Rhodes University offers its degrees through six faculties: Humanities, Science, Commerce, Pharmacy, Education and Law. Rhodes uses its own points score and, according to the Rhodes undergraduate prospectus for 2027, automatic acceptance needs an APS of 45 or more. Applicants with 36 to 44 points are usually considered at the Dean’s discretion, often with special conditions, and meeting a minimum does not guarantee acceptance.
Online applications for the 2027 intake were open from 1 April to 30 September 2026, so that window has closed. Check the Rhodes Admission Gateway for when the next cycle opens.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- A bachelor’s pass: seven subjects, four of them compulsory with a minimum of 50% (two languages, and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy)
- An APS of 45 or more for automatic acceptance
- An APS of roughly 36 to 44 for Dean’s discretion, with special conditions
- Programme-specific subject levels, for example in Mathematics
- Life Orientation at Level 4 (50%) or better
- National Benchmark Tests (NBTs), which Rhodes recommends
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The faculties are Humanities, Science, Commerce, Pharmacy, Education and Law, and the 2027 prospectus lists degrees such as the BBusSc, BCom, BEco, BPharm, BSc and BJourn. Entry for these typically falls between an APS of 34 and 45 or more, depending on the degree. Examples for 2027:
- BBusSc: 38 to 44 (Dean’s discretion) or 45+ for a provisional offer, with Mathematics at Level 6
- BCom: 34 to 39 (Dean’s discretion) or 40+, with Mathematics at Level 4
- BPharm: 40 to 44 (Dean’s discretion) or 45+, with Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Science at Level 5 (Level 6 for a provisional 45+)
- BSc: 39 to 44 (Dean’s discretion) or 45+
- BJourn: 34 to 44 (Dean’s discretion) or 45+
Requirements change between intake years, so use the current prospectus for the year you are applying for.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
To work out your Rhodes APS, take the percentage for each of your six subjects, divide each by 10 and add them up. Life Orientation earns no points but you need at least Level 4 (50%) in it.
Mathematics requirements depend on the degree. The prospectus lists Mathematics levels for the BBusSc and BCom, and Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Science levels for the BPharm. Check the prospectus entry for your degree before assuming Mathematical Literacy will be accepted.
Documents and Application Requirements
You apply online through the Rhodes application system (ROSS) at ross.ru.ac.za. For the 2027 intake you could apply using your final Grade 11 report or your Grade 12 Term 2 report.
The Rhodes entry requirements page, which refers to 2024 entry, states a non-refundable application fee of R100 payable when you submit. Confirm the fee for the current cycle before you pay.
Applicants with a foreign qualification need a Matriculation Board exemption certificate. For international applicants, Rhodes gives a firm offer at an APS of 40 or more, and holds applicants on 37 to 39 until the end of September.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Rhodes recommends that all first-time university-entering South African applicants write the NBTs: the AQL for everyone, and the MAT as well for Commerce, Pharmacy and Science. The results feed into the Dean’s decision for applicants in the discretionary band.
Meeting a minimum does not guarantee acceptance, so apply early in the window once it opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses does Rhodes University offer?
Degrees in six faculties: Humanities, Science, Commerce, Pharmacy, Education and Law. The 2027 prospectus includes the BBusSc, BCom, BEco, BPharm, BSc and BJourn, with entry typically from an APS of 34 up to 45 or more depending on the degree.
What APS do I need for Rhodes?
An APS of 45 or more gives automatic acceptance. Between about 36 and 44, the Dean decides, usually with special conditions. Individual degrees set their own ranges.
Does Rhodes accept Mathematical Literacy?
The prospectus sets Mathematics levels for degrees such as the BBusSc, BCom and BPharm, so check the entry for your degree. For the general bachelor’s pass, one of the four compulsory subjects is Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
When do Rhodes applications close?
For the 2027 intake, applications closed on 30 September 2026.
Confirm requirements with Rhodes University before you apply. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.