Rhodes University Application Procedure 2026

By | April 3, 2024
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Rhodes University Application Procedure

Please read this section carefully. An inaccurate or incomplete application form will hold up the processing of your application. Please note that if you provide any false information your application will be rejected immediately.

PAGE 1

POPULATION GROUP e.g. Indian, Coloured, White

We ask this question because some donors have stipulated that their bursaries may only be awarded to a particular race. The Government also requires this information for statistical purposes.

PLEASE INDICATE ANY PHYSICAL DISABILITY

Examples of a disability would be blindness, cerebral palsy, deafness, paraplegia, partial hearing, wheelchair use. We need this information in order for us to assist you with your needs; it will not jeopardise your application. However, if you do not disclose a disability in your application, you will not be able to claim any concessions in this regard during your registration at Rhodes University (e.g. extra time in examinations, etc.)

PAGE 2

CHOICES OF DEGREE/DIPLOMA

The degrees which may be taken at Rhodes are listed under the Curriculum Selection section.

ENROLMENT AT A PREVIOUS TERTIARY INSTITUTION

If you have previously been or are currently registered at another institution a copy of a full academic transcript giving your final results is required. Midyear results may be considered but the Dean may defer his decision until your final results are available. Please submit a transcript from the institution − not a Result Slip.

PAGE 3

ADDRESS DETAILS

Please complete in detail. We cannot respond to your application if this information is incomplete.

DETAILS OF PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR FEES

Please ensure that this information is supplied. Do not list a Bursary or Government sponsor. This must be the person who will take care of ensuring that your fees are paid. They are also the person who will liaise with bursary or Government Department to ensure that your fees are paid.

PAGE 4

EXAMINATION RESULTS

If you have already matriculated or completed your O levels / A levels it is essential that you enclose a certified copy of the certificate.

PLEASE ONLY COMPLETE THE SECTION RELEVANT TO YOUR SCHOOLING (only if you are currently at school).

Please do not use Tippex on your results or alter them in any way. Make sure that the Principal of your school completes this section. Also remember that if you do not have the required points for admission, a positive report from the Principal will assist the University in assessing your potential. If you have left school this section need not be completed.

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PAGE 5

DO YOU REQUIRE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY? (YES/NO) Answer ‘Yes’ only if you are not able to obtain funding elsewhere (e.g. a student loan at a bank).

PAGE 5

CURRENT YEAR’S ACTIVITY

Choose one of: Grade 12 pupil at school (i.e. upgrading your results), university student, technikon student, technical college student, technical institute student, teachers’ training college or labour force (i.e. working). If you have been working or travelling, a letter detailing your activities would be of great assistance.

PAGES 6 AND 7 

Complete Section Two of the form fully, giving as much detail as possible. The Deans will read this sectionwhen assessing your application. It is particularly important if you do not have the required number ofpoints for admission.

PAGE 8

DECLARATION AND AGREEMENT

Make sure that both you this page of the form − if this is not done the form will be returned to you.

 

CHECKLIST

Do not forget to include the relevant application fee.

• If you intend to apply for exemptions on the ground of courses completed at a university outside South Africa, the syllabi and course content, certified by that university, must be submitted with your application. If the syllabi are not in English, it is your responsibility to provide a sworn translation.

• If you have completed courses at another South African university, you may apply for credit for such courses when submitting your application form. (Enclose a letter giving full details of credits you would like considered.) Credits will only be granted on receipt of an official transcript of results provided by the other university.

Closing dates and application fees

All applications should be submitted before the end of September

Application Fee is R100

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Related Resources

📋 Online Applications Guide Comprehensive guides for online applications in South Africa

 

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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.

 

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