Rhodes University

Rhodes University Rhodes University is an institution with a well-established reputation for academic excellence.

With just over 8200 students, Rhodes is a small University which enjoys the distinction of 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. This is a testimony to the quality of students that Rhodes attracts and of academic provision, and to the commitment of Rhodes staff t

o student development and success. Of our more than 8000 students, 30% are postgraduates and over 18% are international students from 54 countries around the world, making Rhodes a dynamic and cosmopolitan knowledge institution. Students are able to undertake an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the faculties of Humanities, Science, Commerce, Pharmacy, Law, and Education. With the most favourable academic staff to student ratio among South African universities, Rhodes students are guaranteed easy access to academics and close supervision. The University takes pride in its motto, Where Leaders Learn, and producing graduates who are knowledgeable intellectuals, skilled professionals, and critical, caring and compassionate citizens who can contribute to economic and social development and an equitable, just and democratic society. Almost 50% of Rhodes students and the majority of undergraduates live in the University residences, while there also special residences for postgraduates. Through a well-established structure of wardens, sub-wardens and residence committees, the residences play an important role in overall student development, including developing leadership skills. Numerous clubs and societies provide extensive opportunities for students to participate in a variety of intellectual, social, cultural, and sports activities and further develop valuable skills. Rhodes University looks to the future with confidence, secure that as indawo yolwazi (a place of knowledge) and through the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and community engagement it produces outstanding graduates that are sought after and makes a vital contribution to human and social development. At our Open Day, you can find out more about the wide range of attractive and flexible programmes we offer in our six faculties – Commerce, Law Education, Pharmacy, Humanities, and Science. At Rhodes, you will have an opportunity to participate in programmes across all faculties. Our graduates perform well in an increasingly competitive job market and are highly regarded by employers around the world. During your time here, we will help you prepare for your chosen career. The employability of our graduates continues to increase and rates up there with the very best the world has to offer. Our degree offering prepares students for the job market by ensuring they develop the skills employers want, whether through work experience, volunteering or social activities.

01/09/2026

This year’s Rhodes University Sports Awards ceremony will feature 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awardee Professor Steve Olivier.

Prof Olivier is the founder and senior trustee of the Ally Weakley Memorial Bursary and championed the naming of the Ally Weakley Great Field as part of our 120-year celebrations.

Rhodes University alumnus Ally Weakley was an outspoken advocate for non-racial sport during apartheid. His legacy continues to support and inspire students through sport and education.

Rhodes University Alumni

“Developing and supporting the arts is essential to a viable democracy.” ~ Dr Deborah SeddonRhodes University lecturers ...
01/09/2026

“Developing and supporting the arts is essential to a viable democracy.” ~ Dr Deborah Seddon

Rhodes University lecturers and Makhanda authors Deborah Seddon and Selloane (Lalu) Mokuku were nominated at the 3rd annual National Arts and Culture Awards for their respective works, 'Magnitude' and 'Butterfly Heart'.

Their recognition also raises a broader question: what happens when the creative spaces that enable people to tell their stories are under-resourced?

Rhodes University Drama Department
Rhodes JMS
Grocott's Mail
School of Languages and Literatures: Rhodes University

Read the full story:

When the red carpet was rolled out at the Sun City Super Bowl for the 3rd annual National Arts and Culture Awards (Naca), two Makhanda authors and Rhodes University lecturers, Deborah Seddon and Selloane (Lalu) Mokuku, were among the creative voices representing the Eastern Cape.

What happens when a lecturer listens to her students?For Dr Sandile Phakathi, it changed how she teaches economics, and ...
31/08/2026

What happens when a lecturer listens to her students?

For Dr Sandile Phakathi, it changed how she teaches economics, and ultimately led to the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award - an achievement she shares with her students.

They became co-designers of a multilingual, more critical classroom.

Read the story: https://www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/phakati_vc_teaching_award-1.html

📸 Ntomb’Zekhethelo Ncanana

Rhodes University is looking for a Director: Research to provide strategic leadership in building a thriving research cu...
26/08/2026

Rhodes University is looking for a Director: Research to provide strategic leadership in building a thriving research culture and strengthening the University's position as a research-intensive institution.

