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Established in 1904, Rhodes University, located in Makhanda, South Africa, may be home to over 8,200 students, making it one of South Africa’s smaller universities, but its impact is anything but tiny. Rhodes has the country’s best undergraduate pass and graduation rates, successful postgraduates, and top-tier research output per academic staff member.
With all of this, it’s easy to understand the university’s wide appeal – 18% of its students are from 54 countries and about 30% comprise postgraduates.
The 2024 graduation ceremonies were more than just a celebration of academic accomplishments; they were a reflection of Rhodes University’s enduring commitment to fostering leadership, integrity, and community engagement.
Guided by its motto, “Where Leaders Learn,” Rhodes explicitly places the student experience and academic success at the core of all that they do. It takes pride in how its undergraduate and postgraduate students in Humanities, Science, Commerce, Pharmacy, Law, and Education go on to find success as skilled professionals and compassionate and critical thinkers. They are highly regarded worldwide and excel in competitive job markets, thanks to how their well-rounded Rhodes education set them apart through work experience, volunteering, and social engagement.
Studying at Rhodes University means students get to network widely and engage with local communities and participate in service learning. Source: Rhodes University
Impressed? Here are five ways Rhodes University stands out in providing a student-centered, impactful education:
1. Award-winning educators
Rhodes students learn from some of the best in their fields. For example, Distinguished Professor Tebello Nyokong recently received her sixth honorary Doctor of Science degree from Imperial College London for her pioneering work in chemistry, adding to her list of accolades, which includes being appointed by Pope Francis to the supranational 80-member Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Her colleague, Professor Heila Lotz-Sisitka, was awarded the 2024 Research Honours Award by the South African Education Research Association for her contributions to environmental education. Meanwhile, Professor Justin Jonas, the lead scientist of South Africa’s Square Kilometer Array project, is involved in the construction of the developing the KAT-7 and the MeerKAT array – the former is the world’s first radio telescope array consisting of composite antenna structures.
These professors and many others create an environment where students are encouraged to think critically, challenge the status quo, and develop solutions to global challenges. With educators of this calibre guiding them, Rhodes students gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to follow in their footsteps.
2. On-the-ground, training for Academic staff
The Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching, and Learning (CHERTL) focuses on equipping lecturers with the skills to design courses that foster student success. By encouraging scholarly and reflective practices, CHERTL helps academics adapt to evolving needs, including transforming and decolonising curricula.
CHERTL works closely with academic departments and directly with students through the Extended Studies Unit (ESU), an alternative access route to higher education, supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds who show potential. CHERTL also researches teaching practices in higher education and offers formal programmes in Higher Education Studies, further advancing quality education at the university.
Just 45 minutes from the beautiful beaches of Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea, Rhodes University avails of its environment and has a thriving rowing club. Source: Rhodes University
3. Degrees for every aspiration
Rhodes is home to six faculties: Humanities, Science, Commerce, Law, Education, and Pharmacy. The Faculty of Commerce makes up about 17% of the student body and is the second-largest at the university. It consists of four departments — Accounting, Economics, Information Systems, and Management — and houses the Rhodes Business School, which is AMBA-accredited. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Pharmacy stands out as the only one of its kind in South Africa.
But what further differentiates Rhodes is its flexible undergraduate degree offerings. Students can combine disciplines from different faculties to tailor their programmes to their interests and career goals.
4. A wide range of support for students
Rhodes’s University single Makhanda campus offers an international experience, with students from 54 countries bringing a wealth of cultures to its compact space. Alongside a cosmopolitan cohort, all international students have the support of the Global Engagement Division as well, which helps with visa and immigration matters, among many others.
It’s something Professor Nelson Odume, an international graduate of Rhodes University himself, can attest to. “At Rhodes, you can have a truly global network as a student because we have so many students from all parts of the world,” he says. “The International Office [now Global Engagement Division] was always there to enhance our experience, from the Braai for Postdocs to Africa Day — these serve as opportunities for networking as international students.”
You are bound to succeed if you can only adopt the following as your guide: “Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least.” (Goethe). What this means is that as you go on your academic and personal development journey, learn to prioritise, find a healthy balance between work and play, be intentional, be reflective, and choose to surround yourself with and be part of living and learning communities that resonate with who you know yourself to be and that promise to bring out the best in you.
Dr. Pakiso Tondi, Director of Student Services and Development
5. Excellent facilities and resources
Rhodes offers various types of support and resources. The world-class library is open 24/7, alongside the postgraduate commons, a dedicated space for studying and collaboration. The Centre for Postgraduate Studies further supports students through writing retreats and training, which is crucial for any scholar seeking to communicate well.
The university has some of the continent’s best facilities, including the Tebello Nyokong Institute of Nanotechnology and the Environmental Learning Research Centre (ELRC), a hub for innovation in environmental education. The ELRC works with global partners to offer research-informed courses, making it a vibrant space for scholars and practitioners.
“The research culture in the pharmaceutical sciences and the support for research at Rhodes is second to none,” says Professor Sandile Khamanga, a graduate and Dean of Pharmacy. “The research trajectory here has helped me grow immensely.
Mr. Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, a recent recipient of a Rhodes University’s distinguished alumni awards. Source: Rhodes University.
Sibanda Fortune Sibanda: A Trailblazer in Digital Policy and Governance
Sibanda Fortune Sibanda exemplifies the transformative impact of a Rhodes University education. A Rhodes graduate with a Master’s in Journalism and Media Studies, Sibanda has played pivotal roles at Google Africa and TikTok, advocating for ICT access, privacy, and online safety across underserved African communities.
Reflecting on his journey, Sibanda shares, “Coming to Rhodes University was one of the best decisions I ever made, this university didn’t just give me knowledge; it gave me purpose, a community, and a chance to dream big.” His experience highlights Rhodes University’s ability to shape ethical leaders and critical thinkers who drive innovation in a constantly evolving world.
Sibanda recalls how the Internet in Africa was officially born at Rhodes in 1991, with pioneers leveraging limited resources to make ground-breaking progress. Such an innovative spirit continues today through initiatives like bridging the digital divide in rural schools. “This is a university that doesn’t just teach; it shapes its graduates to be ethical leaders, critical thinkers, innovative problem-solvers, and engaged citizens,” he says.
Sibanda’s success underscores the transformative power of a Rhodes University education. As he continues to shape Africa’s digital future, his story stands as a testament to Rhodes University’s enduring legacy of innovation and leadership.
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