The Rhodes University uses an Admission Point Score (APS) system to assess applicants for undergraduate studies.
Your APS is calculated using your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, excluding Life Orientation. Rhodes considers both your APS score and faculty-specific subject requirements when making admission decisions.
Minimum Requirements for Admission
To be considered for admission to Rhodes University, applicants must:
- Qualify for Bachelor’s degree study.
- Achieve at least 50% (Level 4) in English.
- Obtain Level 4 (50–59%) or above in at least four designated NSC subjects.
- Meet the faculty-specific APS and subject requirements.
Recommended Subjects
Rhodes recommends subjects such as:
- Accounting
- Agricultural Sciences
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Languages
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- Mathematical Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Visual Arts
among others.
How Rhodes University Calculates APS
Rhodes calculates APS using six subjects:
- English must be included.
- Required programme subjects must be included.
- Life Orientation is excluded.
- Results below 40% do not contribute to APS points.
APS Calculation Example
| Subject | Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| English Home Language | 78% | 7.8 |
| Afrikaans/isiXhosa FAL | 73% | 7.3 |
| Mathematics | 69% | 6.9 |
| Life Sciences | 70% | 7.0 |
| Dramatic Arts | 89% | 8.9 |
| Accounting | 73% | 7.3 |
Total APS = 45.2 Points
Faculty of Commerce APS Requirements
Bachelor of Commerce Programmes
Requirements:
- English Level 4 (50–59%)
- Mathematics Level 4 (50–59%)
APS Categories:
- Extended Studies: 34–37
- Dean’s Discretion: 38–39
- Automatic Admission: 40+
Bachelor of Business Science
Requirements:
- English Level 4
- Mathematics Level 6 (70–79%)
APS Categories:
- Extended Studies: 34–37
- Dean’s Discretion: 38–44
- Automatic Admission: 45+
Faculty of Education APS Requirements
Requirements:
- English Level 4
- Mathematics Level 3 or
- Mathematical Literacy Level 4
APS Categories:
- Dean’s Discretion: 39–43
- Automatic Admission: 44+
Faculty of Humanities APS Requirements
Requirements:
- English Home Language: 60%
- English First Additional Language: 65%
APS Categories:
- Extended Studies: 34–37
- Dean’s Discretion: 37–44
- Automatic Admission: 45+
Faculty of Science APS Requirements
Bachelor of Science Programmes
Requirements:
- English Home Language: 60%
- English First Additional Language: 65%
- Mathematics Level 4
- Life Sciences Level 5 or Physical Sciences Level 5
APS Categories:
- Dean’s Discretion: 39–44
- Automatic Admission: 45+
Bachelor of Science (Information Systems)
Requirements:
- English Level 5 (60–69%)
- Mathematics 70%
- Life Sciences or Physical Sciences Level 5
APS Categories:
- Dean’s Discretion: 40–44
- Automatic Admission: 45+
Faculty of Pharmacy APS Requirements
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Dean’s Discretion Requirements:
- Mathematics Level 5
- Life Sciences Level 5
- Physical Sciences Level 5
Provisional Offer Requirements:
- Mathematics Level 6
- Life Sciences Level 6
- Physical Sciences Level 6
APS Categories:
- Dean’s Discretion: 40–44
- Automatic Admission: 45+
Faculty of Law APS Requirements
Requirements:
- English Home Language Level 5 (60–69%) OR
- English First Additional Language Level 6 (70–79%)
- Mathematics Level 4 OR
- Mathematical Literacy Level 5
APS Categories:
- Dean’s Discretion: 40–44
- Automatic Admission: 45+
Extended Studies Programme
Rhodes University offers an Extended Studies Programme for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who show academic potential but may not meet direct admission requirements.
The programme:
- Extends degree studies by one additional year.
- Provides academic support.
- Creates an alternative pathway into university studies.
Dean’s Discretion Admissions
Applicants who do not achieve the automatic admission APS score may still be considered through the Dean’s Discretion process.
Typically:
- APS scores between 38 and 44 may be considered.
- Additional information and circumstances are taken into account.
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
Rhodes recommends that first-time university applicants write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
Tests include:
- Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL)
- Mathematics (MAT)
NBT results may assist applicants who do not fully meet APS requirements.
Important Note
Meeting the minimum APS and subject requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is competitive and depends on:
- Available spaces
- Academic performance
- Faculty-specific requirements
- NBT results where applicable
Final Thoughts
The Rhodes University APS Requirements for 2027 vary by faculty and programme. Most qualifications require APS scores between 40 and 45+ for competitive admission, while Extended Studies and Dean’s Discretion options provide alternative pathways for eligible students.
Before applying, carefully check both the APS requirements and subject requirements for your chosen qualification to improve your chances of admission.