Rhodes Scholarship 2027 at University of Oxford, India (Fully Funded)

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship that lets you study at the University of Oxford. Run by the Rhodes Trust, it is described as the oldest international scholarship programme in the world and is awarded purely on merit to develop public spirited leaders. For the 2027 cohort, five Scholarships are available for India, and applications are open between 1 June 2026 and 23 July 2026.

If you are a high achieving final year undergraduate or recent graduate in India who wants to pursue a postgraduate degree at Oxford with every major cost covered, this is one of the most prestigious opportunities you can apply for.

The Rhodes Trust administers the Rhodes Scholarship in partnership with the University of Oxford. Beyond funding your studies, it connects you to a global community of more than 4,500 living Rhodes Scholars across over 100 countries.

Scholars get access to Rhodes House, the community hub in Oxford, along with welcome weeks, cultural events, networking and leadership workshops, a dedicated Scholar Team for pastoral and financial support, emergency assistance, and grants for research and travel.

The Rhodes Scholarship enables full time postgraduate study at Oxford and covers the following:

• University of Oxford course fees in full.
• An annual living stipend of 20,400 pounds (about 1,700 pounds per month) for the 2025 to 26 figure.
• Oxford application fees.
• UK student visa fees and the International Health Surcharge.
• Two economy flights to and from the UK.
• A settling in allowance on arrival.
• Visa renewal and International Health Surcharge fees for a second degree programme where applicable.

You can apply to study most full time postgraduate courses in almost any field offered by Oxford. Up to three years of fees and stipend are available for a DPhil (PhD). Note that the stipend is not sufficient to cover partners or dependents.

To apply through the India constituency you must meet all of these conditions:

• Be an Indian citizen holding an Indian passport or equivalent proof of citizenship. PIO and OCI card holders do not qualify. Refugees and asylum seekers in India are considered.
• Have undertaken formal study in India for at least 4 of the last 10 years, and either completed your 10th or 12th standard exam at an Indian school, or be in the final year of or have completed an undergraduate degree at an Indian university.
• Complete your undergraduate degree by July 2027 and meet the entry requirements for your chosen Oxford course. First Class Honours or equivalent strengthens your chances.

You must meet one of the following age criteria:

• Be aged 18 to 23 on 1 October 2026 (born after 1 October 2002 and before 2 October 2008), OR
• Be under 27 on 1 October 2026 (born after 1 October 1999) AND have completed your first undergraduate degree on or after 1 October 2025.

Selection rests on four core criteria rooted in the founding will:

• Literary and scholastic attainments: intellectual curiosity, a love of learning, critical thinking, and consistently strong academic performance.
• Energy to use your talents fully: sustained, outstanding achievement in pursuits such as sport, music, debate, dance, theatre, or the arts, with an emphasis on teamwork.
• Character: truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, and values driven service to your community.
• Moral force of character and instinct to lead: the courage to act on your own initiative and inspire others to follow.

Before you apply, read the official guidance documents provided for the India constituency:

• Information for Candidates, India: the detailed guidance for your application.
• Conditions of Tenure: confirms which Oxford courses are covered.
• Referee guidance: shared with your recommenders.
• Scholars Guide: written by current scholars to support applicants.

Your application is expected to include a personal statement, a CV, academic transcripts, and reference letters from your recommenders. Specific document formats and limits are confirmed in the official Information for Candidates guidance, so check it for exact requirements.

The selection runs in stages:

1. You submit your application through the online application portal.
2. Shortlisted candidates are invited to proceed.
3. A social engagement event, typically a reception and a meal, gives you the chance to meet some of the panellists.
4. A final panel interview, usually lasting around 30 to 45 minutes.

There is no application fee.

Applications open on 1 June 2026 and close at 23:59 Indian Standard Time on 23 July 2026. Start by checking your eligibility and reading the India constituency guidance, then submit your application through the official Rhodes House online application portal.

Begin on the India constituency page and follow the eligibility checker and application links from there. Do not wait until the last day, since you will need time to brief your referees and prepare your supporting documents.

• You are an Indian citizen with an Indian passport and meet the study or residency rule.
• You meet one of the two age criteria as of 1 October 2026.
• You will complete your undergraduate degree by July 2027.
• You have chosen an Oxford postgraduate course covered by the Conditions of Tenure and meet its entry requirements.
• You have read the Information for Candidates, India, and the Scholars Guide.
• Personal statement prepared.
• CV prepared.
• Academic transcripts ready.
• Referees briefed and reference letters arranged.
• Application submitted before 23:59 IST on 23 July 2026.