University of Otago student and Otago Daily Times columnist Jean Balchin (23) is one of only three New Zealanders to be awarded the scholarship this year.
The prestigious scholarship provides funding for two years of tuition, accommodation, a maintenance stipend, and flights to and from Britain.
''It hasn't really set in for me yet,'' Ms Balchin said.
''This means everything to me. I've wanted to go to Oxford since I was a little girl, so I've been working towards this for a very long time.''
Ms Balchin said she planned to study a PhD in English literature.
''Oxford has the best English department in the world and incredible resources and lecturers.
''I'm really excited to be part of such an incredible academic tradition. I can't wait to get started.''
Other notable Rhodes Scholars include former United States president Bill Clinton and Australian prime ministers Bob Hawke, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull.
Ms Balchin said she eventually hoped to return to Dunedin and lecture at the University of Otago.
''I'd also like to carry on writing, doing journalism and opinion writing, radio work, and maybe go into some historical novel writing.
''There's so much I want to do.''
