How to Apply to Rhodes University

You apply to Rhodes University online through ROSS, the university's student portal, or on a paper form. The application fee is R100, and Rhodes asks you to apply before the end of September. Here is how the process works, based on Rhodes's application pages.

Applying online

1. Go to the ROSS portal and register as a user.
2. Complete the undergraduate application and choose your degree.
3. Submit the form and pay the R100 application fee.
4. Send any documents that Rhodes asks for, and track your application on ROSS.

If you pay the fee at a bank, use your application number as the reference, and email the deposit slip to Rhodes.

Filling in the form carefully

Rhodes warns that an inaccurate or incomplete form holds up your application, and that false information leads to immediate rejection. Give full details of the person responsible for your fees. This must be a person, such as a parent or guardian, not a bursary or government sponsor. Both you and your parent or guardian must sign the form, or Rhodes returns it to you.

If you have already finished school, enclose a certified copy of your certificate. If you are still at school, your principal must complete the school section, and you must not alter your results in any way. If you studied at another institution before, include a copy of your full academic record.

Your personal section matters

The Deans read the personal section of your application when they assess you. It matters most if you do not have the required points. In that case, a positive report from your principal and a detailed personal statement can help your chances.

Credits from other institutions

If you completed courses at another South African university, you can ask for credit when you apply, with a letter giving full details. For courses done outside South Africa, you must send syllabi and course content certified by that university.

Financial assistance

The form asks whether you need financial assistance from the university. Answer yes only if you cannot get funding elsewhere, such as a student loan. You can also mention any disability, so that Rhodes can support your needs, and doing so does not affect your application.

Closing dates

Rhodes asks for all applications before the end of September. Foreign applicants must apply by 30 September, while Rhodes says that it may consider late applications from South Africans.

Getting help

For questions, contact the Registrar's office at registrar@ru.ac.za or call the university on 046 603 8111. Check the Rhodes admission requirements before you choose your degree.