The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international postgraduate scholarship in the world, administered by the Rhodes Trust at Oxford. The India constituency awards five Scholarships each year to outstanding young Indians for full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, in almost any field the University offers. Selection for India is overseen by the National Secretary, Dr Dhvani Mehta. Scholars join a global community of more than 4,500 living Rhodes Scholars across over 100 countries. The minimum commitment is two years of study at Oxford, beginning in October 2027.
Benefits & funding
- University of Oxford course fees for the chosen postgraduate course
- Annual living stipend of £20,400 (about £1,700 per month) for 2025-26, covering accommodation and living costs
- Oxford application fee, student visa fees and the UK International Health Surcharge
- Two economy-class flights to and from the UK, at the start and end of studies
- A settling-in allowance on arrival, plus visa-renewal and IHS support for a second course
- Funding runs up to three years (fees and stipend) for a DPhil (PhD); other courses follow the Conditions of Tenure
- Note: the stipend is not intended to support partners or dependents
Eligibility
- Citizen of India holding an Indian passport or equivalent proof of citizenship; PIO and OCI cardholders are not eligible (refugees and asylum seekers in India are also considered)
- Must have undertaken formal study at an educational institution in India for at least 4 of the last 10 years, and have completed either a school-leaving exam (10th or 12th standard) at an Indian school or an undergraduate degree at an Indian university (final year or completed)
- Standard age: born after 1 October 2002 and before 2 October 2008; an older-candidate route admits those born after 1 October 1999 who completed the academic requirements for their first undergraduate degree on or after 1 October 2025. Age limits are set by the constituency and are immovable
- Must have completed, or be about to complete, an undergraduate degree (normally a Bachelor’s) by July 2027 and meet the entry requirements of the chosen Oxford course; a First Class Honours degree or GPA of 3.70/4.0 or higher improves the chance of Oxford admission
- Must meet Oxford’s English-language proficiency requirements at the higher level
Can you apply?
Worth a closer look
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Eligible nationalities
India
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Residence required
India
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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor
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Age requirement
18–26 yrs
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We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Confirm eligibility against the India constituency criteria and the Information for Candidates document
- 2Submit the online application through the Rhodes Trust portal, with transcripts, a personal statement, references, and proof of age and citizenship
- 3References are submitted shortly after the candidate deadline; ensure referees are briefed early
- 4Shortlisted candidates attend interviews overseen by the National Secretary and their team
- 5Selected Scholars secure an Oxford course place and begin study in October 2027
Program timeline
Applications open for the India constituency
Jun 1, 2026
Candidate application deadline (23:59 Indian Standard Time)
Jul 23, 2026
References due
Early August 2026
Shortlisting and interviews
Autumn 2026
Scholars begin postgraduate study at Oxford
2027-10