Rhodes University International Office

Rhodes University International Office

Mandate

The International Office
The Rhodes University International Office exists primarily to drive Internationalisation by way of facilitating relations between Rhodes University and non-South African universities from around the world as well as developing on campus programmes, projects and events. We are the first port of call for visiting international staff and students at Rhodes, Rhodes staff and students looking to go on exchange, and anyone looking to set up relations with non-South African universities. Our mandate includes:

  • serves as a contact point for study abroad and exchange students, staff and visitors;
  • supports Rhodes staff and students who travel and study abroad on official exchange programmes;
  • develops international opportunities, links and exchanges for Rhodes staff and students;
  • liaises with the international offices at other universities;
  • researches internationalisation at Rhodes (including campus-wide surveys on issues of internationalisation and the experiences of international students here at Rhodes);
  • facilitates workshops to develop the internationalisation policy at Rhodes; and

Participates in the activities of both local and other international education societies

Programmes

Programmes & Services

Visa/Study Permit Information

All international students (those who are not South African citizens or who do not have permanent residence in South Africa) are required to have a valid study permit prior to being permitted to register at Rhodes University. Applications for study permits should be made at your nearest South African Consulate, Embassy or High Commission, usually in your home country.  A study permit is usually granted for the period of the degree programme for which you are registering at a specific institution.  Should you change degree or institution, your study visa will need to be amended accordingly by the Department of Home Affairs.  Students are responsible for maintaining the validity of their permits at all times.  Please do not proceed to Rhodes University without a valid study permit.
The following documentation will be required in support of your study visa application:

  • an official letter of provisional acceptance from Rhodes University
  • medical and radiological reports
  • relevant certificate (if married, divorced, widowed or separated)
  • proof of valid medical insurance recognized in South Africa
  • details regarding accommodation
  • proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses and miscellaneous costs
  • a police clearance certificate (less than 6 months old)
  • a repatriation deposit

In addition you will be charged an application fee.  Please note that the processing time for study visa applications can take six to eight weeks and your passport will be retained by the South African Consulate, Embassy or High Commission for the duration of the application period.
Students who have obtained an undergraduate degree from Rhodes University and are returning to do a postgraduate degree, especially Honours, cannot simply extent their current study permit.  As it is a “new” degree, students have to apply for a new study permit.

Home Affairs

Please call this toll free number for advice and assistance: 0800 601 190
Website: http://www.dha.gov.za/
Should a student need to extend his/her study visa, s/he needs to go in person to the Home Affairs office in Port Elizabeth. The Home Affairs department in Port Elizabeth is now located on the corner of Govan Mbeki Road and Bagshaw Street. The Home Affairs Office closes at 4pm and there are often a waiting period of about 1 hour to be assisted. It is therefore advised that students go to the Home Affairs in the morning.
Please note: Grahamstown Home Affairs no longer processes visa applications.
Port Elizabeth Visa Enquiries: +27 (0)41 404 8300/01
Please phone PE Visa Enquiries before journeying to PE to find out the requirements for a visa.
Students would need the following for Renewal of existing permit or Change of Conditions:

  1. Letter from Rhodes University confirming provisional acceptance and the duration of the course
  2. Copy of passport
  3. Proof of residence (if in Rhodes residence, Student Bureau can print this with No. 1)
  4. Bank Statement proving sufficient funds to pay for day-to-day living expenses, accommodation as well as tuition fees during his/her stay in South Africa
  5. Proof of adequate medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme
  6. An updated police clearance may be required depending on the student (please phone PE Visa Enquiries)

Fee: R425 (2014)

Forms

We have electronic copies of some of the required forms:

Medical AidAll international students are required to have South African medical cover for the duration of their study at Rhodes University.
Medical Aid information can be found on the Medical Aid section of this website.

Contact Us

Please contact the International Office for information:
E-mail:internationaloffice@ru.ac.za
Tel:(+27) (0)46 603 8217
Fax:(+27) (0)46 603 8209

Street Address (for courier):

International Office
Eden Grove Building
Lucas Avenue
Grahamstown
6139 SOUTH AFRICA

Postal Address (for normal post):

International Office
Rhodes University
P O Box 94
Grahamstown
6140 SOUTH AFRICA

Our Location:

The International Office is situated in the Eden Grove Building on the Ground floor, office G51.If you are a degree-seeking student who wishes to obtain a prospectus or application information, please contact the Registrar: registrar@ru.ac.za or +27(0)46 603 8276 (Student Bureau).
If you are an international student, you may find that some of your questions are answered on the Frequently Asked Questions page.

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