Shaping global leaders with purpose

India Today

4 days ago

Being the world's oldest and most coveted international scholarship programme, the Rhodes Scholarship can be a life-changing experience for scholars
One of the most prestigious postgraduate awards in the world for students to study at the University of Oxford, UK, the Rhodes Scholarship needs no introduction. Widely recognised and most desired by aspirants, it's the oldest scholarship that was established in 1902, and every year about 100 students are awarded from all over the world.
To know more about the scholarship, its legacy, several merits, and its impact in India, we caught up with Sir Richard Trainor, interim warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust, during his recent visit to India. A Rhodes scholar himself, he is a well-known historian and a career academic. Edited excerpts.
Could you tell us about your academic journey and experience as a Rhodes scholar?
I'm originally from the United States and completed my undergraduate studies at Brown University. I came to Oxford in the 1970s as a Rhodes scholar, studying history, and later completed my doctorate in modern British social history. My career took me from research and teaching to leadership roles, including serving as head of Greenwich University, King's College London, and Exeter College at Oxford. Now, I'm back at Rhodes House in a temporary capacity, helping steward the scholarship during a period of transition.
Becoming a Rhodes scholar was life-changing—not just academically, but personally. It gave me the opportunity to live and study in a different country, broaden my cultural outlook, and form friendships across continents. It set the course for my career in international education.
What is the Rhodes Scholarship all about and why is it significant?
It's more than just a scholarship—it's a commitment to excellence and impact. Established in 1902 by business tycoon Cecil Rhodes, it was the first international postgraduate scholarship of its kind. Today, it selects around 100 scholars each year from over 20 countries. Scholars typically spend two to three years at Oxford, depending on their chosen course of study. There are around 300 Rhodes scholars in residence at Oxford at any given time.
What sets Rhodes apart is that its purpose is not only to support academic excellence but also to identify individuals with a strong sense of leadership, character, and commitment to public service. We're interested in individuals who don't just achieve for themselves but want to make the world better—whether through public service, science, the arts, or activism. That mission hasn't changed in over a century.
What role has India played in the Rhodes story?
India has been part of the Rhodes community since its independence in 1947. Currently, six scholarships are awarded to Indian students each year. We're actively working to increase that number to seven, with the goal of expanding further. Given India's size, talent, and historical connections to the UK and Oxford, it's an incredibly important region for us.
The selection process in India follows the same core criteria as elsewhere—academic strength, leadership, and service—but is adapted to the Indian education system. The interview panel typically includes past scholars and respected academics who understand the local context deeply.
What areas of study do Rhodes scholars typically pursue?
There's no restriction—scholars study across the full range of disciplines at Oxford. Some pursue philosophy, literature, and politics, while others are working on engineering, AI, or medicine. Lately, we've seen strong interest in areas such as climate change, ethics, and technology. For instance, some scholars are now researching artificial intelligence and its societal impact, which is a major focus at Oxford through its new AI and Ethics Institute. Oxford offers exceptional depth and breadth, and the scholarship supports all full-time postgraduate courses.
How competitive is the scholarship and what advice would you have for prospective applicants?
It's very competitive, with many more applicants than places. But we're not looking for perfection —we're looking for purpose. Think beyond grades.
My advice is: focus on all the criteria. Demonstrate not just what you've achieved academically, but how you've contributed to your community, pursued your passions, and developed your sense of purpose.
You'll need references, a personal statement, and to go through a rigorous interview process. Articulate what drives you and how you hope to contribute to the world. Demonstrating self-awareness and purpose goes a long way.
How does the Rhodes Scholarship benefit students beyond academics?
Being a Rhodes scholar is a deeply transformative experience. Scholars gain exposure to global perspectives, form lifelong friendships, and develop a broader understanding of the world's challenges. It also instils confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of social responsibility.
The Rhodes alumni network is very strong; there are over 5,000 living Rhodes alumni globally, including a vibrant and engaged community in India. We stay connected through digital newsletters, country reunions, webinars, and global events like our 120th anniversary gathering in Oxford. The network is a lifelong source of mentorship, collaboration, and inspiration.
What is the Rhodes Trust focusing on today?
Our core mission remains the same—to find and develop exceptional people who will fight the world's fights. We are also focused on expanding access and representation, especially in regions like India, China, and parts of Africa. In addition, we're engaging deeply with emerging global issues, such as AI ethics, climate change, and social justice, through partnerships and research.