What GPA is needed for Rhodes Scholarship?

The Rhodes scholarship is one of the most prestigious international awards, offering international students a golden opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford. If you want to study in UK, and that too in a prestigious educational institution like Oxford, then this is your gateway. However, it follows a rigorous selection process and only a handful of students who fulfil the GPA requirement for Rhodes Scholarship get awarded with this. India has a significant number of Rhodes scholars, and since 1947, this scholarship program has been providing opportunities to Indian students to be a part of the Oxford University, UK. In this article, we will discuss the minimum GPA for Rhodes scholarship, eligibility criteria, and some effective application tips to enhance the chances of success.

This Story also Contains

1. Rhodes Scholarship 2026: Highlights
2. Does GPA Matter for Rhodes Scholarship?
3. What Is the Minimum GPA for Rhodes Scholarship?
4. Other Academic and Leadership Criteria for Rhodes 2026 UK Scholarship
5. Rhodes Scholarship Timeline 2025
6. Required Documents to Demonstrate Academic Excellence
7. Rhodes Scholarship India Guidelines
8. GPA vs. Class Rank for Rhodes Scholarship
9. How to Strengthen Your Rhodes Scholarship Application?

Rhodes Scholarship 2026: Highlights

Does GPA Matter for Rhodes Scholarship?

Yes, GPA is one of the significant academic qualifications for Rhodes, however, it is not the only criteria. It is true that the Rhodes Trust looks for academically brilliant students and students need to secure an exceptionally high GPA of around 3.7 to 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. While a strong GPA is essential, the Rhodes Scholarship also considers leadership, service, and character. While having a high GPA alone won’t guarantee selection, having a low GPA can definitely weaken your application, even if you are strong in other areas. Each Rhodes constituency (like India, the US, Canada, etc.) may have slightly different academic benchmarks or interpretations of what qualifies as a "first-class" academic record as shown below in the table.

GPA Range by Country

Also Read:

• University of Oxford Acceptance Rate

• Oxford University Fees

• How to Get Into Oxford University from India

What Is the Minimum GPA for Rhodes Scholarship?

There is no official minimum GPA for Rhodes scholarship for Indian students as mentioned by the Rhodes Trust. In general, the students who get awarded with this scholarship are academically brilliant and rank among the top students in their class. Students need to secure an exceptionally high GPA of around 3.7 to 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. While 3.7 is the minimum, successful applicants often aim to score higher. The average GPA of a Rhodes Scholar is 3.9. Beyond GPA, the Rhodes Trust evaluates the students on the following criteria:

• Academic Excellence

• Leadership Potential

• Commitment to Service

• Character and Integrity

While meeting the academic requirements for Rhodes Scholarship is essential, a candidate who has a well-rounded profile excelling in all the above-mentioned areas has a higher chance of selection.

Other Academic and Leadership Criteria for Rhodes 2026 UK Scholarship

Applicants need to fulfil the academic qualifications for Rhodes and other leadership criteria as well. To meet Rhodes eligibility requirements for academic:

• You must be pursuing or have completed your undergraduate degree.

• You must demonstrate academic excellence in your study field.

• You must have honors, awards, or research experience.

Beyond these academic requirements, here is what else matters:

• Leadership Potential: Student organizations, social impact initiatives, entrepreneurship or public engagement

• Commitment to Service: Volunteer work, NGOs or community projects, advocacy for justice or sustainability

• Character and Integrity: Ethical leadership, empathy and courage, resilience in adversity, athletic or physical pursuits, creative activities, balanced personality

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Rhodes Scholarship Timeline 2025

If you want to apply for the Rhodes scholarship, you must meet these prestigious scholarships GPA requirements and don’t miss out the deadlines. The table below gives the Rhodes scholarship application timeline.

Rhodes Scholarship Application Timeline

Also Read: Application opens for Indian students applying to Oxford University

Required Documents to Demonstrate Academic Excellence

These are the required documents when applying for Rhodes 2026 UK scholarship:

Read more:

• Documents Required for UK Student Visa From India

• Proof of Funds for UK Student Visa

Rhodes Scholarship India Guidelines

If you are applying for Rhodes scholarship from India, you need to keep in mind the following key academic guidelines:

• A First-Class degree (typically 75% or higher)

• CGPA of 8.0+ (on a 10-point scale)

• Preference for students from reputed universities like IITs, NITs, DU, JNU, IISc, etc.

• Academic rank and rigor of coursework matter significantly.

GPA vs. Class Rank for Rhodes Scholarship

How to Strengthen Your Rhodes Scholarship Application?

These are some effective Rhodes application tips that will help you enhance the chances of your selection:

1. Start early: Begin preparing 12–18 months before the deadline

2. Excel academically: Consistent grades and academic awards matter

3. Craft a compelling personal statement: Reflect your passion, values, and vision

4. Get strong letters of recommendation: Choose mentors who can vouch for both intellect and impact

5. Showcase leadership:Whether in campus roles, startups, or activism

6. Think globally: Show interest in international issues and cultural engagement

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