Otago University politics student Benjamin Abraham was among three people chosen as Rhodes Scholars-elect for 2014, after a selection meeting chaired by the Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, at Government House on Thursday.
Mr Abraham, who attended Logan Park High School in Dunedin, is studying towards a BA (Hons) in politics.
At Oxford, he intends to pursue development studies and would like to focus his career on international co-operation to enhance sustainable development policy, including the eradication of extreme poverty.
He said he relished the opportunity to attend ''one of the great bastions of critical thought'' and to connect with scholars who were passionate about bettering the world.
He had been involved in a range of service-oriented organisations, such as the P3 Foundation, a New Zealand youth-led development organisation. He had also received numerous scholarships, from both the university and external organisations, including some to attend international conferences on humanitarian and human rights issues.
Acting vice-chancellor Prof Richard Blaikie said the university was ''delighted'' with his success.
''He is the latest in a long line of Otago students to receive this illustrious scholarship,'' Prof Blaikie said.
The selection criteria for Rhodes Scholarships includes academic excellence, leadership qualities and character.
