Rhodes University is a public university in South Africa with a century of history. According to records, the university first opened its doors in 1904, making it one of the oldest universities in South Africa.

This institution, named in deference to the charitable contribution of the Rhodes Trust, has acquired an elite status over time and is one of South Africa’s most sought-after institutions of higher learning. According to Top Universities, it ranks among the leading 1000 global universities and has an enviable academic reputation.

It also notes that the university is reputed for ‘having among the best undergraduate pass and graduation rates in South Africa, outstanding postgraduate success rates, and the best research output per academic staff member’. At the same time, the university is a member of an elite category of research-intensive South African universities. These attributes make Rhodes University an attractive study destination for thousands of South African students annually.

This article will discuss the university’s application process, emphasising registration procedures and fees.

Admission into any of these programs is subject to the satisfaction of the concerned faculty’s eligibility requirements.

Where is Rhodes University located?

Rhodes University is located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in an area known as Makhanda, or Grahamstown. Founded in 1812, Makhanda, or Grahamstown, is a small town populated by more than a hundred thousand people and situated close to Waterloo Farm. The town’s current name, Makhanda, takes its etymology from Makhanda ka Nxele, a prominent historical Xhosa figure. Rhodes University is a single-campus institution.

Rhodes University Application Status

Rhodes University typically confirms receipt of submitted applications to applicants. The university also has a provision for applicants to track and ascertain the status of submissions. An individual who has applied for admission into the university’s programs can verify the status of the submitted application by using the institution’s application status portal. To do this, however, one would need to input login credentials in the confirmation mail dispatched electronically by the university upon submission.

How To Check Rhodes University Application Status

Don’t let your nerves get the better of you. Checking your application for Rhodes University is easy and very empowering; follow the steps we’ve outlined.

Remember the login details you created when applying to check your Rhodes Application. You can always reset your details if you don’t remember them. However, you will need access to the email address you used when you applied.

Step 1: Go To The Rhodes University Website

Visit ru.ac.za, then click on “Intranet” at the top right of the home page. This will take you to a login page.

Step 2: Fill in your login details and click login.

Use the username and password you created when applying to the university.

If you’ve forgotten your password, click on Student Password Recovery, followed by admission (not yet enrolled at Rhodes).

Step 3: View your application status.

After entering your details, you will gain access to your online profile, where you can view your application status.

Note: If you’re having trouble logging in, call the registrar at +27 46 603 8111; you can also email [email protected].

Rhodes University Application Status Portal

Rhodes University application status portal is available at https://ross.ru.ac.za. To track application status through this portal, one has to log on to the site and undertake the following steps:

• Select ‘Admission’ feature with a click
• Login with user credentials.

The successful execution of the steps above results in the display of application status.

Rhodes University Application Fee

Admission placement applications to Rhodes University attract a non-refundable 100 South African Rand fee. According to the university, payment of the application fee makes an application complete and worthy of consideration.

Rhodes University Application dates

Rhodes University’s admission application cycle typically runs for eight months. The university’s online application portal opened for 2025 applications on April 1, 2025. The application cycle is scheduled to close on September 30, 2025. This deadline applies to both home and international students. Rhodes University does not consider applications turned in after the last day of the application cycle.