2026 Rhodes University Application Process

By | April 5, 2024

2026 Rhodes University Application Process

Please note that the relevant information regarding courses on offer, as well as general information about the institutions, is available from each institution’s website. It is the student’s responsibility to review this information before applying for the exchange programme to ensure that there are suitable courses available.

The application process take time. Please allow yourself at least 2 weeks for getting all the materials needed and for researching the available options.

Applications open from 22 May. The deadline for admission to all 2026 programmes is on 18 August 2026.

PLEASE NOTE: If students have any specific queries about going on exchange, the International Office will only be able to respond to them from the 9th of May 2016 onwards. 

Here is how to apply:

Step 1: Download the Exchange Handbook 2026. Look at all the universities and colleges that may offer courses that you are completing at Rhodes. If you cannot find course information, search for ‘UNIVERSITY NAME + course catalogue’ online. If you still cannot find the relevant course information, please contact the international office via email.

Step 2: Talk with your parents and whoever is funding your studies. Make sure that they are prepared for you to go on exchange. Also, make sure that both you and they are aware of the additional costs involved.

Step 3: Download the Application for Exchange Admission 2026 Fill it out. To do this, you will need to:

  • Talk to the Heads of Department for the subjects you will be taking while abroad. There isa section in the application form where your Heads of Department must sign. In the meeting, you will discuss the various institutions that would be available to you. Please take several institutions’ course syllabi with you to these meetings.
  • Get two academic referees. These referees should be university lecturers who have marked your work.
  • Get an academic transcript from Student Bureau.
  • Get signatures from your funders acknowledging that you plan to go on exchange.
  • Write a CV.
  • Write a personal motivation letter that explains why you want to go on exchange. It should also detail any leadership roles you have taken, and any activities you participate in that would strengthen your application. If you have any particularly poor marks on your academic record, please discuss these in your motivation letter.
See also  2026 University of South Africa Online Application Form

Step 4: Hand the Application Form with supporting documents and letters in to the International Office by 19 August.

Step 5: If your application is successful, you will be called in for an interview.

Step 6: If your interview is successful, you will work closely with the international officer to select courses and apply to a host institution. Please note that academic acceptance by the host institution is not automatic.

Before embarking on an exchange, Rhodes students must have obtained approval from the appropriate Head of Department and the Dean of the Faculty at Rhodes for the inclusion of the proposed transfer credit from the host institution in their Rhodes University degree structure. The onus is on you, the student, to ensure that the HOD has approved the courses. This approval must be facilitated through the International Office. Rhodes students are required to spend one semester at the host institution.

What happens to my marks?

The courses you take while on exchange should count towards your degree at Rhodes. This is why it is important to consult with your Heads of Department at Rhodes to see if they are happy with you attaining part of your degree through another university.

Courses successfully passed while abroad will simply be represented as either ‘P’ (Pass) or ‘F’ (Fail) on the system. You will, however, be awarded a converted grade that will count towards your end of year mark for the course (along with the marks you attained at for that course during your semester at Rhodes).

For more information on how your grades will be converted, please consult the Standardised Grade Conversion Tables

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

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📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.