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 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 along with detailed guidelineswww.nzvcc.ac.nz

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 mid- August 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: Lincoln Students: – application form/guidelines