The role will lead the Research Office, support researchers across the research excellence pipeline, drive strategic funding opportunities and strengthen research support systems across the University.

Applicants should hold a PhD and have approximately 10 years’ relevant experience, including senior leadership or research support management, research grant acquisition or postgraduate training, and experience with national and international funding agencies.

Apply now:

We are looking to fill the following vacancy - Director: Research (Grade 19)

How can South Africa strengthen digital governance in its state-owned entities and stop billions in losses to the fiscus...
26/08/2026

How can South Africa strengthen digital governance in its state-owned entities and stop billions in losses to the fiscus?

On 3 September, Dr Monelo Nxozi will give a lecture based on his book 'The Bleeding Must Be Stopped: A new digital governance tourniquet for South Africa’s state-owned entities', drawing on his PhD research and 18 years of IT experience across the public and private sectors.

He will unpack practical recommendations for strengthening digital governance, improving accountability and creating public value.

Thurs 3 September | 18:00 | Eden Grove Blue

All welcome!

25/08/2026

Join Dr Quatro Mgogo tomorrow for the launch of 'Makers and Shapers of Media'!

📆 26 August 2026
🕝 17:30 for 18:00
📍 Room 202, Africa Media Matrix at Rhodes JMS

Happening soon! Tune into SABC1 at 13:00 to hear Head of Rhodes JMS, Dr Quatro Mgogo, chat about Makers & Shapers of Med...
25/08/2026

Happening soon! Tune into SABC1 at 13:00 to hear Head of Rhodes JMS, Dr Quatro Mgogo, chat about Makers & Shapers of Media, a book commemorating the School's 50th anniversary.

Congratulations to Ms Bridgitte Le Du, Senior Editor at the Dictionary Unit for South African English (DSAE) on being ap...
22/08/2026

Congratulations to Ms Bridgitte Le Du, Senior Editor at the Dictionary Unit for South African English (DSAE) on being appointed as an Honorary Fellow of the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR).

Operating under the Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA (DSTI), SADiLaR maintains an elite advisory network of just eight scholars nationwide and internationally. This marks the Centre's first formal fellowship expansion since its inception.

The distinction directly reflects the pioneering work of the DSAE turning static, paper-bound dictionary archives into dynamic, user-friendly open-access web platforms such as as the Dictionary of South African English (dsae.co.za).

A proud achievement for Rhodes University, the Dictionary Unit for South African English and South African digital humanities!

SADiLaR inaugurated new honorary fellows, strengthening a growing network of expertise

The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) inaugurated four distinguished scholars as honorary fellows on 17 August 2026, marking an important milestone in strengthening collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation in digital language resources and the digital humanities.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4xTxSCa

What do a theatre-maker, a botanist, and a media scholar have in common? At Rhodes University, they are three academics ...
21/08/2026

What do a theatre-maker, a botanist, and a media scholar have in common?

At Rhodes University, they are three academics asking questions about Africa’s future, digital lives and cultural memory. Drs Nkululeko Sibanda, Tiffany Pillay, and Chikezie E. Uzuegbunam are among DHET's chosen future professors.

Rhodes University Drama Department
Department of Botany, Rhodes University
Rhodes JMS

Read more: https://www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/dhet_fpp_cohort4-1.html

How does a Constitutional Court that exists to protect constitutional rights deal with a growing backlog... and what doe...
20/08/2026

How does a Constitutional Court that exists to protect constitutional rights deal with a growing backlog... and what does it mean when litigants can wait a year or more just to find out whether their case will even be heard?

A timely and important conversation from Rhodes University’s Faculty of Law with Visiting Professor Azhar Cachalia.

Why does South Africa's Constitutional Court take a year or more to decide who it will even hear?

The Rhodes Law Faculty invites you to a forthright lecture by Visiting Professor Azhar Cachalia, retired judge and FUL Chairperson, on the crisis in the Court's functioning — and what could be done about it.

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Drostdy Road
Grahamstown
6140

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