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