Rhodes Scholarship

Two students and a professor collaborating on an architecture project

This award requires campus endorsement; therefore, you must first participate in the campus competition which occurs each spring. The campus deadline is typically at the end of May. Access more information on the comprehensive campus application for the Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, or Churchill Scholarships.

Each year 100 Rhodes Scholars are selected from 23 jurisdictions around the world; as of 2018, there are also two "Rhodes Global Scholars." Thirty-two of the Scholars each year are Americans. The Scholarship fully funds two years (sometimes three) of study at Oxford University.

According to the Rhodes Trust, “Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements, but for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead.”

Eligibility

  • apply for nomination in the spring of their junior year, as seniors, or after graduation
  • must be 18-23 years old on October 1 in the year of application
  • have a minimum 3.7 GPA

View KU Rhodes Scholars campus application requirements.

Students who wish to be endorsed by The University of Kansas must register intent to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship with Office of Fellowships staff and submit a preliminary Rhodes Scholarship application, typically in the spring of their junior or senior year.

Notice: Students interested in applying for this scholarship are advised that the Rhodes Trust requires that the following statement be included on their personal essay in their application:

I attest that this essay is my own work and is wholly truthful. Neither it nor any earlier draft has been edited by anyone other than me, nor has anyone else reviewed it to provide me with suggestions to improve it. I understand that any such editing or review would disqualify my application.

Access details from the Rhodes Trust on the required application statement.

Deadlines

  • Campus deadline: May
  • National deadline: late September or early October

Notice: Students who wish to apply for the Rhodes Global Scholarship apply on an earlier timeline and should email the Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships at curf@ku.edu as soon as possible for more information.

KU Award Winners

Twenty-seven KU students have been named Rhodes Scholars. The most recent were Kelsey Murrell in 2011 and Shegufta Huma in 2016.

Application Video Series