The Rhodes Scholarship for the Commonwealth Caribbean 2025–26
- Omran Aburayya
- May 11
- 3 min read
If you are a young, talented individual from the Caribbean dreaming of postgraduate study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, the Rhodes Scholarship for the Commonwealth Caribbean is your gateway. Applications open for the 2025–26 cycle for entry into the University of Oxford in October 2026 on 02 June 2025. This fully funded opportunity supports exceptional leaders with outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: United Kingdom (University of Oxford)
Host Institution: University of Oxford
Study Level: Postgraduate (Master’s, PhD, or Second BA with Senior Status)
Target Group: Citizens or dependent territory citizens of select Commonwealth Caribbean countries
Fields of Study / Focus: Any full-time postgraduate programme offered at Oxford (subject to scholarship conditions)
Award Value and Coverage:
Full tuition and college fees
Annual stipend (approx. £18,180 per annum)
Settling-in allowance
Economy class airfare to and from the UK
Research and travel grants within UK (subject to approval)
Duration: 2 years (with potential extension for a DPhil)
Applications Open: 02 June 2025
Application Deadline: 19 September 2025 (23:59 Atlantic Standard Time)
Start Date: October 2026
Eligible To: Applicants from Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, or Turks and Caicos Islands
📖 Scholarship Overview
The Rhodes Scholarship is not just an academic award—it’s a leadership development journey. Selected scholars will pursue postgraduate study at Oxford, engage with a global network of changemakers, and take part in enrichment programmes at Rhodes House. The scholarship promotes development in three interconnected dimensions:
Self: Developing personal strengths and reflecting on one's growth.
Others: Learning from and contributing to the diverse Rhodes community.
World: Engaging with pressing global challenges and shaping solutions.
Scholars will select a full-time postgraduate degree from Oxford’s extensive offerings, including taught Master's programmes (e.g., MSc, MPhil), research degrees (e.g., DPhil), or a Second BA (Senior Status). Course changes post-selection are difficult and discouraged.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
100% of course tuition and college fees
Annual living stipend
One-time settling-in allowance
Round-trip economy class airfare from the Caribbean to Oxford
Additional travel/research grants (on a case-by-case basis)
Access to a distinguished global Rhodes alumni network
Personal and professional development through events, retreats, and seminars at Rhodes House
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship: Must be a citizen or dependent territory citizen of one of the eligible Commonwealth Caribbean nations.
Education: Must have completed at least 5 years of education between the ages of 9–20 in the Caribbean region.
Academic: Must hold an undergraduate degree by July 2026 with a GPA of at least 3.7/4.0 or equivalent First Class Honours.
Age:
Normally 18–23 years old on 1 October 2025 (born between 2 Oct 2001 and 1 Oct 2007)
OR under 27 (born after 1 Oct 1998) if first undergraduate degree was completed after 1 Oct 2024
English Proficiency: Must meet Oxford’s higher-level English language requirements (if applicable)
📝 Application Procedure
Apply online via the Rhodes Trust portal (no fee required). Applications must be submitted before 19 September 2025.
⚠️ Applicants must apply for the Rhodes Scholarship before applying to Oxford.
📂 Required Documents:
Proof of citizenship (passport)
Birth certificate
Official transcripts and certified copies of secondary school results (e.g. CSEC, CAPE)
CV (maximum 2 pages, no photo)
Head-and-shoulders photograph (jpg)
Personal Statement (max 1000 words)
Academic Statement of Study (max 350 words)
Six reference letters (four academic, two character/leadership)
ℹ️ Shortlisted candidates will attend an in-person interview and social engagement in Barbados on 10–11 November 2025. Travel expenses will be covered for candidates outside Barbados within the Caribbean region.
📌 Additional Notes
Only one reapplication is allowed if unsuccessful the first time (in the same constituency).
Scholars are expected to embody values such as courage, leadership, service, and fellowship.
You may not hold another substantial scholarship simultaneously.
Applicants intending to pursue a DPhil should begin identifying potential supervisors and research departments early.
ℹ️ For more information, visit the official Rhodes House Website or contact the Commonwealth Caribbean National Secretary at:📧 commonwealthcaribbean.secretary@rhodestrust.com
📂 Resources
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
