The Rhodes Scholarship Competition 2014

About the Rhodes

The Rhodes Scholarships (http://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/about/rhodes-countries/rhodes-canada) bring outstanding students from many countries around the world to the Oxford University in England.  The program was initiated in 1903 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 2014 Scholarship, all candidates must:

  1. be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (students who are attending a Canadian university on a visa are not eligible to apply);
  2. be domiciled in Canada;
  3. have been born between October 2, 1989 and October 1, 1995;
  4. 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 18, 2013 includes (as stated in the Rhodes Scholarships Memorandum):

  • A photocopy of an official birth certificate and where needed, an English translation.  In the case of candidates born outside of Canada, evidence of being domiciled in Canada will be required (successful candidates will be required to produce their original certificate at the interview). Note: To be eligible for the 2014 Rhodes Scholarship, a candidate must have been born between October 2, 1989, and October 1, 1995.
  • A written statement from the President or acting President of your university endorsing your candidacy for the scholarship.*
  • An official University transcript, listing all courses and grades, certified by the University's Registrar's Office.
  • A curriculum vitae / factual listing of your principal activities and honours while at university, including scholarships, prizes, awards, offices held, athletic record, and extracurricular interests and activities, with dates.
  • A personal statement of your general interests and activities, your proposed course of study at Oxford and your presnt intentions as to your future career.  This statement should not exceed 900 words in length.
  • References: The names and contact details of six referees who will provide information regarding the applicant's qualifications.  Professional or institutional affiliation, maiing address, email address, and telephone number must be included for all referees.  At leat three of these referees should be persons under whom the applicant has studies at University and at least four should comment upon the applicant's academic preparation and scholarship achievements. NOTE: Once a candidate has registered referee details in their online application, the Rhodes Trust will email referees to advise them how to submit their letters of appraisal online.  Reference letters must be received no later than October 18, 2013.
  • A digital or scanned head and shoulders colour photograph of good quality. 
*Note: To submit your official application through Rhodes' online system, you must also obtain an authorization code from the University of Manitoba. To obtain the requisite authorization code (as well as the written statement / endorsement letter from the President), students should submit:
  1. their curriculum vitae; and
  2. their required 900 word personal statement

to Brent Deere, Research Awards Administrator (brent.deere@umanitoba.ca) for our internal deadline of October 4, 2013.

Internal Process and Deadlines

June - October 4  Interested students who meet the Rhodes criteria can schedule an appointment to meet with Brent Deere, Research Awards Administrator (brent.deere@umanitoba.ca).

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.
October 4 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:
  1. their curriculum vitae; and
  2. their required 900 word personal statement
The Research Awards Administrator reads, comments and assists with all applications.  Students are invited to contact individual committee members for feedback as well.

October 18

 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/18/
Early November

 

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.

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.