The Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards supporting outstanding all-round students at the University of Oxford, and providing transformative opportunities for exceptional individuals. Established in 1903, the Rhodes is the oldest and perhaps the most prestigious international graduate scholarship program in the world. The scholarship provides one to three years of study leading to a degree at Oxford University, England. A class of 100 Scholars is selected each year.

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Who Should Apply?

The Rhodes Scholarship supports students who demonstrate a strong propensity to emerge as 'leaders for the world's future'. Rhodes selection committees seek young leaders of outstanding intellect, character, and commitment to service.

To be eligible, you must:

• be under age 24
• have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.7
• be a graduating senior, recent graduate (within two years of graduation date), or current graduate/professional student, or recent graduate
• be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or current DACA status (see the Rhodes US website for detailed information)*

*Students from other countries may apply through their separate home country competition. Please note that the application process in other countries may differ significantly; if you wish to apply in a non-US constituency, please contact fellowships@drexel.edu as soon as possible for next steps.

Selection Criteria:

• 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.

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How to Apply

To apply for this award, you must be endorsed by Drexel University. We hold an open campus competition for nomination beginning each Spring.

Step 1: Get Ready

Students are strongly encouraged to contact UREP at fellowships@drexel.edu as soon as you are considering applying for Rhodes. Fellowships advisors will provide program expertise and step-by-step advice to assist you with preparing your application. Please note: in accordance with Rhodes Scholarship requirements, you may not receive feedback on your personal statement from anyone. For more information on the application process and components, visit the Rhodes Scholarship website.

Step 2: Submit an Intent to Apply Form

Deadline: May 15

Students interested in seeking Drexel University endorsement for the Rhodes Scholarship should submit an Intent to Apply form as soon as possible to set up a meeting with the Rhodes Scholarship campus representative to discuss the program and steps you can take to become a more competitive candidate.

Qualified students who submit an Intent to Apply form by May 15 each year can work closely with a Fellowships Advisor and experienced Drexel faculty/staff, who can help the candidate clarify goals and values, provide program expertise, and contribute to the draft of the letter of endorsement on behalf of the University.

Candidates who submit an Intent to Apply form after May 15 are not guaranteed the same level of advising, but will be considered for university endorsement if they submit materials by posted campus endorsement deadlines.

Step 3: Campus Endorsement

Deadline: August 1

Students seeking endorsement must submit a complete application, including final materials and letters of recommendation, to the appropriate district committee by this date. You are asked to retain a copy of your completed application for review by the campus committee; your recommenders are also asked to share copies of their letters. Both can be submitted by email to fellowships@drexel.edu. Please note that this is earlier than the national deadline; this is necessary to preserve compliance with the Rhodes prohibition on receiving outside feedback on your personal statement, as you will discuss your statement in detail with the endorsement committee during a brief interview.

UREP will submit an official University Endorsement Letter to the district selection panel. Shortlisted candidates may or may not be invited to conduct a 30-minute virtual interview. All finalists will be called for a district interview in November. The final selection will be announced immediately following interviews.

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More Information

More information about the Rhodes Scholarship, including application tips and samples, is available on our Fellowships Resource Site.

For official information on the Rhodes Scholarship (which supersedes any information provided here) and access to the online application, please visit the official US Rhodes Scholarship website.

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Related Awards:

Gates Cambridge Scholarship; Fulbright US Student Program; Marshall Scholarship; Mitchell Scholarship; Schwarzman Scholars

Last updated: April 2024