Rhodes Scholarship 2026: Postgraduate Applications Open for Indian Students at Oxford

The Rhodes Trust has officially opened applications for the 2026 Rhodes Scholarship for India, inviting brilliant Indian students to apply for this fully funded postgraduate programme at the University of Oxford. Considered one of the world’s most prestigious academic awards, the scholarship offers an unparalleled opportunity to study at one of the oldest and most respected universities globally.

Indian students meeting the eligibility criteria are encouraged to submit their applications online, along with the necessary documents, by July 23, 2025. The scholarship supports two to three years of study at Oxford, depending on the chosen academic program.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

The Rhodes Scholarship is designed to identify and nurture future leaders who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service. For the 2026 cohort:

• Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 23 years old as of October 1, 2025. However, candidates up to 27 years of age may be considered under specific circumstances (such as extended undergraduate programs or time taken for professional training).
• Citizenship: Applicants must hold Indian citizenship. Individuals with PIO or OCI cards are not eligible.
• Academic background: Candidates must have either completed or be in the final year of an undergraduate degree and should demonstrate consistently high academic performance.
   

Only six Indian candidates will be selected as Rhodes Scholars for the 2026 batch, reflecting the high level of competition and prestige attached to this scholarship.

Important Dates for Rhodes Scholarship India 2026

• Application Deadline: July 23, 2025
• Reference Letter Submission Deadline: August 5, 2025
   

Applicants are advised to begin their preparations well in advance, especially by gathering references and writing personal statements.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Apply for the Scholarship First

Before applying for a course at Oxford, candidates must first apply for the Rhodes Scholarship. Importantly, no application fee is required to submit the Rhodes Scholarship application.

2. Online Submission

All applications must be submitted online via the Rhodes Trust portal. Rhodes House will then support shortlisted candidates who receive the scholarship in submitting their formal graduate application to the University of Oxford.

Documents Required for Rhodes Scholarship India 2026

Applicants must ensure that all documentation is in English or has been officially translated into English. Original documents may be requested during the verification process.

Mandatory Documents:

• Birth certificate or valid government-issued document showing date of birth
• An Indian passport or another valid proof of Indian citizenship
• Academic transcripts from university/college reflecting overall performance
• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets (or equivalent school-leaving certificates)
• A recent headshot photograph in JPG format
• A completed CV section within the online application, including academic records, leadership roles, extracurricular achievements, awards, and volunteer work
   

For Applicants Studying Abroad:

Indian citizens who are currently studying outside India must also provide:

• Proof of having completed at least four years of formal education in India within the last 10 years
• Proof of having completed either Class 10 or 12 in India
   

These additional documents help ensure that overseas applicants still demonstrate a strong connection with India’s educational system.

Beyond Rhodes: ‘Determined’ Scholarship for Indian Women in STEM

In a separate but noteworthy development, the Duolingo English Test (DET), in partnership with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, has launched the ‘DETermined’ scholarship. This is a financial aid initiative specifically for Indian women pursuing STEM education abroad.

Key features of the DET scholarship:

• Grant Amount: USD 30,000 (one-time)
• Eligibility: Indian women applying for undergraduate or postgraduate STEM programs in the United States, starting Spring 2026
• Application Portal: Now open on the Manthan portal
• Purpose: To support talented women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by helping them overcome financial barriers in pursuing global education
   

This initiative complements the Rhodes Scholarship’s mission by providing additional opportunities for meritorious students from India, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields.

Final Thoughts

The opening of the Rhodes Scholarship India 2026 applications marks the beginning of a transformative journey for six exceptional Indian students who will join a global network of Rhodes Scholars at the University of Oxford. With its emphasis on academic brilliance, leadership, and service, the programme has produced world leaders, Nobel laureates, and changemakers across sectors.

Meanwhile, parallel initiatives like the Determined scholarship are crucial steps toward building inclusive academic ecosystems, empowering more Indian students, especially women, to access quality education abroad.

For Interested Applicants:

If you're an Indian student with strong academic credentials, leadership experience, and a vision to create a meaningful impact, this could be your opportunity to study at Oxford without financial constraints. Begin preparing your documents, reach out to potential referees, and submit your application before the deadline.