Rhodes Information

Rhodes Scholarships
at Oxford University

Information for Western Australian Applicants

This website gives a brief overview of Rhodes Scholarships for the information of potential Western Australian applicants. A detailed website, providing information for all potential applicants, and including links to other web sites of interest can be found at: http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/rhodes/

Background Information

In 1902, the University of Oxford established the Rhodes Scholarship, according to the will of Cecil Rhodes, who died earlier that year. These Scholarships are funded by an educational grant enabled by the legacy of the statesman, whose intention it was to further harmony and compatibility between English-speaking peoples. It totalled over £3 000 000 after all his other legacies and debts were dealt with, and constituted the larger part of his fortune. Cecil Rhodes foresaw that candidates would originate from Commonwealth countries and that they would be scholars from a variety of academic streams, therefore able to be distributed among all Oxford colleges.

Rhodes Scholarships have become the most prestigious awards for international study offered to students with approximately 90 candidates selected worldwide each year. In Australia, one scholar is selected from each state, plus three additional scholars nationwide each year.  A list of Rhodes Scholars from Western Australia since 1904 is available on the web at: http://uwaguide.publishing.uwa.edu.au/latest/rhodes_scholars

Applicants for a Rhodes Scholarship are considered on the basis of qualities that Cecil Rhodes listed in order to define the type of scholar he desired:

• Proven intellectual and academic achievement of a high standard.
• Integrity of character, interest in and respect for one's fellow beings, the ability to lead, and the energy to use their talents to the full.

Rhodes Scholars must have graduated from a university and resided for a number of years in their country of origin.  Candidates must be between the ages of 19 and 24 on 1 October in the year of application.  Women have been eligible to hold Rhodes Scholarships since 1976. No special claim to a Rhodes Scholarship is given on the basis of financial need.

Rhodes Scholars are usually elected in November and December each year.  They will enter the University of Oxford in October of the following year. Deferment of the Scholarship is not allowed except for medical internships.  Scholars are selected on the basis of their academic and all-round qualities, on the evidence of testimonials from responsible persons, and after a personal interview by the Selection Committee.  There is no formal written examination.

Scholars are usually elected for a stay of two years, with the possibility of obtaining an extension for a third year in circumstances approved by the Rhodes Trustees.  All Scholars are expected to be full-time students for the duration of their degree programs. Rhodes Scholars may choose any one of the courses of study available in the University of Oxford.  Tenure of a Rhodes Scholarship depends on the maintenance by the Scholar of a standard of work and conduct which, in the opinion of the Rhodes Scholarship Trustees, justifies the Scholarship.

Placement in Oxford Colleges

Successful Rhodes Scholarship applicants will reside in Oxford colleges, where a place will be made available to them, following their preferences as much as possible. However, Oxford Colleges have their own admission criteria and Rhodes Scholars do not have a place guaranteed. The college requires two samples of written work, approximately 2,000 words each. The award of the Rhodes Scholarship is not confirmed by the Rhodes Trustees until the Scholar-elect has been accepted for admission by a College.

Scholarship Stipend

The stipend of a Rhodes Scholarship consists of a maintenance allowance of 917 British pounds per month, paid directly to the Scholar, plus payment of all tuition fees (such as matriculation, tuition, laboratory fees, and certain other set charges).  In addition, The Rhodes Trustees will assist successful applicants with their travelling expenses to and from Oxford.

The Application Process

For Western Australian candidates, the closing date for applications is Monday 1 September 2008. A preliminary meeting of the Selection Committee will take place in early October and shortlisted candidates will be contacted soon after.  A dinner for shortlisted candidates will take place at Government House on Thursday 30 October with a final selection being made at Government House on Friday 31 October.

Candidates wishing to apply should obtain a memorandum explaining Rhodes Scholarship regulations from the Honorary Secretary of the Western Australian Selection Committee.

Ms Trudi McGlade
Acting Director, Governance Services 
The University of Western Australia
Tel: (08) 6488 2450
Email: trudi.mcglade@uwa.edu.au

The Western Australian Selection Committee for 2008 consists of the following people:

The Governor (Chair)
Mr Mark Barnaba
Professor Mark Cassidy
Professor Catherine Cole
Ms Carol Devitt
Mr Grant Donaldson
Professor Margaret Seares
Ms Trudi McGlade (Secretary)


Rhodes Scholars, now living in Western Australia, who are willing to assist candidates with their application:

Professor David Badcock (Psychology) (david@psy.uwa.edu.au)
Mr Grant Donaldson (Law) (Grant.Donaldson@francisburt.com.au)
Mr Michael Elias (Engineering/Economics) (mcelias@optusnet.com.au)

Rhodes Scholars resident outside Western Australia who are willing to provide advice by email:

Mr Craig Wood (Engineering and Finance) (cwood@lehman.com)
Dr James Edelman (Law) (james.edelman@law.ox.ac.uk).  Dr Edelman is a Fellow of Keble College, Oxford.

If you would like your name added to this list, please contact: Ms Trudi McGlade (trudi.mcglade@uwa.edu.au).