Rhodes University Fees for 2028 Application: Tuition Fee

Rhodes University Fees for 2028 Application: Tuition, Residence, Application Fee and Other Costs

If you are planning to apply to Rhodes University for the 2028 academic year, understanding the expected cost of studying is an important part of preparing your application. Besides tuition, prospective students may need to budget for the application fee, acceptance fees, residence accommodation, meals, books and stationery, and other university-related expenses. Continue to read more about Rhodes University Fees.

The important point for 2028 applicants is that Rhodes University has not yet published its final 2028 fee schedule. Rhodes University says that its fees are set by University Council during October or November each year, with the exact fees subsequently published in the annual fees booklet.

Therefore, this guide explains the Rhodes University fees for 2028 application using the latest official information available and historical fee information to help prospective students plan financially. The 2028 amounts should be treated as estimates until Rhodes University officially releases its 2028 fees booklet.

Rhodes University Fees for 2028: What Applicants Should Know

Rhodes University is located in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), Eastern Cape, South Africa, and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across several academic fields.

For students applying for 2028 entry, the total cost of attendance can include:

• Application fee
• Tuition fees
• Residence fees
• Residence acceptance fee
• Tuition acceptance fee
• Initial fee payment
• Books and stationery
• Additional course-related charges
• Travel and personal expenses
• Other university charges where applicable

These costs are not necessarily paid all at once. Some are payable at different stages of the application, admission and registration process.

Rhodes University maintains a dedicated Student Fees and Financial Aid section where applicants and students can find the latest fees booklet and information about payments and financial assistance. The university’s current page lists the 2026 Fees Booklet as the latest published annual schedule.

Is the Rhodes University 2028 Fee Structure Available?

Not yet.

At the time of writing, the official Rhodes University website has published its 2026 fee information, but the 2028 fee schedule has not yet been released.

This is important because applicants should not mistake a current or previous year’s fees for confirmed 2028 prices.

Rhodes University explains that fees are determined by Council during October or November each year, after which the exact fees are published in the fees booklet.

This means prospective 2028 students should use current figures for financial planning only and check the official 2028 fees booklet once it becomes available.

Rhodes University Application Fee 2028

The Rhodes University online undergraduate application system currently states that there is a R100 application fee payable after submitting the application. The university’s 2026 fee booklet also lists the application fee for South African and international applicants as R100 when applying by the normal deadline.

Expected Rhodes University Application Fee for 2028

The R100 figure should therefore not be presented as a confirmed 2028 amount until Rhodes University publishes the 2028 fee schedule.

Applicants should also note that the application fee is separate from tuition and acceptance fees.

Is the Rhodes University Application Fee Refundable?

The application fee is described by Rhodes University as non-refundable. Its current admissions information states that initial applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee.

Applicants should therefore ensure that the information entered in the application is accurate before submitting and paying the application fee.

Rhodes University Tuition Fees for 2028

Tuition is likely to represent the largest component of the cost of studying at Rhodes University.

However, there is no single tuition fee for every Rhodes University programme. The amount varies according to the degree or programme.

For perspective, the official 2026 Rhodes University Fees Booklet lists the following annual tuition amounts for selected full-time bachelor’s degrees:

The 2026 figures are provided here as a planning reference rather than 2028 prices.

The final 2028 tuition cost will depend on the fee schedule approved by Rhodes University for that academic year.

How Much Will Rhodes University Cost in 2028?

Because the university has not yet published the 2028 fees, it would be misleading to state a fixed 2028 tuition amount.

A better way to plan is to look at the most recent official fees and understand that the final amount can vary by programme.

For example, the 2026 fees show that a student enrolled for a BA would have a different tuition charge from a student studying BCom, BSc, BPharm or BMus.

Students should therefore search for the fee applicable to their specific degree, rather than relying on an average Rhodes University tuition fee.

Rhodes University Residence Fees for 2028

Accommodation is another major cost for students who plan to live in university residence.

Rhodes University residence fees vary according to accommodation and residence arrangements.

The university’s latest general information page currently gives historical 2025 undergraduate residence fees of approximately R87,844 to R92,225, with the amount depending on the grade of accommodation. The university notes that undergraduate residence fees include meals but exclude vacation periods.

These figures are not the 2028 residence fees.

