What you pay and when

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

Initial fee (2026): 10% of annual tuition plus, where applicable, 25% of the annual residence fee, by 23 January 2026 for first-time entering students. NSFAS-funded students do not pay it, but you need NSFAS clearance. Without clearance you must either pay the initial fee or not travel to Makhanda, because the university cannot register you without it.
It cannot be paid by arrangement unless you use the debit order facility. Only the Fees Office can extend the deadline (studentfees@ru.ac.za).
Missing the deadline cancels your residence allocation automatically. Later withdrawal from residence can cost two months' residence fee.
Acceptance fees (2025 fee page, so check the current figures): a separate R1,000 tuition acceptance fee is payable when you accept an academic place by the date in your acceptance letter, and is non-refundable if you do not register. The R1,000 residence deposit is forfeited if you do not register into residence for at least one term.