About the Rhodes
The Rhodes Scholarships (http://www.canadianrhodes.org/) bring outstanding students from many countries around the world to the Oxford University in England. The program was initiated in 1902 and first awarded in Canada in 1904. To date, the University of Manitoba has had the privilege of cultivating 97 Rhodes Scholars.
Up to eleven Rhodes Scholarships are awarded annually in Canada, including three in the Prairie Region of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The Scholarship is tenable for studies at the University of Oxford in England for two or three years, beginning each year in October. Selection is made by committee after personal interviews and on the basis of the candidate’s record. Distinction in intellect or character, or a combination of these, is the essential requirement.
Eligibility
For the 2013 Scholarship, all candidates must:
- be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (students who are attending a Canadian university on a visa are not eligible to apply);
- be domiciled in Canada;
- have been born between October 2, 1988 and October 1, 1994;
- have received an undergraduate degree before taking up the Scholarship.
As stated in the Scholarship Overview section of the Rhodes website:
Intellectual excellence is required of Rhodes Scholars, but it is not enough to earn this outstanding educational opportunity – Cecil J. Rhodes emphasized in his will that he was not interested in “mere bookworms.” His vision in founding the scholarship was to invest in and develop outstanding leaders who would be motivated to “fight the world's fight” - his rallying call for esteeming public service as one's highest aim.
His will outlines four criteria to be used in the selection of scholars:
- literary and scholastic attainments;
- energy to use one's talents to the full;
- truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship;
- moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow beings.
Applicants for the Rhodes Scholarship are assessed for their intellectual distinction, physical vigour, character, commitment to service, and leadership.
How to Apply through the University of Manitoba
A complete application to be submitted ONLINE by October 12, 2012 includes (as stated in the How to Apply section of the Rhodes website):
- A personal statement of 900 words setting forth your general interests, activities, and aspirations; reasons for wishing to study a particular course of study at Oxford; and vision as to future endeavor. Selection committees place special emphasis on this essay and it will be sent to Oxford colleges to which successful candidates apply for admission.
- Curriculum vitae listing your principal commitments and honours while at university, including scholarships, prizes, awards, leadership positions held, athletic record, and extracurricular interests and activities.
- University transcript, listing all courses and grades, certified by the University's Registrar's Office.
- The names and contact details for six referees, who will be asked by the regional selection committee to write a letter assessing your qualification for the award. At least three of these referees should be persons under whom the applicant has studied at University and at least four should comment upon the applicant’s academic preparation and scholastic achievements.
- A written statement from the President or acting President of your university endorsing your candidacy for the scholarship.*
- Photocopy of a birth certificate or other government-issued evidence of age (notarized with English translation, if necessary). To be eligible for the 2013 Rhodes Scholarship, a candidate must have been born between October 2, 1988, and October 1, 1994.
- A digital or scanned head and shoulders photograph.
- the required 900 word personal statement and
- the curriculum vitae
to Brent Deere, Research Awards Administrator (brent_deere@umanitoba.ca) for our internal deadline of September 28, 2012.
Internal Process and Deadlines
| May - September 28 | Interested students who meet the Rhodes criteria can schedule an appointment to meet with Brent Deere, Research Awards Administrator (brent_deere@umanitoba.ca). |
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June - July |
A list of potential candidates from Deans & Directors is received. A separate list of potential candidates from Financial Aid and Awards is also received. |
| July - August | The University of Manitoba Rhodes Scholarship Advisory Committee meets to review the list of potential Rhodes candidates. Each student is contacted personally by one of the Advisory Committee members, inviting them to attend an informational session. |
| September | An invitation-only information session for students is held to provide an opportunity for the students to gain valuable information and inspiration about the application process and the Rhodes experience from Committee members and U of M Rhodes Scholars. |
| September 28, 2012 | The internal deadline to receive application packages from students (to be submitted to Brent Deere, Research Awards Administrator (brent_deere@umanitoba.ca) for review and for coordination of the President’s letter and authorization code. Students are to submit:
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October 12, 2012 |
The deadline for submission of applications to the Rhodes Regional Selection Committee. These are to be filed through the Rhodes Scholarship online application system: https://apply.embark.com/scholarship/RhodesTrust/17/ |
| Early November
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Short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview with the relevant regional selection committee. These committees include former Rhodes Scholars and other Oxford alumni. |
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November |
The University of Manitoba Rhodes Scholarship Advisory Committee assists students with interview preparation through practice interviews for short-listed candidates. |
| November | Rhodes interviews take place. |
| December | Successful Rhodes Scholars are officially notified. |