Rhodes Scholarships are awarded for a period of study at Oxford University. A Rhodes Scholarship covers all University and College fees, a personal stipend and one economy class airfare to Oxford at the start of the Scholarship, as well as an economy flight back to the student’s home country at the conclusion of the Scholarship. The Rhodes Scholarship is normally for two years, but the Scholarship may be held from one to three years, depending on the degree program pursed by the scholar.
Selection criteria include proven intellectual and academic achievement, integrity of character, interest in and respect for others, the ability to lead, and the energy to use talents to the full.
The criteria were established by the will of Cecil Rhodes, the founder of the Scholarships, which specified the following four standards:
- Literary and scholastics attainments;
- Energy to use one’s talents to the full, as exemplified by 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, and to take an interest in one’s fellow beings.
The stereotype of the Rhodes Scholar as a student-athlete-politician presents the obstacle that potentially strong candidates who do not consider themselves the Rhodes type may not apply for the Scholarship. The variety of winners in recent years suggests that there is no uniform Rhodes type. 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 Scholarship requires an institutional endorsement. If you intend to apply, make sure you know the MSU internal competition deadline.
How to Apply
- Review the Rhodes Scholarship website and guidance
- Complete the Intent to Apply Form to get on our list of applicants and access to application materials on D2L
- Work with the DSAO Office on application draft and resume (we recommend using the DSAO resume template)
Application Materials Needed (submit all to studentawards@msu.edu by Aug. 1)
- Resume
- MSU internal application (from D2L)
- 8 recommendations (check with DSAO before requesting)
- MSU transcript & other transcripts if attended AFTER high school
