026); finalists interview before district committees in November
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Rhodes Scholarship actually pay for?
The Rhodes Trust pays all Oxford university and college fees, provides an annual living stipend, and covers airfare to and from the UK for the length of your degree program — normally two years and up to three. Because there is no fixed dollar figure, the commonly cited value of roughly $75,000 per year is an estimate of fees plus stipend.
Do I need my college's permission to apply?
Yes. The US Rhodes application requires institutional endorsement, and most campuses run their own internal selection process with deadlines weeks before the national one. Start with your school's fellowships or scholarships office in the spring or summer.
Can I apply after I graduate?
Yes. Recent graduates remain eligible within the age limits, which generally allow candidates up to age 23, or older under an alternate limit tied to when you completed your degree. Check the current Information for Candidates for the exact cutoffs.