The Rhodes Scholarship has been supporting high-achieving graduates from a small number of countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, for more than a century. Now comes news that this prestigious international graduate award will launch two new Global Rhodes Scholarships open to candidates from anywhere in the world. Here’s a closer look at this development, along with how to apply.

Expanding Its Reach

Established in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship -- which provides funding for postgraduate studies at the University Oxford to creative, young, service-minded future leaders -- lays claim to a veritable “who’s who” of alumni, including everyone from Presidents, to Olympians, to country music stars.  

Once limited to a narrow set of countries, Rhodes Scholarships have increased in number from 83 to 100 in recent years while adding new regions, including China, East and West Africa, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, Syria and the UAE. With the launch of two new Global Rhodes Scholarships program, the Rhodes Trust will now extend its reach to candidates from all countries which aren’t currently existing Rhodes jurisdictions, including the UK. Furthermore, more Global Scholarships are expected to be added in the future.

A 21st Century Outlook

Rhodes Trust CEO Charles Conn told The Guardian, “In the last five years we’ve thought: how can we take this great old institution and bring it into the 21st century? And one of the most obvious things is, why is the scholarship only tenable if you’re in a former Commonwealth country, plus the US and Germany? We’re looking for people to fight the world’s fights, who we hope will change the world for the better. They might just as easily come from Indonesia or Brazil, or Birmingham.”

Echoed Rhodes Trust Chairman Sir John Hood KNZM, “Without different viewpoints and ideas, we will not answer the world’s most complex questions. We are proud that we are able to announce a truly global offer to today’s courageous young leaders all around the world. I am extremely thankful to our supportive donors, who have enabled our expansion and helped us achieve this goal.”   

Think you’ve got what it takes to join the impressive ranks of Rhodes recipients? The first step begins with a nomination from your university. Go here for more information.