Oxford Pro-Vice-Chancellor Nick Rawlins attended the launch of the Rhodes Scholarships for China.
Oxford Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Development and External Relations Nick Rawlins attended the launch of the Rhodes Scholarships for China.

Photo credit: Lee Atherton.

Rhodes Trust launches the Rhodes Scholarships for China

The Rhodes Scholarships for study at Oxford will be open to Chinese students for the first time. 

The Rhodes Trust has launched the Rhodes Scholarships for China, which will allow mainland Chinese citizens to be awarded Rhodes Scholarships to study at Oxford University for the first time.

The expansion into China marks a historic moment for the Rhodes Trust, and expands the world's most prestigious international graduate scholarship program. The first cohort of Chinese Rhodes Scholars will be selected in 2015 to join other 2016 entrants for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.

Funded by donors from mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as the University of Oxford, the Rhodes Scholarship for China will cover all University and College fees, a personal stipend for room and board, as well as health insurance and travel. The total value of the award will be more than £50,000 per annum.

Sir John Hood, Chairman of the Rhodes Trust, said: 'The Rhodes Trust is delighted to be announcing the launch of the Rhodes Scholarships for China. This expansion allows us to further achieve our goal of promoting collaboration among Scholars from across the globe. The Rhodes Scholarships are designed to inspire generations of young leaders, have a profound impact on their lives and, through their leadership, on communities and societies throughout the world.'

Professor Andrew Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: 'For over a century, the Rhodes Trust has played an integral part in the life of the University, and it is hard to imagine one existing without the other. I am absolutely delighted that there will now be Rhodes Scholarships for China, reinforcing the strong link between China and the University of Oxford.'

The Rhodes Scholarships for China further strengthens the links between China and the University of Oxford. The University's relationship with China dates back to the 17th century and continues to flourish today. There are currently 907 Chinese students enrolled at Oxford, making it the second-largest group of international students, after the USA.

Charles Conn, Warden of Rhodes House, said: 'China has an important international role to play in the 21st century, and we wish to reflect that in the global footprint of the Rhodes Scholarships. The new Chinese Rhodes Scholars will contribute significantly through sharing their skills, knowledge and energy to the class cohort and we look forward to welcoming them to Rhodes House.'

The Rhodes Scholarships for China are supported by the Li Ka Shing Foundation and other donors.