www.rhodesscholar.org
The Rhodes Scholarship, initiated in 1902, is the oldest international scholarship. It was created to bring outstanding students from around the world to the University of Oxford. American Rhodes Scholars are selected by regional committees that choose 32 scholars each year representing the 50 states. Selection committees seek qualities that offer the promise of effective service to the world in the decades ahead. The scholarships are investments in individuals rather than in project proposals and thus seek applications from talented students without restriction to field of academic specialization or career plans. However the proposed course of study must be available at Oxford, and the applicant’s undergraduate program must provide a sufficient basis for study in the proposed field.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Applicants must be 18 years of age and have not passed 24 years of age at the time of application
• Hold bachelor’s degree before October 2014

General Information

In considering applications, The Rhodes Trust Committees of Selection will have regard to those qualities which Cecil Rhodes expressly listed in order to define the type of Scholar he desired:

• Proven intellectual and academic achievement of a high standard is the first quality required of applicants
• Applicants will also be required to show integrity of character, interest in and respect for their fellow beings, the ability to lead, and the energy to use their talents to their fullest extent

Mr. Rhodes believed that the last of these qualities was best tested through participation and success in sports. Participation in organized sports is not essential if applicants are able to demonstrate in other ways the physical vigor which will enable Rhodes Scholars to make an effective contribution to the world around them. Mr. Rhodes clearly expected such a contribution when he expressed the hope that Rhodes Scholars would come to “esteem the performance of public duties as [their] highest aim.” Mr. Rhodes desired that his Scholars be intellectually, morally, and physically capable of leadership in any field.


Rhodes Scholarships are tenable at the University of Oxford, and are normally held for two or three years. Deferment of scholarship is not allowed. Scholars may do a single one-year degree only, or may do two one-year degrees, but may not in the latter instance receive a third year’s funding. At the discretion of the Rhodes Trustees, the scholarship may be renewed for a third year, for those pursuing a doctorate and whose progress is deemed satisfactory. Students selected for the Rhodes Scholarship are expected to be enrolled as full-time students at Oxford. Applicants should study the academic system of Oxford University in order to determine if their plan of study is one which is feasible at Oxford. Election to Rhodes Scholarship does not automatically guarantee entry to Oxford (Oxford colleges make their own decisions on admissions). Scholars elected in November 2013 will enter Oxford University in October 2014.


The value of a Rhodes Scholarship consists of all tuition fees, plus a maintenance stipend of not less than $11,500 annually paid directly to the scholar in installments during the term of the scholarship. The Rhodes Trustees will assist successful applicants with travel expenses to and from Oxford. The Rhodes Trust takes no financial responsibility for the support of a scholar’s spouse.


Additional information may be found at the Office of the American Secretary for the Rhodes Trust Website (http://www.rhodesscholar.org) or by contacting the campus representative, Ms. Kefryn Reese, Director, Prestigious Awards and Fellowships in the Office of Academic Enhancement, Center for Student Services, Building 21, Room Y, 305-284-5387

Application Procedures and Dates

All applicants for the Rhodes scholarship must receive a letter of endorsement from their home university. UM students who wish to be considered for endorsement must read the FAQs about the Rhodes Scholarship at http://www.rhodesscholar.org/  and submit a preliminary application to the Office of Prestigious Awards and Scholarships no later than April 15th, 2013:

• 1-2 page essay that describes your academic, professional and personal goals and how you believe study at Oxford University will help you progress toward these goals. Outline the program of study you wish pursue at Oxford. Include your name and C-number in upper right-hand corner.
• Resume or CV.
• One or two letters of recommendation from faculty.  These letters should be addressed to “the campus committee.”
• List of 4 additional potential referees. Include the person’s title, how long they have known you, and the nature of your relationship.  You may list more than four.

All application materials may be e-mailed as an attachment to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or delivered to the Office of Prestigious Awards and Scholarships by April 15, 2013. Items arriving via campus mail should be sent at least 5 business days before the deadline to the following address:

Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships
Attn: Kefryn Reese
5600 Merrick Drive, Building 21-Y
Coral Gables, Florida 33124
(Locator Code: 5595)

The University’s nominating committee will review the materials and the most qualified candidates will be required to submit secondary application materials and scheduled for an interview with the UM Fellowship Committee. Those nominated will proceed with the formal (on-line) Rhodes application process. By submitting the preliminary material, applicants are agreeing to - if nominated - complete the on-line application by the national Rhodes scholarship deadline in early October 2013.

Click Here for a PDF of Rhodes Application Instructions for UM Students, 2013-2014

Deadline Dates

April 15, 2013: Preliminary Rhodes scholarship application must be submitted to the Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships (see instructions above)


August 12, 2013: UM Candidates selected for interview must submit secondary application materials to the Office of Prestigious Awards and Scholarships


September 2013: Campus interviews are held


October 2, 2013: Institutional nominees submit their complete application on-line to the Rhodes Trust


November 22-23, 2013:  District interviews will be held and winners announced