Rhodes University in Makhanda offers honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees and PhDs. Master's and PhD applications are routed through departments, so the first step is a conversation with the department you want to study in. Here is how postgraduate study at Rhodes works, based on its official pages.
Master's by research and PhD
Rhodes encourages applicants to start by contacting the relevant academic department to discuss their research interests and whether it can offer supervision. Applications need a form completed by the prospective supervisor and one completed by the candidate, before the Dean considers them. Applicants whose primary language is not English must show a certain level of English proficiency before they register, and foreign qualifications need a SAQA evaluation. You also submit a certified copy of a full academic transcript with percentage marks for all previous qualifications.
Closing dates
Full-time candidates must have completed the application process and be registered by 15 February. The closing date for other master's and PhD applications for the current year is 1 May. Candidates who apply after 1 May may start their studies, but their first academic year of registration will be the following year. Some programmes have their own dates. For example, the professional master's in Clinical Psychology closed on 12 June 2026 for 2027.
Fees in 2026
- Full-time honours: R47,982 for the first year in most fields, and R58,568 in the sciences
- Master's degrees: R31,930 a year in most faculties
- PhD: R31,930 a year in faculties other than Education
Registration and tuition fees must be paid even in a year when a candidate makes no call on their supervisor's time. The minimum period for a PhD is three years after an honours degree.
The Rhodes University Postgraduate Scholarship
For 2027, applications opened on 1 June 2026 and closed on 15 August 2026. The scholarship is open to honours, master's and PhD candidates in all fields who have an average of 65%. You apply online through ROSS. It funds honours for one year, master's for up to two years, and a PhD for up to three years, depending on progress.
Other funding
- Education PDC Bursary Fund 2027 to 2029: R30,000 a year for master's or PhD study in Education, renewable for up to three years, closing on 15 January 2027
- Ruth First Scholarship: for doctoral or master's study at Rhodes in 2027
- DSTI-NRF funding: Rhodes listed 23 November 2026 for NRF Honours (General) applications
Accommodation
Rhodes has postgraduate residences, such as the Gavin Relly Postgraduate Village. Contact the university early, because postgraduate rooms are limited.
Related pages
See Rhodes fees, Rhodes bursaries and Rhodes residences.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Rhodes master's and PhD applications close?
On 1 May for the current year. Full-time candidates must be registered by 15 February.
How much is a Rhodes master's degree?
R31,930 a year in most faculties in 2026.
Who can apply for the Rhodes Postgraduate Scholarship?
Honours, master's and PhD candidates with an average of 65%.