Degree-seeking students FAQs
Please note that the information below is given in addition to the information found on the General Information page.
Comprehensive information can be found on the Rhodes University website: Click here.
Please click on the relevant FAQs:
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Academic FAQs
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Application FAQs
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Visa/Study Permit FAQs
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Medical Cover FAQs
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Fees/Financial Aid FAQs
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Registration FAQs
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Accommodation FAQs
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Transport FAQs
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Orientation FAQs
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Grahamstown FAQs
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Other FAQs
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Academic FAQs
FAQ: I would like information about the courses on offer at Rhodes University.
- Please request a prospectus from the Registrar (registrar@ru.ac.za).
- Alternatively, browse through the Student Handbook or take a look at the Degrees and Diplomas offered by Rhodes.
FAQ: I am not a first-language English speaker. Can I study at Rhodes University?
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The language of instruction at Rhodes University is English.
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If English is not your first language, you are required to pass the International English Language System (IELTS) test to prove academic competency in English. You need to achieve an overall band score of 7.0 (with no individual element of a test scoring below 6.0).
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You need to complete this test independently and provide proof of your test results when you apply. Please see: For International Students.
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You can find more information about the test and where you can complete the test here: www.ielts.org
FAQ: I have previous qualifications that are in a different language to English. Will Rhodes recognise these qualifications?
- You will need to get your results translated and certified. Once this is done, submit them to the Student Bureau when you apply, along with your application form and other supporting documents.
Application FAQs
FAQ: When is the Rhodes academic year?
- The Rhodes academic year runs from February to December.
- Semester 1: February to June
- Semester 2: July to December
FAQ: Can I start studying if July?
- No (if you are a degree-seeking student). Rhodes only allows students to start their degrees in February, since most courses are not semesterised.
FAQ: How do I apply to Rhodes University?
If you are an undergraduate:
- As a degree-seeking student, you follow the same procedures as South African students.
- Information about courses and application forms can be found here.
- Please follow the instructions on that page.
If you are a postgraduate:
- As a degree-seeking student, you follow the same procedures as South African students.
- Information about courses and application forms can be found here.
- Please follow the instructions on that page.
FAQ: What is the closing date for applications?
If you are an undergraduate: 30 September
- Please note that International applications are only considered from the end of September and you will only receive notification of your acceptance in October.
If you are a postgraduate: You can apply anytime.
- Note that if your degree has a coursework component, you may only be allowed to begin your degree in February. For degrees by thesis, depending on the department, you may be allowed to start your degree at any time.
Visa/Study Permit FAQs
FAQ: Can I apply for a visa/study permit through Rhodes University or the International Office?
- No, you need to apply for a visa/study permit in your home country, prior to coming to South Africa, and you need to do this independently. You need to ensure that it is valid for the entire period of study.
- You will not be able to register at Rhodes University if your visa/study permit is not valid for the entire academic year (February to December).
Please see more information regarding Visa/Study Permits here.
Medical Cover FAQs
FAQ: Do I need medical aid/health insurance?
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This is a legal requirement, stipulated under Immigration Act 10 (2004), which requires that students must provide proof of medical cover with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act 131 (1998).
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Please note that all international students must have their South African medical aid cover for the year facilitated via ABSA Health Care Consultants in order to be acceptable for Rhodes University registration purposes.
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You can contact the ABSA Health Care Consultants:
Email: international.students@absa.co.za
Telephone: 0860 100 380 (while in South Africa: 08h00 - 16h30)
For more Medical Cover queries, please see the full list of Medical Aid FAQs.
Fees/Financial Aid FAQs
FAQ: When must I pay my fees by?
- International students need to pay all their fees by 15 January. If you are on a bursary, this bursary needs to have paid Rhodes by 15 January.
- Get more fee information on Undergraduate fees here.
- Note: if you don't pay by this date, you will lose your residence allocation.
FAQ: What fees do I need to pay?
- You need to pay tuition, accommodation (if you will be staying in residence) and the international surcharge to Rhodes. Health insurance/medical aid is NOT included in the Rhodes fees.
- Note that you will accumulate miscellaneous costs, such as printing costs, course handouts, and so on, during your stay here. You are liable for these as well.
