The road to becoming a Rhodes Scholar can be challenging. In the recent past, five Rhodes Scholars from India were selected through a rigorous national process. However, the announcement of the Sixth Rhodes Scholarship for India marks a new opportunity, with the first selection set to take place next year, allowing the successful candidate to join the prestigious institution in Oxford in Autumn 2026.
During her recent visit to India, Elizabeth Kiss, CEO of the Rhodes Trust, highlighted that this new scholarship provides an additional opportunity for one more student each year to join the Trust’s global network, fostering positive change in the world.
The Rhodes Scholarship, recognized as one of the world’s oldest, awards over 100 students globally each year. India welcomed its first Rhodes Scholars in 1947, and since then, more than 200 Indians have benefitted from this esteemed scholarship, gaining access to premier education and invaluable global connections.
Reflecting on the Scholarship’s rich history, Elizabeth remarked, “We celebrated our 120th anniversary last year, and much has evolved since its inception in 1902. I like to think of us as a 121-year-old startup.” She noted that India was added to the Rhodes Scholarship program in 1947, followed by Pakistan in 1948, and more recently, other countries, including those in Africa and the Middle East.
A significant milestone in the Scholarship’s history occurred in 1977 when women became eligible to apply. Presently, the gender balance among awardees stands at approximately 50-50. Elizabeth emphasized that the selection committee aims to choose the best candidates based on holistic criteria rather than gender-specific slots. “Excellence is distributed equally across genders, reflecting the achievements of women in Indian universities,” she added.
During her visit, Elizabeth’s primary focus was to celebrate the announcement of the sixth Indian Rhodes Scholarship and engage with the alumni community. She expressed a long-term goal of nurturing lifelong connections between current scholars and alumni. “We are also continuing to fundraise for more scholarships in India, Africa, and China, aiming for expansion by 2028, which will mark our 125th anniversary,” she stated.
Elizabeth also recognized the significant impact of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, noting an increase in diversity among applicants and recipients. The Trust has implemented outreach initiatives, leveraging digital platforms and alumni ambassadors to connect with students from underrepresented areas. Notably, there has been a rise in applicants from regions like Kashmir and Nagaland. Sameer Rashid Bhat became the first Rhodes Scholar from Kashmir, while Akumjung Pongen represented the Northeast.
Despite the evolving landscape, the core selection criteria have remained consistent over the past 121 years. While academic excellence is vital for acceptance into Oxford University, the Trust also seeks candidates who demonstrate kindness, empathy, leadership, and a commitment to addressing global challenges. “The process is holistic, focusing on character traits alongside academic achievements,” Elizabeth explained.
This year, the Trust received around 700 applicants vying for five scholarships, a number that grows by approximately 10% annually. The Rhodes Trust fully covers costs for scholars, including tuition, travel, and living expenses, with additional support available through hardship funds and research grants. Elizabeth stressed the importance of ensuring that all scholars, irrespective of their background, have an enriching experience.
With an endowment of £5 million supporting up to four scholars simultaneously, the annual cost per scholar, including all expenses, ranges from £75,000 to £80,000. As a Rhodes Scholar herself, Elizabeth has focused on student-driven policy decisions over the past six years, including increasing stipends and introducing programs like the mini-grant initiative to offer further support.
“Our strategy centers on young people, and we are determined to enhance our efforts to create additional scholarships for India, making the Rhodes Scholarship truly global,” Elizabeth concluded.