They are useful only as historical context when estimating the potential cost of accommodation.

Students applying for 2028 should wait for the official 2028 residence fee schedule before making a final financial plan.

Rhodes University Residence Acceptance Fee

In addition to residence fees, students who are offered residence accommodation may need to pay a residence acceptance deposit.

The 2026 official fee booklet lists the residence acceptance fee at R1,000, described as non-refundable.

The university’s admissions information also explains that a residence deposit is required before a student is allocated to residence.

For 2028 applicants

The amount should be regarded as subject to confirmation because Rhodes University can change fees and deposits from one academic year to another.

Rhodes University Tuition Acceptance Fee

Students who receive an academic offer may also need to pay a tuition acceptance fee.

The 2026 Rhodes University fees booklet lists a R800 tuition acceptance fee, which is non-refundable.

Rhodes University explains that the tuition acceptance deposit is payable when an academic place is accepted and that the amount is credited to the student’s account when applicable under the university’s fee arrangements. The university also states that failure to register can result in forfeiture of a non-refundable deposit.

The 2028 tuition acceptance fee should be confirmed in the official 2028 fees booklet.

Rhodes University Initial Fee Payment

An important cost that applicants should understand is the Initial Fee Payment (IFP).

According to the university’s Student Fees FAQ, the initial payment for South African students has been calculated as:

• 10% of tuition fees
• 25% of residence fees

For foreign students, the university’s FAQ states that the initial payment is 50% of tuition and residence fees.

However, these percentages and payment deadlines should be checked against the applicable 2028 fees documentation because the university may revise its financial arrangements.

This is particularly important for international applicants who need to budget for a potentially larger upfront payment.

Rhodes University Fees for International Students

International students should carefully review the financial requirements before applying.

Rhodes University provides separate information for international students, including international payment arrangements. The university currently uses Flywire for international payments.

The university’s Student Fees FAQ also states that foreign students are required to settle their fee account in full by a specified annual deadline, with the current FAQ giving 31 May as the deadline.

Because these arrangements can change, international applicants should check the official 2028 instructions before transferring funds.

International students should budget for:

• Application fee
• Tuition
• Residence, if applicable
• Residence-related deposits
• Initial fee payment
• Books and stationery
• Travel
• Immigration-related expenses
• Health insurance or other applicable requirements
• Personal living expenses

Books and Stationery Costs at Rhodes University

Tuition does not necessarily cover all expenses associated with studying.

Rhodes University’s general fee information has previously advised students to allow approximately R5,500 for books and stationery. It also notes that fees do not include travel expenses or pocket money.

The actual amount required can vary considerably depending on:

• Degree
• Courses selected
• Required textbooks
• Software
• Laboratory requirements
• Stationery
• Equipment
• Whether textbooks are purchased new or second-hand

For 2028, students should therefore create a separate budget for study materials rather than assuming that tuition covers these expenses.

What Does Rhodes University Tuition Cover?

Tuition generally relates to the academic programme for which the student is registered, but applicants should not assume that every possible student expense is included.

Some programmes may have additional charges.

For example, the 2026 fee booklet shows that certain costs have been incorporated into specific programme fees. The BPharm fee, for instance, includes specified professional and programme-related costs such as professional indemnity insurance and certain registration-related charges. Journalism tuition also includes specified equipment levies for certain years.

This demonstrates why applicants should examine the fee schedule for their particular qualification.

Does Rhodes University Offer Financial Aid?

Yes. Rhodes University has financial aid arrangements for eligible students.

The university maintains dedicated undergraduate and postgraduate financial aid offices. Its current Student Fees and Financial Aid page provides contact details for financial aid enquiries and directs students to relevant information.

Students who need financial support should investigate:

• Rhodes University financial aid
• Bursaries
• Scholarships
• NSFAS where applicable
• External funding opportunities
• Other sponsorship arrangements

Applicants should check the eligibility requirements and deadlines for each funding opportunity rather than assuming that admission automatically qualifies them for financial assistance.

Does Completing the Financial Aid Section Guarantee Funding?

No.

The Rhodes University application system specifically states that completing the financial assistance section does not guarantee an award of financial aid.

Students should therefore have a financial plan even if they intend to apply for financial assistance.

How to Budget for Rhodes University in 2028

A realistic Rhodes University budget should contain more than tuition.

