Rhodes University Fees 2027: Initial Payment & Tuition

If you plan to study at Rhodes University in 2027, you must understand the fee structure before registration. 

Rhodes University requires an application fee, an initial payment toward tuition and any residence fees, and a structured schedule for paying the balance of annual fees. Tuition varies by programme and credits. 

This guide explains each step of the payment process so you know what fees you must pay, when to pay them, and how they are applied to your student account.

Rhodes University Application Fee 2027 (Non-refundable)

To apply for admission to Rhodes University, all applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of R100 when submitting their admission forms before the official closing date.

The 2026 Fees Booklet lists this R100 fee under general fees for new students, and it applies to South African and international applicants alike. The closing date for applications is 30 September.

Application deadlines and detailed instructions are available through the Rhodes University Admissions Portal. 

Rhodes says late applications will be considered, but it does not consider applications from foreign students after 30 September.

Rhodes University Registration Fee 2027 (Initial Payment)

Before you start online registration, Rhodes University requires a compulsory initial fee payment. 

For South African students, this initial payment is normally 10% of the annual tuition fee, and if you will be living in residence, 25% of the annual residence fee is required upfront.

In 2026 the deadline for this payment was 16 January for returning students and 23 January for first-time entering students. It cannot be split into a payment arrangement unless you choose the debit order option.

The 2026 Rhodes University Fees Booklet gives these initial payment amounts for South African students:

• Tuition only Initial Payment: R7 277 (10% of the annual tuition)
• Tuition + Residence Initial Payment: R7 277 + R25 268 = R32 545 (10% tuition + 25% residence)

These amounts apply to the initial payment due date. 

After that, the 2026 schedule asked for 35% of tuition by 31 March, 60% by 30 June, 85% by 30 September and the full amount by 30 November. Residence fees had to be paid faster, reaching 100% by 30 September.

There are two other options. If you pay the full year’s tuition (and residence, if you live in residence) by the January deadline, you can claim a 5% discount in writing. Or you can pay the full fees by debit order in 11 monthly instalments from February to December, with the paperwork due by 16 January (2026 dates).

Rhodes University Tuition Fee Structure per Faculty

Rhodes University does not publish a single flat tuition fee for all students. 

Tuition fees vary by programme, faculty and course load, and the total amount you pay depends on the modules and credits you register for in the academic year. 

You can expect annual tuition to fall within a broad range depending on your chosen degree.

Tuition typically includes classes, examinations, and basic academic services. 

For specific programmes such as commerce, humanities, science, or education, the exact tuition fees are listed in the official 2026 Rhodes University Fees Booklet, and fees are updated annually on the Rhodes University Student Fees Portal.

In addition to tuition, if you choose to live on campus, separate residence fees are charged based on your accommodation type. 

Residence costs and other departmental charges are outlined in the official fee booklet.

How to Pay Your Rhodes University Fees (Bank Details)

Rhodes University provides official bank account details for paying your initial payment, tuition, residence, and other student fees. 

Always use your student number as the payment reference so the funds are correctly allocated to your account.

Official Rhodes University Bank Details for Fee Payments:

• Bank: First National Bank (FNB) – Makhanda Branch
• Account Name: Rhodes University Student Fees Account
• Account Number: 6214 5504 553
• Branch Code: 210717
• Reference: Your student number

When making payments, allow sufficient time for transfers to reflect in your student account before the payment due dates. 

Rhodes warns that EFTs can take up to three days to reflect on your student account.

Rhodes University Fees for NSFAS Funded Students

If you are funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), you do not need to pay the initial fee payment for registration. 

Rhodes University grants registration clearance based on the funding list from NSFAS rather than an upfront payment. 

This applies if NSFAS confirms your funding in time for the registration deadlines.

However, NSFAS does not cover additional student charges that are not directly related to tuition, accommodation, and books. 

These additional charges must still be paid by the student or guardian if incurred.