Rhodes University is a small residential university in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, offering degrees across Commerce, Education, Humanities, Law, Pharmacy and Science. Entry requires a National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement and the points score Rhodes publishes for the programme.
Rhodes is substantially smaller than the large urban universities, which means fewer programmes but also smaller classes. Because it is residential and most students come from elsewhere, residence placement is a practical constraint alongside academic admission.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate with the endorsement matching the qualification
- The points score the institution calculates by its own published method
- Subject requirements specific to the programme
- English or the language of instruction at the level required
- Available places, since popular programmes are oversubscribed
- Application within the published window
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Rhodes offers a relatively focused range of degrees compared with larger institutions. Its Pharmacy and Journalism programmes in particular are well established and correspondingly competitive.
Programme-specific requirements are revised between intake years, so confirm them against the current prospectus for the year you are applying for.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Science and pharmacy programmes require Mathematics and Physical Sciences and do not accept Mathematical Literacy. Humanities and commerce programmes vary, with commerce generally requiring Mathematics.
English at a strong level matters across Rhodes programmes, reflecting the university academic culture and the prominence of its journalism and humanities offerings.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Apply for residence at the same time as you apply academically. Rhodes is predominantly residential and residence capacity is a real constraint, particularly for first-year students from outside the Eastern Cape.
Places are limited by the size of the institution rather than only by demand, so competitive programmes fill early. Apply as soon as applications open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rhodes known for?
A focused range of degrees, with its Pharmacy and Journalism programmes particularly well established and competitive.
Is Rhodes residential?
It is predominantly residential, and residence capacity is a practical constraint alongside academic admission. Apply for residence at the same time.
Does Rhodes accept Mathematical Literacy?
Science, pharmacy and commerce programmes generally require Mathematics. Some humanities programmes accept Mathematical Literacy.
Where is Rhodes?
In Makhanda in the Eastern Cape.
Confirm programme requirements and residence arrangements against the current Rhodes prospectus. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.