Budgeting at Rhodes

Researched by the VarsityStart team from official university sources. Last checked 10 October 2026. How we check

Residence (2025 fee page): R87,844 to R92,225 a year depending on the grade of room, and Rhodes says undergraduate residence fees include all meals except during vacations. A R1,000 residence acceptance deposit is paid before you are allocated a room, and a separate R1,000 tuition acceptance fee is payable when you accept an academic place (non-refundable if you do not register).
Residence (2026): several undergraduate residences were listed at R97,482 a year in the 2026 fees booklet, and the booklet also lists meal prices (breakfast R18.69; lunch and supper R44.03 each). The booklet link no longer opens, so we could not re-check whether meals are included or extra. Ask studentfees@ru.ac.za.
Cancelling: withdrawing from residence after the initial fee deadline can cost two months' residence fee, except for immediate family bereavement, medical illness or academic exclusion.
Bursary holders may get a monthly living allowance, and students in catered residences get an allowance for incidental expenses.
We found no official figure for books or stationery.