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How about paving a path to the Rhodes Scholarship?
Oxford University is one of the most prestigious institutions, not only in England but globally. While studying at Oxford is often costly, the Rhodes Scholarship offers an invaluable opportunity for higher education there. This esteemed scholarship covers a period of two years, making it more accessible for exceptional students to pursue their studies at Oxford.

A brief history:
The Rhodes Scholarship, established by British statesman Cecil J. Rhodes, aims to cultivate exceptional leaders through advanced studies at Oxford University. First awarded in 1902, this century-old scholarship is renowned as the world's most prestigious academic award for postgraduate studies. Each year, 83 scholars from 15 countries are selected, including five from India. To date, approximately 200 Indians, including notable figures like former Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, have been recipients of this esteemed scholarship.

Features:
Alongside covering study expenses, the Rhodes Scholarship provides a stipend of 13,000 euros (approximately Rs 9.2 lakh), health insurance, and travel expenses. Selection criteria include not only academic excellence but also extracurricular achievements, personality, intelligence, and leadership qualities.

Selection Process:
Eligibility –
Candidates must hold a first-class degree in pure/applied sciences, humanities, law, or medicine from an Indian university. Final-year students with a strong academic record are also eligible to apply.
*Statement of Purpose in the preliminary application – *
Applicants should clearly explain their chosen field of study, the reasons for selecting it, and the potential future benefits of their advanced studies.

Rhodes' primary goal is:
Students are expected to return to their respective countries after completing their studies and contribute to their communities. Applicants should clearly explain how their chosen field of study will help them achieve this goal.

Applicants must provide references from six teachers.
Typically, 180 out of 1,000 applicants are shortlisted. The first phase of interviews, which focuses on the subject of higher studies, takes place at the end of September in various locations including Delhi. There are separate interview panels for different fields such as law, science, sociology, and economics.
The 18 candidates who pass the first phase will proceed to the final round of interviews in New Delhi. This round is conducted by a panel of 10 experts, including representatives from the Rhodes Scholarship and Oxford University. The final interview focuses on public issues rather than specific fields of study and lasts 20-30 minutes. From these 18 candidates, five will be selected.
Applications are generally invited in June and July, with winners announced by November.
For more information, visit:
https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/the-rhodes-scholarship/
To apply, visit: (https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/apply/)

Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team