Apply to Rhodes University

By | March 28, 2020
apply to Rhodes

You’ll find a breakdown of how to apply to Rhodes University below.  We’ve got instructions on the online application process AND the hardcopy application.  Tertiary education is just a few steps away!  Ready?  Cool, let’s make it happen.

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Rhodes Application Breakdown

Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible in the application cycle.  Applications close at the end of September for all applicants.  Late applications may be accepted.

Before you begin applying online or in hardcopy, have a look at our infographic on Things to Remember Before Applying.

Have you calculated your APS? You’ll need to do this before applying. Find out how using this breakdown.

Apply to Rhodes using the online application

Things to note before applying online to Rhodes:

  1. You’ll need an email address to complete the application. Don’t have one? Get an email address first.
  2. South African applicants will need an ID number.  Foreign applicants will need their passport number.
  3. There are different online application portals for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
  4. You will need to first register as a user before you can apply online.

How to Apply Online

The Rhodes online application portal requires applicants to register with a username and password.  

  • Rhodes Undergraduate Online Application
  • Rhodes Postgraduate Online Application

Apply to Rhodes using the hardcopy application

Things to note before applying with a hardcopy form:

  1. There are separate application forms for undergraduate, honours, masters and doctoral applicants.
  2. If you are a postgraduate applicant, be sure to take note of the different application forms for existing Rhodes students and students applying to Rhodes for the first time.
  3. You will need to make a direct deposit of the application fee and attach a copy of the deposit slip.  No cash should be included with the application form.
  4. Make sure that you attach all relevant documents to your application form.

You may send your completed application form to the following address:

STUDENT BUREAU
RHODES UNIVERSITY
PO BOX 94
GRAHAMSTOWN
6140

  • Download Rhodes Undergraduate Application Form
  • Download Rhodes Honours Application Form
  • Download Rhodes Masters Application Form
  • Download Rhodes Doctoral Application Form

Don’t forget to write the NBT Test

This institution requires you to write a National Benchmark test (NBT) as part of your application. Find out more information about the NBT tests here. Get on it now!

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Apply to Rhodes Residence

You will be able to indicate whether you would like student accommodation on your application form.  Please note that applying for student housing is part of your application process – you will need to indicate whether you need accommodation on your application form.  RHODES RESIDENCES

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Find funding to study at Rhodes

Visit our library of funding opportunities.  Feel free to browse through and apply to opportunities that suit you.  Finding funding can really be that easy.FIND FUNDING

Application Fees for Rhodes

Undergraduate and honours applicants need to pay an application fee of R100.  For applicants applying online, this fee is payable after you have submitted your application form.  Applicants using a hardcopy application form, to apply, will need to pay the R100 application fee and attach the deposit slip to your application form.

Masters and PhD applicants are not required to pay an application fee.

Submitting of Results and Documents

When it comes to submitting your documents, make sure that they are all certified copies of the original.  You will also need to attach your latest academic results.  If you are not currently in matric, Rhodes advises that you send through documentation of your current year’s activity.  This can be a letter detailing your activities.

Are you a transferring student?  If yes, you will need to make sure all your transcripts and academic records to date are submitted to the applications department as soon as possible.  A final transcript of your current studies will also need to reach Rhodes at the earliest possible date.  This is pretty standard stuff.

Contact Rhodes University:

For more information on how to apply to Rhodes, you can visit their website.

Alternatively, you can contact the Rhodes Admissions Department using the following details:

Email: S.Flanagan@ru.ac.za
Tel: (046) 603 8889

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Visit the official Rhodes institution page

Find more information on life at Rhodes University to help make your decision on whether to apply to Rhodes. You can also browse similar institutions in South Africa and abroad.

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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.

See also  2026 University of Cape Town Undergraduate Application Form

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.


📌 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.