Rhodes Scholarship 2026 Interviews to Start Soon
For the world’s most exceptional young minds, a golden door just swung open—again.
The Rhodes Scholarship 2026 is officially live, marking one of the most prestigious and life-changing academic opportunities in the world. If you’ve ever dreamed of studying at the University of Oxford, fully funded and alongside some of the most brilliant scholars on Earth, this is the call you’ve been waiting for.
What Makes the Rhodes Scholarship So Powerful?
Beyond prestige and tradition, the Rhodes Scholarship delivers a game-changing funding package that covers everything a global scholar needs to thrive in the UK. Scholars receive full payment of Oxford University course fees, a generous annual stipend of £19,800 to cover living expenses, and roundtrip economy-class airfare to and from the UK. The scholarship even includes a settling-in allowance, visa costs, and the NHS surcharge—making your Oxford journey not just possible, but completely taken care of.
This isn’t just a scholarship; it’s a launchpad for future world leaders, researchers, innovators, and changemakers.
Who’s Eligible to Join This Elite Circle?
To qualify for the Rhodes Scholarship 2026, you must:
- Be on track to complete or have already completed your first undergraduate degree by July 2026.
- Be between 18 and 23 years old as of October 1, 2025. In some cases, up to 27 years of age is permitted depending on national criteria.
- Demonstrate academic excellence (a GPA of 3.7/4.0 or equivalent is typically expected).
- Fulfill citizenship or residency requirements of your constituency, or apply through the Global route if your country is not covered.
- Possess strong personal integrity, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a difference in your community and beyond.
Applicants must also meet the University of Oxford’s English language proficiency standards.
What Can You Study Under the Rhodes Scholarship?
The Rhodes Scholarship offers access to a wide range of full-time postgraduate degrees at Oxford, including:
- Master’s programs (MSc, MPhil, BCL, etc.)
- Doctoral programs (DPhil)
However, the scholarship does not cover graduate-entry medicine, PGCert, PGDip, or part-time programs. Professional degrees such as the MBA and MFE can only be taken in the second year, following completion of another graduate degree at Oxford.
Duration-wise, the scholarship typically supports scholars for two years, with a potential extension to three years for DPhil students.
What’s New in 2026?
The 2026 cycle introduces clearer access pathways for students from underrepresented countries via the Global Constituency route. Additionally, the Trust has refined its course eligibility criteria and updated age-related exemptions for those whose studies were disrupted due to regional conflict or hardship.
A reminder: students applying through the Global stream or select regions must secure a nomination from their home university, so the countdown begins sooner than you think.
Application Timeline for Interviews – Get Ready Now
Mark your calendar and act fast:
- Interviews in Oxford: October 30–31, 2025
- Classes Begin: September 2026
Note: Many countries and institutions require internal nomination processes that close weeks before the official deadline—don’t delay and get ready as per this notice for interviews https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/applications/global/.