1. Application costs

Budget for the application fee applicable to the 2028 cycle.

2. Tuition

Check the annual tuition amount for your specific programme.

3. Accommodation

If you plan to live in university residence, check the residence fee applicable to your accommodation category.

4. Food

Confirm what is included in residence fees and budget separately for meals or other food expenses where necessary.

5. Books and stationery

Set aside money for textbooks, stationery and programme-specific materials.

6. Transport

Students travelling to Makhanda should budget for transportation to and from university.

7. Personal expenses

Include toiletries, clothing, communication, entertainment and other personal needs.

8. Emergency expenses

Having an emergency fund can help students manage unexpected costs.

Rhodes University 2028 Fees: Important Dates

Applicants should pay attention to several different dates.

Rhodes University’s current admissions information identifies 30 September as the closing date for applications from new students and states that this is also the official deadline for foreign applicants.

However, applicants should verify the dates for the 2028 admission cycle when Rhodes University publishes its official application information.

The application deadline, payment deadline, acceptance deadline and initial fee payment deadline are not necessarily the same thing.

How to Check the Official Rhodes University Fees for 2028

When the 2028 fees are released, applicants should use the official Rhodes University Student Fees and Financial Aid page.

The university’s current student-fee page provides access to its annual fees booklet and information on:

• Tuition fees
• Residence fees
• Application fees
• Acceptance fees
• Payment arrangements
• Additional charges
• Financial aid
• International student payments

The university states that the exact annual fees are published in its fees booklet.

How to Apply to Rhodes University for 2028

The Rhodes University online application system allows prospective students to apply electronically.

The current application portal requires applicants to provide information including:

• Personal details
• Citizenship
• Proposed year of entrance
• Degree choices
• School information
• Academic results
• Previous university studies, where applicable
• Residence application information
• Financial assistance information
• Person responsible for fees
• Additional personal information

The application system also requires applicants to pay the applicable application fee after submitting the application.

Students should make sure that their information is accurate before submitting because the current system warns applicants that they cannot edit their applications online after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhodes University Fees 2028

How much is the Rhodes University application fee for 2028?

The 2026 official fee schedule lists the application fee at R100 for South African and international applicants. The online application portal also currently states that a R100 application fee is required. However, the 2028 amount has not yet been officially confirmed.

How much is Rhodes University tuition for 2028?

The 2028 tuition fees have not yet been published. For comparison, 2026 undergraduate tuition ranges from approximately R63,438 to R69,494 for several common bachelor’s degrees, while BPharm and other programmes have their own fee structures.

How much is Rhodes University residence for 2028?

The 2028 residence fees have not yet been released. Historical university information lists 2025 undergraduate residence fees of approximately R87,844–R92,225 depending on accommodation grade.

When will Rhodes University publish the 2028 fees?

Rhodes University states that fees are set by Council during October or November each year, with the exact fees published in the fees booklet.

Does Rhodes University charge an acceptance fee?

Yes. The university has tuition and residence acceptance deposits. The 2026 fee booklet lists R800 for tuition acceptance and R1,000 for residence acceptance. Both are identified as non-refundable.

Are books included in Rhodes University tuition?

Not necessarily. Rhodes University’s general information has advised students to budget separately for books and stationery and has previously estimated approximately R5,500 for these costs.

Can international students apply to Rhodes University?

Yes. Rhodes University’s application system accepts international applicants, and its fee information provides specific arrangements for international students and international payments.

Final Thoughts on Rhodes University Fees for 2028

The Rhodes University fees for 2028 application should be viewed in two categories: the costs already associated with applying and the larger costs associated with studying after admission.

The current application system lists a R100 application fee, while the latest published 2026 fee booklet provides programme-specific tuition fees and separate acceptance charges.

However, the 2028 fee amounts are not yet final. Rhodes University states that its fees are determined annually by Council, generally during October or November, and the exact amounts are then published in the relevant fees booklet.

For prospective 2028 students, the best approach is therefore to use current official figures to begin financial planning, but confirm all amounts against the official Rhodes University 2028 Fees Booklet before making payments or calculating the final cost of study.

Students should also remember that the cost of attending university goes beyond tuition. Accommodation, books, stationery, transportation and personal expenses can significantly affect the total amount required for the academic year.