Every year, 11 Rhodes Scholarships are awarded in Canada to outstanding students. They are chosen on the basis of exceptional intellect, character, leadership and commitment to service. Could you be a future Rhodes Scholar and study at the University of Oxford in England on graduating from York? As a candidate you should:

1. Be an outstanding student approaching your final year of an Honours program at York University;
2. Have a significant record of extracurricular or community activity that demonstrates your leadership capabilities;
3. Have sound academic reasons for wanting to continue your studies at the University of Oxford.

The Rhodes Scholarship program has a long history of producing prominent experts from around the world who achieve eminence in public life. Canadian Rhodes Scholars have gone on to become the Prime Minister of Canada, the Governor General of Canada, premiers of several provinces, members of Parliament, justices on all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, presidents of numerous universities and scientists of international distinction. In its short history, York University has already had five Rhodes Scholars.

Background 

What is the Rhodes Scholarship? Who is eligible? How competitive is it?

Studying at Oxford

Is Oxford the place for you? Read this section before you begin drafting your personal statement.

Eligibility and criteria for selection

Do you qualify? Do you have the right combination of intellect and well-roundedness?

Deadlines and timelines for applications

What is the timeline? When must the Rhodes Selection Committees receive completed applications?

The application and process

Download a copy of the application here. Find out what must be included in the completed application dossier, and what applying involves.

Letters of reference

Who should write your letters of reference? What information will your referees need?

Information for referees

Helpful information for those asked to write letters of reference for applicants.