Transcript Slide 1
Rhodes Scholarship 2009
Scholarships Office
University of Canterbury and Lincoln University
Tuesday 3 June 2008
Rhodes Scholarship
Rhodes Scholarship enables outstanding individuals
to further their studies at the University of Oxford
and pursue full-time graduate degrees
Three Scholarships are allocated to New Zealand
students each year
43 graduates of the University of Canterbury and
Lincoln University have been Rhodes Scholars
Applications close August 1, 2008
History of the Rhodes Scholarship
Oldest and most prestigious scholarship
Est. and endowed by the will of Mr Cecil John Rhodes
Mr Rhodes was an Oxford Scholar – felt Oxford
fostered broad views and personal development
Trust created to provide education for potential
future world leaders and people of influence
Hint: Do your research on Mr Rhodes for interviews!
Regulations
Tenable at the University of Oxford only
Undertake a full time graduate degree (excludes MBA)
Two year BPhil or MPhil or BCL
includes second undergrad Oxford BA (2 years
Final Honour School)
One year taught Masters (course work only)
Direct entry to a DPhil
Regulations
Tenable for 2 years (normally), but no requirement to
study for more than one year
If accepted to a doctoral programme, may be tenable
for 3 years (renewal)
NOTE: Scholarship does not guarantee admission to
University! Rhodes Scholars winners will be given
special application forms due Jan 1 at Oxford
NO DEFERRALS PERMITTED
Value
College and University fees paid by Rhodes Trust
Personal allowance of at least ₤11,000 per year
Air travel costs to and from the United Kingdom
Eligibility
Citizens of New Zealand OR British subjects domiciled in
New Zealand for at least five years
Aged between 19 - 25 by 1 October in the year the
Scholarship tenure commences (ie. not born before 1
October 1984)
Graduate/expect to graduate with a degree from a NZ
University
Expecting to complete Bachelor’s degree (as a minimum
qualification) by end of 2008 – suggested Bachelors
(Hons) (or LLB with Honours) at very highest
level for competitive admission to Oxford
Criteria
Qualities valued by Mr Rhodes in order for scholars to
come to “esteem the performance of public duties as his
(or her) highest aim”, including:
Proven intellectual and academic ability of a high
standard
Integrity of character
Interest in and respect for others
Leadership ability
Demonstrated energy to use their talents to the full
Hint: Not considered on only academic achievements,
must be an all-rounder!
Application and Selection Process
Apply, using the prescribed application form, to the
university from which you graduated or at which you
are enrolled by 1 August 2008 at 5pm!
Applications forms available off www.nzvcc.ac.nz, along
with detailed guidelines
Application Form
Statement
IMPORTANT DOCUMENT! Max 1500 words
Course of study and work you intend to pursue
General interest and activities (what drives
you/motivation)
Why have you chosen this path? Major influences in
life? Plans for the future? Aspirations/career goals?
Plan on returning to New Zealand?
Hint: Do not write you think people want to hear! You
will be probed by committee! Have a supervisor review
your statement
Application Form
Letters of reference
6 referees – 3 academic, 1 from school days, 2 from
activities/sports
Choose carefully and brief referees (NZVCC referee form)
Should hold position of respect and trust in the
community, but have a close relationship with you as well!
Hint: These will be scrutinised by Oxford admissions!
CV
Follow the guidelines, 2 page max
Focus on work experience, community involvement,
volunteer work, sporting and outdoor achievements
Other Docs
Transcripts
If only at UC or Lincoln, Scholarships Office can
provide these for free!
Birth Certificate
Scholarships Office staff can certify originals or see a
JP for a certified true copy
Medical Certificate
See Health Centre on Campus
Selection Process
1) Initial University shortlisting – Early August
2) Pre-selection interviews at Universities – Held midAugust
3) Successful interview candidates forwarded onto NZVCC
in Wellington (max 3) by Sept 15
all candidates from NZ Universities considered together
NZVCC shortlists for interviews at national level
Selection Process
4) Mock interview for shortlisted national candidates
(October-November)
Practice interview, with feedback, and example
interview questions
5) National Selection Interviews (Auckland) – late
November
Preparation
Start researching degree programmes and
potential projects (if research degree) now
May wish to make contact with potential
supervisors at Oxford
Contact your referees
Bring your application form in early and ask
the scholarships officers any questions you
may have
For more information
Canterbury Students:
www.canterbury.ac.nz/scholarships
Email: [email protected]
Lincoln Students:
www.lincoln.ac.nz
Email: [email protected]
www.nzvcc.ac.nz – application form/guidelines
www.rhodestrust.org