Rhodes Scholarship

Overview and Introduction

Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship fully funds 2-4 years of graduate study at Oxford University in any field.

Scholars pursue either a taught or research-based Masters or Doctoral degree. 

Prospective applicants should plan to apply the year before their intended date of study. 

Eligibility:

• Age: At least 18, but not yet 25 years of age. Can be 28 years old if the first undergraduate degree was earned within the last 2 years. Recent U-M alumni should apply through ONSF for nomination and institutional endorsement. 
• Academics: Sufficiently advanced academically to assure completion of a bachelor’s degree before October 1st in the year following election. The scholarship cannot be deferred. 
• Citizenship: Non-US and Non-Canadian Citizens should review details for the Global Rhodes Scholarship and the Non-US Rhodes Scholarship on the Rhodes Trust website.

Selection Criteria:

• Literary and scholastic attainment: Academic excellence. Rhodes Scholarship applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 3.7, but successful applicants for U-M institutional endorsement will typically have a 3.8 or higher GPA and significant academic and co-curricular accomplishments. 
• Energy to use one’s talents to the full: Demonstrated mastery in areas such as sports, music, debate, dance, theater, and artistic pursuits, especially where teamwork is involved.
• Moral force of character: Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness, and fellowship. 
• Instincts to lead: Demonstrated leadership roles.

Application Deadlines

• U-M Deadline: August 19th, 2024 at 12:00pm
  
• National Deadline: Early October
• Endorsement: U-M Nomination is Required. 

Instructions for Prospective Applicants 

Prospective applicants should join the UK Scholarships Canvas course for an overview of the application, program requirements, additional advising information, and more.  

Application Components 

1. Five to eight letters of recommendation
2. Personal statement (750 words) Note: You are not allowed to receive editorial comments from ONSF or anyone else on this statement
3. Academic statement (350 words)  Note: You may receive editorial feedback from ONSF or academic mentors on this statement
4. Two-page Resume 
5. Official transcript(s) A copy of your unofficial U-M transcript saved as a PDF file, as well as transcripts from any other university from which you've taken coursework. Transcripts are not typically needed for dual enrollment courses taken while you were still in high school or from study abroad experiences. If you have questions about this, please send them to onsf.info@umich.edu.
6. Class Ranking. A PDF of your class ranking, which is generated by the Registrar's Office.
7. U-M Endorsement via Nomination Process
   

Top candidates for U-M endorsement will be invited to interview with the Rhodes and Marshall Nomination Committee in early September.  Candidates selected for endorsement will work with ONSF to complete the final application before the national deadline.