Rhodes Scholarship for PG studies at University of Oxford

Updated on: Monday, June 17, 2013

Applications are now open in India for the Rhodes Scholarships, postgraduate awards supporting outstanding allrounder students, to enable two to three years, depending on the academic route taken, of study at the University of Oxford . Applications for the 2014 edition of the scholarship are open to Indian citizens between the ages of 19 and 25 (as of October 1, 2014) who have received at least one first-class degree from an Indian university. Students in their final-year of college with exceptional academic background may also apply. This year's enrolment closes on July 31.

The Rhodes Scholarships aspire to create 'leaders for the world's future' and are achievement-based awards open to students with proven intellectual and academic attainment of a high standard who show exceptional character, leadership , achievement in extra-curricular activities and a commitment to service in the public good. Since Independence, there have been 197 Rhodes Scholars from India. This list includes prominent personalities such as Olympian Ranjit Bhatia, playwright Girish Karnad , and economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

Each year, five Indian scholars are selected on the basis of their intellect, character, leadership , and commitment to service, to join 78 other Rhodes scholars from around the world at the University of Oxford.

All five Rhodes scholars elected for 2013 are women, one of them being a second-generation Rhodes Scholar. The selection committee was chaired by industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and included the acting warden of Rhodes House, Dr Andrew Graham, along with some of the country's top academics and professionals and a number of Rhodes scholar alumni. The winners emerged after a highlycompetitive application and selection process spanning over six months. The finalists were interviewed extensively by the selection panel and quizzed individually on their interests, achievements and goals before the panel made its selection.

The Rhodes scholarships, which were instituted under the will of Cecil Rhodes in 1902, include all university and college fees for two to three years (depending on the academic route taken), an annual stipend of around £13,000, health insurance and travel expenses to the University of Oxford before the start of the programme and a return ticket following the course of study. To apply for the Rhodes scholarships for India 2014, aspirants must submit an online application, which includes submission of academic transcripts, the names of six references, a medical certificate, proof of age and an essay describing the proposed course of study at Oxford, general interests and activities, including sports or other activities demonstrating energy and drive and future aims of the candidate, each as further described in the Rhodes scholarships 2014 India memorandum.

Outstanding applicants will be shortlisted for regional and final interviews with a panel consisting of eminent personalities who will recommend the final five Rhodes scholars for 2014.

Every year, the Rhodes scholarship selects five Indian scholars on the basis of their intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service, to join 78 other Rhodes scholars from around the world at the University of Oxford. Applications are now open for the Rhodes Scholarships for 2014 for India. The closing date is July 31

For more information, visit www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/page/rhodes-india; email [email protected]

Rhodes Scholarship for PG studies at University of Oxford

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