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Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford) 2026: eligibility, amount, selection and how to apply

Fully funded Study in United Kingdom Sources include non-government documents, named below

Rhodes Scholarship for India (University of Oxford), given by Rhodes Trust (a registered charity, not a government body). Fully funded: Oxford fees, stipend, flights and visa.

Given byRhodes Trust
LevelPostgraduate, PhD and research
MoneyFully funded: Oxford fees, stipend, flights and visa
How many get it5 for India
This yearApplied 1 Jun to 23 Jul 2026 (closed)

Rhodes Scholarship: IndiaCheck if you can applyLetter of recommendation helperVisa

Who can apply for Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford)

You can apply if

  • An Indian citizen holding an Indian passport (PIO and OCI cardholders are not eligible); refugees and asylum seekers in India are considered
  • Formal study in India for at least 4 of the last 10 years, with a school-leaving exam (Class 10 or 12) in India, or in the final year or done with an undergraduate degree at a university in India
  • Age: for the 2026 scholarship, 18 to 23 on 1 October 2025, or under 27 if you completed your first degree on or after 1 October 2024
  • An undergraduate degree completed by July of the year you go, with grades that meet the Oxford course's entry requirements (a First Class degree improves your chance of admission)

Not eligible

  • PIO or OCI cardholders
  • Anyone who has already applied twice (you can re-apply only once)
  • Holding another substantial scholarship at the same time

Check if you can apply

Answer from your own documents. The questions are the scholarship's published rules; your answers stay in this browser.

Are you an Indian citizen with an Indian passport (not PIO or OCI)?
Have you studied in India for at least 4 of the last 10 years, with a school-leaving exam or degree in India?
Do you meet the age rule (18 to 23 on 1 October of the application year, or under 27 if your first degree finished late)?
Will you complete your undergraduate degree by July of the year you would go, with grades meeting your Oxford course's requirement?

Answer the questions to see if you meet the published conditions.

How many get it: Five Rhodes Scholarships for India (Rhodes House India page, 2026 applications). Source: Rhodes Trust.

JanWatchdog does not give a percentage chance: the scholarship does not publish one. Meeting every rule makes you eligible to apply; selection then depends on the steps below.

What Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford) pays

Fully funded: Oxford fees, stipend, flights and visa. Oxford course fees, a stipend of GBP 20,400 a year (GBP 1,700 a month, 2025-26 rate), two economy flights to and from the UK, and the student visa fee and health surcharge.

What it covers

How Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford) selection works

  1. Applications are checked for eligibility and completeness, and a longlist is made
  2. September or October: preliminary interview (in person or by video); a semi-final interview may follow
  3. November: final interview and a social event, in person; domestic travel for finalists is paid
  4. All applicants hear the result by December; the scholarship is confirmed only after admission to Oxford

How to apply for Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford), step by step

  1. Apply online on the Rhodes House site before applying to Oxford; there is no application fee.
  2. Fill in the CV section, upload transcripts, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, proof of age and citizenship, and a photo.
  3. Write a personal statement of up to 1,000 words answering the three prompts, and an academic statement of up to 350 words.
  4. Register four or five referees in the form early, so they receive the reference link in time.
  5. If selected, apply to your Oxford course soon after, with help from Rhodes House.

Dates: 2026 applications (for October 2027 entry): 1 June 2026 to 23 July 2026, 23:59 IST.

Documents to keep ready

Rhodes Scholarship: India

Letters of recommendation for Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford)

How many4 to 5
From whomAt least three academic referees who taught and graded you (they also give an estimated class ranking), and at least one character referee who can speak about your character and extra-curricular, service or leadership work
How they are sentYou register referees in the application form; each gets an email link and uploads a confidential letter in English before the reference deadline

Who should write them: At least three academic referees who taught and graded you (they also give an estimated class ranking), and at least one character referee who can speak about your character and extra-curricular, service or leadership work. Not friends, peers or relatives.

How they are sent: You register referees in the application form; each gets an email link and uploads a confidential letter in English before the reference deadline. You can track them in the form.

What the letter should cover

Prepare notes and a starting draft for your referee

Fill in what you can. The helper puts your examples under each point the scholarship asks about and writes notes and a plain starting draft. Your referee must write the letter in their own words, check every fact and sign it: scholarships check references, and a letter your referee does not stand behind can cost you the scholarship.

Visa: UK Student visa

  1. Get an offer of a place from your UK university (it must be a licensed student sponsor).
  2. Apply online from India no earlier than 6 months before your course starts.
  3. Pay the application fee: GBP 558 from outside the UK.
  4. Pay the immigration health surcharge: GBP 776 a year for students.
  5. Show money for your course fees for one year and living costs of GBP 1,529 a month in London or GBP 1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months. If a scholarship or sponsor pays, show evidence from the sponsor.
  6. Take a tuberculosis (TB) test at a clinic approved by the UK Home Office: India is on the list of countries that need one.
  7. After approval, set up a UKVI account to use your eVisa.

Fees and rules change: check the official visa pages before you apply.

Visa sources

Sources

Everything on this page comes from these documents and pages. Checked 18 Oct 2026.

JanWatchdog is not connected with any scholarship. Apply only on the official website; applying is free and no agent is needed.

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