Rhodes University Campuses

Rhodes University, located in Grahamstown, South Africa, is renowned for its vibrant campus life and strong academic reputation. As a small, highly residential university, most undergraduate students spend their first two years living in campus residences, fostering a close-knit community. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various halls and residences at Rhodes University, highlighting their unique features and offerings.

Halls and Residences Overview

Rhodes University boasts several residence halls, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. Whether you prefer a traditional or modern living environment, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at the prominent halls on campus:

Miriam Makeba Hall

Houses: Chris Hani, Piet Retief, Thomas Pringle, and Walker.

Miriam Makeba Hall is located on the first side of the “Hill” and features two women’s houses and one men’s house. This residence combines comfort with a sense of community, ideal for fostering friendships among students.

Mandela Hall

Houses: Stanley Kidd, Adelaide Tambo, Guy Butler, and Helen Joseph.

As the youngest hall on campus, Mandela Hall offers modern facilities set in beautifully landscaped gardens. This hall includes both men’s and women’s houses and is known for its energetic wardening team, making it a lively place for students to thrive.

Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu Hall

Houses: Adamson, Atherstone, Robert Sobukwe, and New House.

This hall features a scenic stream running through its grounds, with ample lawns and trees perfect for informal games and relaxation. Located near the tennis courts, squash courts, and the swimming pool, it offers a picturesque setting for student life.

Lillian Ngoyi Hall

Houses: Centenary, Ruth First, Joe Slovo, and Victoria Mxenge.

Constituted in 2009, Lillian Ngoyi Hall is a newer addition to the campus, embracing the opportunity to develop its own traditions and ethos. This hall emphasizes strength, love, and courage while promoting engagement and responsibility within its community.

Courtenay-Latimer Hall

Houses: Beit, Jameson, and Oriel.

Situated in the heart of the campus, Courtenay-Latimer Hall is home to a dynamic group of young women. Living here promises an experience filled with camaraderie and educational opportunities among like-minded peers.

Kimberley Hall

Houses: Cullen Bowles, De Beers, Rosa Parks, and Goldfields.

Located on the second side of the “Hill,” Kimberley Hall comprises four residences, each providing a unique living experience while contributing to the overall community spirit of the campus.

Allan Webb Hall

Houses: Canterbury, Canterbury Annex, Salisbury, Truro, and Winchester.

The smallest hall on campus, Allan Webb Hall, offers an intimate setting within the historic grounds of St. Peter’s. It is designed for both men and women, providing a close-knit environment for personal growth and academic success.

St Mary Hall

Houses: John Kotze, Lilian Britten, Olive Schreiner, and Phelps.

St Mary Hall features four residences grouped around a central dining hall, all set in lovely gardens. This hall caters to both undergraduate and postgraduate female students, creating a supportive environment for academic achievement.

Hobson Hall

Houses: Dingemans House, Hobson House, Livingstone House, and Milner House.

Hobson Hall combines traditional and modern residence styles, centrally located near the library, sports facilities, and lecture theaters. This prime location makes it convenient for students to engage in campus life fully.

Desmond Tutu Hall

Houses: Amina Cachalia House, Ellen Kuzwayo House, Margaret Smith House, and Cullen Bowles House (only male residence).

Formerly known as Hill Top Hall, Desmond Tutu Hall offers a mix of gender-specific and mixed-gender living options, ensuring a diverse community for all residents.

Drostdy Hall

Houses: Allan Gray, Celeste, Graham, and Prince Alfred.

With the best geographic situation on campus, Drostdy Hall is centrally located, allowing easy access to both campus amenities and the nearby town. This hall accommodates both men’s and women’s houses, fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

Founders Hall

Houses: Botha, College, Cory, and Matthews.

As the oldest hall on campus, Founders Hall maintains many traditional activities while providing a rich history for its male residents. This hall is a great option for students interested in preserving campus traditions.

Hugh Masekela Hall

Houses: Newly constructed residences.

The newest addition to the Rhodes University residences, Hugh Masekela Hall, opened in 2018 and shares the Kimberley Dining Hall with other halls. This modern facility caters to the needs of contemporary students while fostering a strong community spirit.

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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.


📌 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.