| Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | **Purpose** | To provide exceptional students from around the world the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford, fostering leadership, service, and a commitment to improving the world. | | **Eligibility** | • Applicants must be under 24 years old (with some exceptions). <br>• Must be a citizen of a country that has a Rhodes Scholarship program. <br>• Must have a strong academic record, leadership potential, and a commitment to service. | | **Selection Criteria** | • Academic excellence. <br>• Leadership qualities and initiative. <br>• Commitment to service and community involvement. <br>• Personal character and integrity. | | **Duration** | Typically 2–3 years of full‑time study at Oxford, covering a wide range of disciplines. | | **Number of Scholars** | Roughly 32 scholars are selected each year, with about 10–12 from the United States and the rest from other participating countries. | | **Notable Alumni** | • Nelson Mandela (South Africa) – former President of South Africa. <br>• Bill Gates (USA) – co‑founder of Microsoft. <br>• Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan) – Nobel Peace Prize laureate. <br>• Barack Obama (USA) – former U.S. President (though he was not a Rhodes Scholar, he was a Rhodes Scholar‑candidate). | | **Impact** | Scholars often go on to become leaders in politics, academia, business, science, and the arts, and they form a global network that encourages collaboration and service. |

The Rhodes Scholarship is more than a financial award; it is a platform that brings together a diverse group of high‑achieving individuals who are encouraged to think globally, act ethically, and work collaboratively to address complex challenges. The network of Rhodes Scholars continues to influence fields ranging from public policy to scientific research, making the scholarship a powerful catalyst for positive change worldwide.