Nestled among Makhanda's rolling hills, the university's 203-hectare campus is home to 150 buildings, including 39 student residences. Every corner invites you to make the most of university life. Landscaped grounds, towering century-old trees, and open green spaces provide peaceful places to study, with outdoor tutorial groups a familiar sight on the St Peter's campus.
Every place has a story, and in South Africa's Eastern Cape, the story of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) is deeply connected to Rhodes University. For generations, it has been a place where curiosity is nurtured and ideas flourish. Here, you will graduate with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact wherever life takes you.
This is where leaders learn.
120
years of academic endeavour
Over
9000
students, with 30% postgraduates and 5% international students.
HOME TO OVER
LEADING
community engagement and service learning.
Research. Community. Opportunity. Discover Rhodes University.
Studying at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences is an experience of a lifetime.
Getting there is a journey all by itself too. From choosing one of Europe's most international universities of applied sciences to saying goodbye to family, there are steps to take and questions to answer. Such as “will everything work out?” or “will I make friends?”
While NHL Stenden is there to support you at every step of the way, the story is ultimately yours to write.
Below, you can follow NHL Stenden’s current students as they share their real experiences and guide you into what is set to be the most rewarding chapter of your life.
On your way to NHL Stenden? You're on your way to a life-changing journey.
Master’s study that makes a difference
If you’re interested in postgraduate study, Rhodes is where research excellence meets a collaborative learning environment. You can choose from programmes across six faculties (Commerce, Education, Humanities, Law, Pharmacy, and Science) or broaden your expertise with combination degrees such as Law and Fine Arts.
Interested in transforming communities? The Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Community Engagement (PGDip HECE) empowers you to bring higher education and communities together to co-create knowledge and drive positive, lasting change.
“With just over 9,000 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 the commitment of Rhodes staff to student development and success.”
Dr. Sizwe Mabizela, Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor
Why postgraduate study at Rhodes
If you're staying on campus, dedicated postgraduate residences offer a close-knit community. You’ll be supported by residence heads, residence assistants, and residence committees, who encourage your personal and leadership development.
Living off campus? The university has you covered too. Managers and student committees help Oppidans (students who live off campus) settle into university life by recommending accredited accommodation and providing ongoing support.
Living off campus? The university has you covered too. Managers and student committees help Oppidans (students who live off campus) settle into university life by recommending accredited accommodation and providing ongoing support.
Postgraduate study comes with its challenges, but you'll have plenty of support along the way. The Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPGS) runs more than 30 expert-led workshops every year to help you develop your research skills. Postgraduate students are encouraged to publish their research as papers and can present their work at the annual postgraduate conference. Additional support is available through the Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning (CHERTL), which offers guidance in academic writing, research design, and supervisor development.
Everyone belongs at Rhodes
Rhodes is proud to be a place where people from all walks of life feel welcome. Built on the principles of intellectual engagement, ethical leadership, and respect for human rights, the university stands firmly against all forms of discrimination and violence.
Rhodes University: Shape the African Agenda through your postgraduate studies
Set in the historic town of Makhanda, Rhodes University offers a postgraduate experience deeply connected to Africa and its evolving story. Across six faculties, students pursue interdisciplinary research, engage with communities, and contribute to conversations and solutions that are reshaping the continent.
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Five ways Rhodes University offers the ultimate student experience
Strong academic outcomes are just one part of the Rhodes University experience. With expert educators, diverse study options, and dedicated support, explore how Rhodes helps students make the most of their university journey.
“Rhodes provided the intellectual and personal foundation that continues to shape my career in international relations and ocean governance, and the academic rigour that enabled me to obtain my master's degree in security studies at the University of Pretoria and my current PhD studies in international relations. Through world-class rigorous training in political and international studies, I developed strong analytical, research, and critical..."
David Willima
Igho Obokparo Precious is a currently enrolled postgraduate student and was elected as the international student councillor for 2027 which is quite a big thing in the current South African climate.
Igho Obokparo Precious
Hear from a Rhodes University graduate
“I came to Rhodes with one ambition: to become a pharmacist. What I did not realise at the time was that Rhodes would shape not only my academic future, but also my character, leadership philosophy..."
