Quick Summary
Rhodes University, in Makhanda, South Africa, is a public that has shaped higher education since 1904. Ranked #801-850 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 8200 students including 18% from outside South Africa. Known for strengths in Communication and Media Studies, Pharmacy, Law, it maintains an acceptance rate of 55%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Known for having the highest research output per staff member in South Africa and a highly residential, intimate community.
Subject Strengths
Communication and Media StudiesPharmacyLawLinguisticsEarth and Marine Sciences
Founded1904
TypePublic
Total Students8200
Intl Students18%
Faculty Ratio15
CampusResidential
Campus Size200 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsSettlers Hospital
AccreditationCouncil on Higher Education (CHE) South Africa
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-850
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#801–1000
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Postgraduate Diplomas
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Institute for Water Research, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Institute for the Study of the Englishes of Africa
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Council on Higher Education (CHE) South Africa
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate55%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · September 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
A high Admission Point Score (APS) is critical. For journalism and pharmacy, early application is essential due to limited seating.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in South African Rand
UG Tuition
R60,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Living Cost
R95,000/yr
per year · ZAR
PG Tuition
R70,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Application Fee
$10
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R155,150/yr
tuition + living + essentials · ZAR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidNSFAS, Rhodes University Bursaries, NRF Funding
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Postgraduate Diplomas programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism and Media Studies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Pharmacy | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Ichthyology and Fisheries Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Commerce | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$19,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementYes
Industry Connections
Strong links with SABCDiscoveryStandard Bankand CSIR
Notable Alumni
Wilbur Smith, Mandla Mandela, Alice Krige, Haroon Bhorat, Jeremy Mansfield
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Rhodes Health Suite, Rugby and Soccer fields, Cricket nets, Rowing Club, Swimming pool
Student Clubs
Rhodes Music Radio, Debating Society, Mountain Club, SRC
Library Resources
Rhodes Main Library, Law Library, Cory Library for Historical Research
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available