The SJLP Rhodes Scholarship 2027 in UK is a fully funded opportunity for outstanding students from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree at the University of Oxford. Two scholarships are available each year, with one reserved exclusively for Syrian candidates. The award covers University and college fees, the application fee, a living stipend, and return airfare.
Organised by the Rhodes Trust in partnership with the Saïd Foundation, the SJLP Scholarships were announced in 2016 and the first Scholars arrived in October 2017. The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international postgraduate award programme in the world, established by the legacy of Cecil Rhodes. It supports full-time postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
SJLP Rhodes Scholarship Benefits
- All University and college fees are covered.
- The University application fee is covered.
- A living stipend of £16,218 per year is provided.
- One economy class airfare to Oxford at the start of the scholarship is included.
- One economy flight back to the student’s home country at the conclusion of the scholarship is included.
- The scholarship tenure is two years, subject to satisfactory academic performance and personal conduct.
- Subject to an application process, the scholarship may be extended for a third year for those taking a recognised route to the DPhil (PhD).
SJLP Rhodes Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, or Palestine.
- Two Rhodes Scholarships are available each year; one is open only to Syrian candidates.
- On 1 October 2026, you must be at least 18 and not have reached your 24th birthday (born after 1 October 2002 and on or before 1 October 2008), OR for older candidates who completed their first degree later than usual, you must not have reached your 27th birthday (born after 1 October 1999) and meet or will meet first degree completion requirements on or after 1 October 2025.
- You must have completed, or will complete by June/July 2027, an undergraduate degree with a First Class or minimum GPA of 3.70 out of 4.0 or equivalent.
- You must meet the University of Oxford’s English language proficiency requirements at the Higher Level listed.
- Successful candidates typically feature within the top few ranks of their graduating classes.
Documents Required
- Birth certificate
- A copy of a valid passport
- Official transcripts from the college or university
- Evidence of English language
- A full curriculum vitae
- A head-and-shoulders color photograph
- Personal statement of no more than 1000 words.
How to Apply for SJLP Rhodes Scholarship?
- Read the Information for Candidates and Conditions of Tenure carefully before applying.
- Prepare required documents: birth certificate, valid passport copy, official transcripts, evidence of English language, full CV, head-and-shoulders colour photograph, and a personal statement of no more than 1000 words.
- Share the Guidance for Referees with your referees.
- Register for an information session if needed.
- Submit your application online before 23:59 GMT 27 August 2026.
- Contact the National Secretary at [email protected] if extraordinary circumstances affect your ability to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the SJLP Rhodes Scholarship 2027 in UK. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for this fully funded opportunity at Oxford.
What is the SJLP Rhodes Scholarship?
The SJLP Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award for Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese, and Palestinian students to study at the University of Oxford. It was announced in 2016, with the first Scholars arriving in October 2017. Each year, two scholarships are available, and one is reserved exclusively for Syrian candidates. The scholarship supports full-time Master’s and PhD study.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, or Palestine. You must meet age requirements on 1 October 2026: be at least 18 and under 24, or under 27 if your first degree was completed later. You must also hold or expect a first-class undergraduate degree or a minimum GPA of 3.70 out of 4.0 by June/July 2027.
What are the financial benefits?
The SJLP Rhodes Scholarship is fully funded. It covers all University and college fees, the University application fee, and a living stipend of £16,218 per year. It also provides one economy class airfare to Oxford at the start of the scholarship and one economy flight back to the student’s home country at the conclusion.
What degree levels can I study?
Successful scholars can pursue a Master’s degree or PhD degree program at the University of Oxford. The scholarship tenure is two years, subject to satisfactory academic performance and personal conduct, and may be extended for a third year for those taking a recognized route to the DPhil.
When is the application deadline?
The application opens on 1 June 2026 and closes at 23:59 GMT on 27 August 2026. You should prepare and submit your online application before this closing date. The application form is available only during the open period, so applicants are encouraged to work ahead of the deadline.
What documents are required?
Required documents include a birth certificate, a copy of a valid passport, official transcripts from your college or university, evidence of English language proficiency, a full curriculum vitae, a head-and-shoulders colour photograph, and a personal statement of no more than 1000 words. You should share the Guidance for Referees with your referees.
How many scholarships are available?
Two Rhodes Scholarships are available each year for Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese, and Palestinian candidates. One of the two scholarships is available only to Syrian candidates. The scholarships were announced in 2016, and selection is overseen by the National Secretary for the SJLP constituency. Successful candidates typically feature within the top few ranks of their graduating classes.
How do I apply?
To apply, first read the Information for Candidates and Conditions of Tenure carefully. Then prepare your required documents and submit the online application form. You can also register for an information session. If extraordinary circumstances affect your ability to apply, contact the National Secretary at [email protected]. Do not miss the closing date.
What English language requirements must I meet?
You must have a sufficiently high standard of English to meet the English language proficiency requirements at the Higher Level listed by the University of Oxford. You should check the specific English language requirements for your chosen course, as some Oxford courses may demand an even higher level than the standard scholarship requirement.
Can the scholarship be extended beyond two years?
The tenure of the scholarship is two years, subject always to satisfactory academic performance and personal conduct. Subject to an application process, the scholarship may be extended for a third year for those who take a recognized route to the DPhil (PhD). This extension is not automatic and must be approved.
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