FAQ: Does Rhodes University or the International Office offer financial aid to international students?
- No. Please note that when you come to Rhodes University, you undertake that you have sufficient funds to pay for your Rhodes fees, your medical aid, your travel costs, your books and study costs, as well as all personal living costs.
Registration FAQs
FAQ: When can I register at Rhodes University?
If you are an undergraduate:
- First year students register on a date to be advised (normally at the beginning of February).
- Returning students can register from the second week of January. Please go to the Student Bureau in Eden Grove.
- You will require a valid passport, a valid visa/study permit, proof of medical aid, and you will need to have settled your fees account.
If you are a postgraduate:
You can register from the second week of January. Please go to the Student Bureau in Eden Grove.
You will require a valid passport, a valid visa/study permit, proof of medical aid, and you will need to have settled your fees account.
FAQ: Can I register late?
- If you plan to arrive late (after the academic year has commenced), you need to request permission from the Registrar (registrar@ru.ac.za). Please note that you may incur a penalty fee.
Accommodation FAQs
FAQ: Is there campus accommodation for international students?
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International students can apply for accommodation in residence. They need to apply for this when applying to study at Rhodes.
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If you are a returning student, ensure that you have applied for a place in residence for the following year before you leave at the end of the year.
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For more information on campus accommodation, please see: Rhodes Halls of Residence.
FAQ: Can I stay off-campus?
- Students who want to stay off-campus are responsible for finding their own accommodation in town. We strongly recommend that you arrange this prior to your arrival in Grahamstown. Rhodes cannot help students find accommodation should they choose not to stay in residence.
- Note that the University refers to off-campus students as "oppidans."
Suggested listings for private accommodation:
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Browse CURRENTLY AVAILABLE digs in Grahamstown on mydigs.co.za.
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Homenet Grahamstown PO Box 812 Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0)46 636 2253 Fax: +27 (0)46 636 2861 Website: http://www.harcourts.co.za/
FAQ: Can I stay in Rhodes accommodation over the vacations?
- Residence accommodation is available over the April and October vacations at an extra cost. Please consult the fees information.
- There is no accommodation available during July or December to January for undergraduates.
- Please note that you may not necessarily be allowed to stay in your own residence over vacations.
FAQ: When can I move into Rhodes accommodation?
- You may only enter residence the day before term starts, if you haven't paid for vacation accommodation. Please don't arrive early in Grahamstown - you will not be allowed into your residence.
Transport FAQs
FAQ: How do I get to Grahamstown?
- You need to arrange your own bus transport to Grahamstown or airplane transport to Port Elizabeth.
- Most buses stop in Grahamstown - please see the bus timetables.
- If you are arriving by airplane in Port Elizabeth, Rhodes University offers transport from Port Elizabeth to Grahamstown on certain dates at the beginning and end of each term. You need to book with the Transport office in advance and you will incur a cost.
- Please contact the Transport Office to book the transport: student.transport@ru.ac.za or via ROSS (if you are a returning student).
- Please see Getting to Rhodes.
Orientation FAQs
FAQ: Is there orientation for new students?
- Rhodes University offers orientation to all new undergraduates and postgraduates in February, the week before term starts.
FAQ: Is orientation compulsory?
- It is compulsory for first year students, and recommended for all new students.
Grahamstown FAQs
FAQ: How do I find my way around Grahamstown?
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You can obtain maps from the International Office or from the Makana Tourism Office (Information Centre) on High Street near the Cathedral.
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Take a tour of Grahamstown (please see Grahamstown Information).
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Look at the interactive Grahamstown map.
FAQ: How do I get information on Grahamstown?
- Please see Grahamstown Information.
Other FAQs
FAQ: How do I open a bank account?
- You need to do this in person at the bank in question. We have several banks in Grahamstown: you can choose which you prefer.
- Note that while a bank account is not necessary (you may simply use a credit card to pay for everything), it may be useful and helpful in keeping costs down.
- You will need: proof of residence (a letter from the Student Bureau or a copy of your lease); proof of registration; copies of your passport and your visa/study permit.
FAQ: What else do I need to know?
- Please see the Life at Rhodes page.
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