Rhodes Scholarship
Each year the Rhodes Trust selects 32 outstanding scholars for 2-3 years of fully funded, post-graduate study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Rhodes Scholars demonstrate intellectual distinction, concern for others, energy to lead, and commitment to public service.
Eligibility
- U.S. Citizen (There are opportunities for non-US Citizens; contact us to discuss.);
- Minimum 3.7 GPA;
- Must be 18-23 years of age as of the national deadline in October OR be under the age of 27 and have completed their undergraduate degree on or after October of the previous calendar year.
Selection Criteria
Rhodes Scholarship selection criteria include:
- Literary and scholastic attainments;
- Energy to use one’s talents to the full;
- 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.
Application Materials
- Application form that includes:
- Biographical information;
- Multiple essays based upon the specific prompts included on application form
- NOTE – the Fellowships Office cannot provide any feedback on your essays, but we can discuss other aspects of your application:
- Two-page resume consisting of college activities and honors;
- A completed waiver;
- Transcripts from other institutions attended (copies, screenshots, etc. are ok);
- 5 – 8 letters of recommendation emailed directly to keegan.scott@uri.edu
Campus Application Procedure
- For those interested in any of the prestigious post-graduate opportunities, please complete the Student Interest form or the Alumni Interest form to receive program updates;
- Attend one of the Post-Graduate Opportunities Info Sessions or view a recording to determine the opportunity(ies) right for you;
- For the Rhodes, read the Rhodes Trust website so you understand the eligibility and selection criteria;
- Schedule a meeting with the Office of Fellowships@URI to discuss your interest. Ideally, you will be reaching out in the Fall or Spring of your Junior year;
- Begin crafting your application based on the previous discussion with your Fellowships Advisor;
- Submit your application by the last Monday of August (Monday, August 25th); this includes letters of recommendation;
- The Prestigious Postgraduate Fellowships Committee will review application materials and interview candidates shortly after;
- Based on the interview and application materials, the committee will finalize URI’s nominations for the Rhodes, and craft an endorsement letter. We will email you directly about your nomination status and next steps to submit your final application.
Application Timeline
- There is no such thing as starting too early for the Rhodes or other postgraduate opportunities! Begin taking challenging courses, think about ways you want to make an impact – and do those exact things – and speak with your professors about your collective interests and ideas. Start applying for other fellowships of interest and consider the many opportunities on campus;
- Attend an information session – Junior year or earlier;
- Schedule a meeting with the Office of Fellowships@URI;
- Begin crafting your narrative and application – Junior year;
- Campus Application Deadline – August 25, 2025;
- Campus Interview – August/September;
- US Deadline – October 1, 2025.