Dr. Ralph Nii Okai Tettey-Amlalo
Hear from a Rhodes University graduate
“Rhodes provided the intellectual and personal foundation that continues to shape my career in international relations and ocean governance, and the academic rigour that enabled me to obtain my master's degree in security studies at the University of Pretoria and my current PhD studies in international relations. Through world-class rigorous training in political and international studies, I developed strong analytical, research, and critical..."
David Willima
Igho Obokparo Precious is a currently enrolled postgraduate student and was elected as the international student councillor for 2027 which is quite a big thing in the current South African climate.
Igho Obokparo Precious
“I came to Rhodes with one ambition: to become a pharmacist. What I did not realise at the time was that Rhodes would shape not only my academic future, but also my character, leadership philosophy..."
Dr. Ralph Nii Okai Tettey-Amlalo
Just like Alviar, Mika's school day starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at about 2:35 p.m. As an IB Diploma student, she’s found it challenging to balance the IBDP curriculum with her football training, as the workload is much heavier than the IGCSEs. “That means going over content after school with teachers,” she says. Mika aims to pursue physiology and exercise science at university, though she’s also drawn to fields such as business and nutrition.
8:00 AM
Unless she has a morning gym session, which would require her to rise an hour earlier, Mika's day typically starts at 6:30 a.m. She gets ready, has breakfast, and then goes to school.
“I always like to listen to music in the morning. It calms me when I get ready, and it puts me in a good mood,” she says. “Going to breakfast with your friends and talking gives you some excitement too.”
6:30 AM
It’s time to get her football gear on. Mika trains with the BISP Cruzeiro Academy, and alongside that, represents the Israeli national girls’ team. “I’ve played with a few generations of girls who’ve since graduated. I’ve seen various styles of play,” she says. Today, Mika is one of the oldest in the academy. “So, I know what younger students expect from me because I was in the same position as them,” she says.
12:00 PM
As training ends, Mika heads back to her dorm to freshen up and have dinner. After a meal, students have an hour and a half of study time, during which House Parents will take away their phones. “It’s helpful because you stay focused,” she says. “Then, I go to sleep because it’s a pretty tiring day.”
3:00 PM
After leaving her dorm to walk to school at 7:45 a.m., Audrey meets up with her friends while heading to class. As a Year 10 student, she’s currently taking courses to prepare for the IGCSE exams in Year 11. After, Audrey takes a short break at 10:00 a.m. then returns to classes until lunch at 12:30 p.m.
8:00 AM
As a student-athlete, Audrey’s days start before sunrise. She wakes herself up by washing her face and spends time getting ready for a long day. “I eat a really heavy breakfast, and I talk with my friends to get myself ready for the day,” says Audrey.
6:30 AM
After finishing classes, Audrey returns to her dorm room to revise for any upcoming tests. With the IGCSE programme offering a blend of core and elective subjects, she can explore new interests and pursue her passions. Right now, she finds herself drawn to the Design Technology course.
12:00 PM
Audrey warms up and stretches on her own before heading to the BISP Cruziero Academy. Here, she trains with professional coaches from Brazil on some of the finest school sporting facilities in Asia. “It’s competitive because everyone here is really strong,” she says. “I realised I needed to bulk up. I needed to toughen up.”
3:00 PM
The hardest goodbye
No matter how excited you are to study abroad, saying goodbye is hard.
Rares
“I wanted one last coffee with my friends. It felt a little awkward because we didn't know when we'd see each other again. But it also showed me how strong real friendships can be.”
Hana
“During the last few weeks before I left, I made a list of all the things I wanted to do and eat. I tried to enjoy the little moments more, even something as simple as watching TV with my family.”
Rosy
“I went on a food tour around my city and took fun photos with my family. Saying goodbye is never easy, but it's not forever. After every goodbye comes the next reunion.”
Find your postgraduate programme at Rhodes University.
Charles Sturt offers programmes and pathways for a wide range of aspirations. From short courses to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, there’s a perfect qualification for anyone seeking it.
More career-launching programmes