The Rhodes Global Scholarship 2026 stands as one of the most prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarships in the world. Established to promote global understanding and academic excellence, the Rhodes Global Scholarship is an extension of the traditional Rhodes Scholarship, offering the same outstanding opportunity to students from countries not included in the original Rhodes constituencies. Administered by the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, this scholarship allows high-achieving individuals from around the globe to pursue Master’s, MPhil, and PhD degrees at one of the world’s most distinguished institutions.
With full financial coverage, global recognition, and access to a world-class academic network, the Rhodes Global Scholarship is designed to shape the next generation of leaders. This post provides a detailed breakdown of the scholarship’s benefits, eligibility, available academic fields, and the step-by-step application process for 2026.
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Scholarship Benefits
The Rhodes Global Scholarship 2026 is fully funded, offering comprehensive financial support to successful applicants for the entire duration of their postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. Below is a detailed overview of the benefits:
- Full tuition fee and college fee coverage: The scholarship pays for all academic and college-related fees at Oxford University.
- Annual stipend for living expenses: Scholars receive a stipend (approximately £18,180 per annum as of the previous academic year), sufficient to cover accommodation, food, clothing, and other living costs in the UK.
- Airfare: A round-trip economy class ticket from the scholar’s home country to the United Kingdom at the beginning and end of the program.
- Student Visa and International Health Surcharge (IHS): The cost of the UK student visa and health surcharge is also covered, providing free access to the National Health Service (NHS).
- Application Fee Waiver: While the University of Oxford charges an application fee, Rhodes Global Scholars are supported throughout this process and reimbursed or waived depending on institutional arrangements.
This scholarship not only ensures financial ease but also provides unmatched academic mentorship, leadership training, and lifelong access to the Rhodes alumni network—an elite circle of professionals and scholars worldwide.
Host Country
The Rhodes Global Scholarship 2026 is hosted in the United Kingdom, specifically at the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in the world. Oxford offers an intellectually stimulating environment, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and engagement in advanced research initiatives.
Explore other top scholarships in the UK for 2026 intake to increase your chances.
Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Rhodes Global Scholarship 2026 is 31st August 2025. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. Interested candidates are encouraged to begin preparing their documents and references well in advance.
The Rhodes Trust strongly recommends submitting your application at least two weeks prior to the official deadline to avoid last-minute technical or administrative issues.
Check out more fully funded postgraduate scholarships to expand your study options.
Eligible Countries
The Rhodes Global Scholarship is specifically open to students from countries that are not eligible for the traditional Rhodes Scholarships, which are limited to specific regions (such as the USA, Canada, India, Australia, Pakistan, and others).
This means the Global Scholarship is aimed at students from all other countries who are not listed under the official Rhodes constituencies.
To check if your country is eligible under this global category, visit the Rhodes Trust’s eligibility page and search under “Global Scholarship.”
Available Majors
Applicants for the Rhodes Global Scholarship 2026 can apply to any full-time postgraduate program offered at the University of Oxford. This includes:
- Master’s Degrees (MSc, MSt)
- MPhil Programs
- Doctoral Degrees (DPhil / PhD)
Popular fields of study among Rhodes Scholars include:
- Social Sciences (Politics, Philosophy, Economics)
- Law and International Relations
- Public Policy and Development Studies
- Health and Biomedical Sciences
- Humanities (History, Literature, Languages)
- Engineering and Computer Science
- Environmental Science and Climate Change
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
Available Academic Level
The Rhodes Global Scholarship is offered for postgraduate study only. Applicants must be applying for one of the following academic levels:
- Master’s Degree
- MPhil (Master of Philosophy)
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy/DPhil)
The duration of funding is as follows:
- Master’s Programs: 1–2 years depending on the course structure.
- PhD Programs: Typically funded for 3 years.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents along with the application form:
- Valid Passport or National ID
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
- A Full Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A Personal Statement (maximum of 1,000 words)
- Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent if required by your chosen course)
- Birth Certificate or Age Verification Document
- Headshot Photograph (JPEG or PNG format)
- Letters of Recommendation (Minimum 5 referees)
- University of Oxford Course Selection Information
Please note that all documents should be uploaded in English or accompanied by an officially translated version.
Application Process
The application process for the Rhodes Global Scholarship 2026 is multi-staged but straightforward if you start early and follow the guidelines carefully.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin your application, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria listed by the Rhodes Trust. You must be:
- A citizen of a non-Rhodes eligible country.
- Between 18 and 24 years of age (born between 2 October 2000 and 1 October 2007).
- Holding or expected to hold a First Class Honours degree or equivalent.
- Meeting the entry requirements for your chosen postgraduate course at Oxford.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials
Gather all necessary documents, especially academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and your personal statement. Contact your referees early to allow enough time for them to write strong and personalized references.
Step 3: Submit the Rhodes Scholarship Application
Visit the Rhodes Scholarship online application portal and submit your application before 31st August 2025. No application fee is required for this stage.
Step 4: Interview Process
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview (either online or in-person). This is a critical component of the selection process, where you will be evaluated on your academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to public service.
Step 5: Apply to Oxford University
If selected, you will then be guided to submit your official application to the University of Oxford, including the specific graduate course you wish to study. This process includes paying an application fee, which may be reimbursed or supported by the Rhodes Trust.
Final Notes
Winning the Rhodes Global Scholarship is not just about academic brilliance. The selection committee also values character, leadership potential, and a passion for creating meaningful change in your community and beyond. Candidates are expected to demonstrate resilience, a spirit of service, and a clear vision for their future contribution to society.
If you are eligible and passionate about studying at Oxford, this is your chance to join a historic community of global changemakers.