Rhodes University
Grahamstown, South Africa • Founded 1904 • QS 2027 #901-950
Updated May 2026 · Source: ru.ac.za
Overview
Established in 1904, the Rhodes University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the small city of Grahamstown (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Eastern Cape.
Officially recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa, Rhodes University (RU) is a medium-sized coeducational South African higher education institution. Rhodes University (RU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.
This 119-year-old South African higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
RU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find Rhodes University, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links.
Academic Details
The numbers behind Rhodes University: student body, academic staff, and recognising bodies.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Rhodes University are listed below.
Unit 6 items
- Faculty of Commerce
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Science
Degrees
Eligible students can pursue further postgraduate studies by contacting the respective faculty. Postgraduate studies in Law offered by Thesis only.
Bachelor's 59 programs
- Accountancy
- Administrative Law
- African Languages
- Afrikaans
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Art History
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- Computer Science
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Dutch
- Economics
- Education
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Fine Arts
- Geography
- German
- Graphic Design
- Greek
- History
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Management
- International Law
- Journalism
- Labour Law
- Latin
- Law
- Linguistics
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Media Studies
- Microbiology
- Music
- Pathology
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Law
- Science Education
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Special Education
- Statistics
- Systems Analysis
- Taxation
Master's 27 programs
- Accountancy
- Administrative Law
- African Languages
- Afrikaans
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Art History
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Civil Law
- Computer Education
- Computer Science
- Environmental Studies
- French
- Geography
- German
- Greek
- Information Management
- International Studies
- Journalism
- Latin
- Law
- Music
- Special Education
Doctoral 22 programs
- Accountancy
- Administrative Law
- African Languages
- Afrikaans
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Art History
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Civil Law
- Computer Education
- Computer Science
- Environmental Studies
- Journalism
- Latin
- Music
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Special Education
Diploma & Certificate 3 programs
- Business Administration
- Environmental Studies
- Investment Analysis
Other 14 programs
- Administrative Law
- Applied Mathematics
- Civil Law
- Environmental Studies
- Fine Arts
- Geography
- German
- International Law
- Journalism
- Law
- Music
- Physiology
- Political Sciences
- Software Engineering
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa.
Commerce (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business and Commerce
- Business Computing
- Economics
- Information Management
- Information Technology
- Management
- Systems Analysis
Education (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Education
- Education
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education
- Special Education
Humanities (Faculty) 20 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- Afrikaans
- Anthropology
- Arts and Humanities
- Chinese
- Classical Languages
- English
- Fine Arts
- French
- German
- History
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Theatre
Law (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Law
Pharmacy (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Science (Faculty) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Entomology
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Geology
- Marine Biology
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
Social and Economic Research (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Social Sciences
Sol Plaatjie (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Leadership
- Media Studies
Study of English in Africa (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
Water Research (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Water Science
Biopharmaceutics (Research Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy
Business (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Rhodes University offers is searchable and grouped by level below.
18 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in South Africa
Bachelor's Degree 3 programmes
Honours Degree 4 programmes
Certificate 1 programme
Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 6 programmes
How to apply to Rhodes University
How to apply to Rhodes University — a five-step structure.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Rhodes University runs 18 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to Rhodes University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for South Africa.
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3
Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Rhodes University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.ru.ac.za). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +27 (46) 603 8111. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhodes University
Common questions about Rhodes University — answers from its published profile.
How old is Rhodes University?
The institution opened in 1904 (approximately 122 years ago).
Where is Rhodes University located?
Rhodes University is located in Grahamstown, South Africa.
Is Rhodes University public or private?
Rhodes University operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Rhodes University?
Student enrolment at Rhodes University is around 9,300.
What is Rhodes University's ranking?
Rhodes University holds rank QS 2027 #901-950.
What qualification levels does Rhodes University offer?
Rhodes University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Rhodes University's academic structure?
Rhodes University has 6 academic units.
Who recognises Rhodes University?
The institution holds recognition from Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET); Higher Education Quality Committee; Council on Higher Education; South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Where can I learn more about Rhodes University?
Rhodes University's official website is www.ru.ac.za.
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