Rhodes Scholarship

Purpose

Rhodes Scholarship selection committees seek applicants of outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service. The Rhodes Scholarships support students who demonstrate a strong propensity to emerge as “leaders for the world’s future.”

Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements, but for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead. The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world.

More information on the Rhodes Scholarship.

Award

Supports two years of study at Oxford University. Renewable for a third year for those who initially embark on a doctoral route at the time of admission and whose progress is deemed satisfactory.

Number Offered

Thirty-two Rhodes Scholars (U..S); 80+ scholars from other countries, plus two Global Rhodes scholars.

Fields of Study

Open to all offerings of Oxford University.

Eligibility

• U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident; DACA students also eligible for the U.S. Rhodes Scholarships. See eligibility information for other citizens. All citizenship types are eligible through one of the Rhodes applications.
• Unmarried, at least 18 and not yet 24 years of age by October 1 of application year. Check specific Rhodes constituencies as there are variations to the upper age limit.
• Completed B.A. before the program at Oxford begins.
• Minimum GPA is 3.7.

Rhodes Scholars are judged on the following:

• Literary and scholastic attainments
• Fondness for and success in sports
• Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness, and fellowship
• Moral force of character and instincts to lead

Election to a Rhodes Scholarship does not guarantee entrance to Oxford, as the University makes its own admissions decisions.

Deadlines

Nomination application deadline is in early April. Rhodes application deadline is in October.

Application Process

To apply for a Rhodes Scholarship, you must be nominated by Middlebury College if nomination is required for your specific Rhodes competition. The U.S. and Canadian Rhodes both require institutional nomination. Other Rhodes competitions may not require institutional nomination. 

To apply for nomination and see the current nomination application deadline, see Middlebury’s UK-Irish Nomination Information.

Selected nominees will work with the fellowships advisor to prepare for the final submission deadline in October.

Contact

Lisa Gates, Associate Dean for Fellowships and Research
Davis Family Library 225G
lgates@middlebury.edu
(802) 443-3183