Indian students seeking admission to the University of Oxford have just over five weeks left to submit applications for one of the world’s most competitive scholarships. The Rhodes Trust launched its 2027 cycle for the India constituency on 1 June, with the portal closing at 23:59 Indian Standard Time on 23 July 2026. Five scholarships are available across the country, and successful recipients will begin their studies at Oxford in October 2027.
Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international programme of its type and carries significant prestige that benefits recipients well beyond their time at Oxford. For Indian families facing high costs of overseas postgraduate education, it stands out as one of the few options that fully covers tuition, living expenses, travel and visa fees.
The scholarship supports full-time postgraduate study at Oxford. It covers all university fees and provides an annual living stipend of £20,400 for the 2025-26 year, equivalent to £1,700 monthly. Recipients manage their own accommodation and daily costs from this amount, which the Trust states is insufficient for partners or dependents.
Funding lasts at least two years. Those pursuing a DPhil may receive up to three years of support depending on their programme. Additional benefits include Oxford application fees, student visa charges, the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access, two economy flights to and from the United Kingdom, and a settling-in allowance. Further visa and health surcharge assistance is available for those undertaking a second course.
No application fee applies.
Eligibility requires Indian citizenship with a valid Indian passport or equivalent proof such as a Voter ID. PIO and OCI cardholders do not qualify under the India constituency. Applicants must have studied at an institution in India for at least four of the past ten years and completed or be completing secondary or undergraduate education there.
Age limits specify candidates must be 18 to 23 on 1 October 2026, or under 27 in cases where the first degree was completed later than usual. Applicants need an undergraduate degree by July 2027 meeting Oxford entry standards, with First Class Honours strengthening prospects. English language requirements must also be satisfied at the higher level.
Of the five awards, no more than one may go to candidates who studied outside India or applied via inter-jurisdictional routes.
Applications must be submitted online via the Rhodes Trust portal by the July deadline. Required materials include contact and education details, transcripts, intended Oxford course information, proof of age and citizenship, school marksheets, and a photograph. The CV is completed within the form. Selected candidates apply separately to Oxford with Rhodes support.
