Rhodes University Fees

The detailed tuition fee structure for 2025 will be available in early December 2024. It’s advisable for students to keep an eye on the university’s official channels for updates to plan their finances accordingly.

Acceptance Fees

Upon acceptance into the university, students must pay the following fees:

  • Tuition Acceptance Fee: R800 (non-refundable)
  • Residence Acceptance Fee: R1,000 (non-refundable)

These deposits must be paid by the date specified in the acceptance letter. Failure to register or secure residence will result in the forfeiture of these fees.

Initial Fee Payment

Students are required to make an Initial Fee Payment as follows:

  • For Tuition Only: R6,500
  • For Tuition and Residence: R28,022 (R6,500 tuition + R21,522 residence)

Payment Structure

The fee payment schedule for 2025 is structured as follows:

  • By 19 January (Returning students) / 26 January (First-time students): Initial Fee Payment due
  • By 31 March: 25% of fees due
  • By 31 May: Additional 25% of fees due
  • By 30 September: Final 25% of fees due
  • By 30 November: All outstanding balances must be paid

Discounts and Payment Options

  1. Discounts: Students can receive a 5% discount if full fees are paid before the January deadlines.
  2. Debit Order Facility: Students can opt for a monthly payment plan through debit order for 11 months, from February to December, which requires prior registration.

Special Provisions for NSFAS Students

NSFAS-funded students are not required to pay an Initial Fee. Their registration clearance is managed through a funding list provided by NSFAS, covering tuition, accommodation, and books. However, any additional costs will be the student’s responsibility.

International Students

International students must pay 50% of tuition and residence fees by the respective deadlines. They also incur an International Student Levy, which varies based on their country of origin.

Important Banking Details

For payments, students should use the following banking information:

  • Account Name: Rhodes University Student Fees
  • Bank: First National Bank
  • Account Number: 6214 5504 553
  • Branch Code: 210717

When making payments, always include the student number as the reference.


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.