Rhodes University Admission Requirements for 2028 Application

Rhodes University Admission Requirements for 2028 Application

If you are planning to apply to Rhodes University for the 2028 academic year, understanding the admission requirements early can help you choose the right subjects, calculate your Admission Point Score (APS), prepare for the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs), and submit a complete application.

Rhodes University, located in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, uses a combination of the applicant’s school-leaving qualification, APS, subject choices, faculty-specific requirements and other relevant information when considering undergraduate applications. Importantly, meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission.

The final Rhodes University admission requirements for 2028 should be confirmed against the university’s official 2028 admission information when it is released. The university currently provides an Undergraduate Prospectus 2027 through its Registrar’s student recruitment resources, while its current admissions information and 2026 prospectus provide the latest published framework for planning ahead.

This guide explains the key Rhodes University admission requirements for 2028, including APS requirements, NSC and IEB requirements, subject requirements, faculty requirements, NBTs, international student requirements, the Extended Studies Programme and the application process.

What Are the Rhodes University Admission Requirements for 2028?

Rhodes University does not have one admission requirement that applies to every undergraduate programme.

Instead, applicants must satisfy the general requirements for bachelor’s degree study and the specific requirements of the faculty or programme they have selected.

For South African applicants, the university’s admissions policy states that applicants seeking admission to an undergraduate degree must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s pass or matric exemption, together with the relevant faculty academic requirements.

The main factors prospective students should consider for 2028 include:

• A recognised school-leaving qualification
• Bachelor’s degree admission status
• Rhodes University APS
• Required Grade 12 subjects
• Required subject achievement levels
• English-language requirements
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirements where applicable
• Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences for relevant programmes
• NBT results where applicable
• Faculty-specific requirements
• Availability of places
• Additional information considered by the relevant Dean

The university’s admissions policy confirms that admission to degree programmes is based on the applicant’s APS and the combination of subjects taken, according to faculty requirements.

Rhodes University APS Score for 2028

The Admission Point Score (APS) is an important component of the Rhodes University admission process.

According to the university’s current admissions information, applicants calculate their APS by taking the percentage obtained in six subjects and dividing each percentage by 10. The six subject scores are then added together. Life Orientation is not included in the APS calculation.

For example, a student who obtains the following results could calculate their APS as follows:

This calculation illustrates the Rhodes University system. Applicants should nevertheless check which six subjects are relevant to their particular programme because required subjects can affect the admission assessment.

What Is the Minimum APS Score for Rhodes University?

There is no single APS requirement for every Rhodes University programme.

The university’s current entry requirements show different thresholds depending on the faculty and programme. For example, the published requirements identify 45+ points for automatic acceptance in a number of areas, while applicants with lower scores may be considered through Dean’s discretion or an Extended Studies pathway, subject to the relevant requirements.

The university’s admissions policy also states that applicants whose APS is below the minimum for automatic acceptance may have their NBT performance and other indicators considered in admission decisions at the Dean’s discretion.

Therefore, prospective 2028 applicants should not interpret a single APS figure as a guaranteed admission score.

Rhodes University NSC and IEB Admission Requirements

Applicants who completed the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examinations Board (IEB) qualification must first qualify for bachelor’s degree study.

The current Rhodes University undergraduate information states that applicants must take seven subjects, including the compulsory subjects required for bachelor’s pass status, and must satisfy the university’s academic requirements.

Applicants should pay particular attention to:

• English
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
• A second language
• Three additional recognised subjects
• The subject requirements of the intended degree

Rhodes University also states that applicants need an English achievement rating of at least Level 4 (50–59%) for degree study, while individual faculties can require higher English marks.

Rhodes University Faculty Admission Requirements

Rhodes University Courses

One of the most important aspects of applying to Rhodes University is understanding that requirements vary between faculties.

The following provides an overview of the currently published requirements that applicants can use when planning for 2028. These figures should be checked against the official 2028 prospectus when available.

Rhodes University Commerce Admission Requirements

For BCom programmes, the current Rhodes University entry requirements include:

• English Level 4 (50–59%)
• Mathematics Level 4 (50–59%)
• APS requirements that vary according to the admission route

For the Bachelor of Business Science, the published requirement includes:

• English Level 4
• Mathematics Level 6 (70–79%)

The current entry requirements show higher APS thresholds for automatic acceptance than for some alternative admission routes.

Students interested in accounting, economics, finance, business management and related fields should therefore check the exact requirements of their intended qualification rather than relying only on the general Rhodes University APS requirement.

Rhodes University Education Admission Requirements

Students interested in teaching and education should pay attention to the specific requirements for Education programmes.

The current Rhodes University entry requirements list:

• English Level 4 (50–59%)
• Mathematics Level 3 (40–49%), or
• Mathematical Literacy Level 4 (50–59%)

The published APS ranges vary according to the admission route, with higher points associated with stronger admission consideration.

Applicants should also check the exact teaching specialisation and curriculum requirements for the programme they intend to pursue.

Rhodes University Humanities Admission Requirements

Humanities programmes have their own subject requirements.

The current requirements specify:

• English Home Language: 60%
• English First Additional Language: 65%

The published information also identifies different APS ranges for Extended Studies, Dean’s Discretion and higher-level admission consideration.

Students considering programmes such as Journalism, History, Politics, Sociology, Psychology, Languages, Philosophy or other humanities-related disciplines should check the requirements of the particular degree.

Rhodes University Science Admission Requirements

Students planning to study science at Rhodes University should pay particular attention to Mathematics and the science subjects.

For many BSc programmes, the current requirements include:

• English Home Language: 60%, or English First Additional Language: 65%
• Mathematics: Level 4 (50–59%)
• Life Sciences Level 5 (60–69%) or Physical Sciences Level 5 (60–69%)

The current information lists higher APS requirements for automatic acceptance and alternative consideration routes.

This makes subject selection particularly important for Grade 10–12 learners who are considering science-related university programmes.

Rhodes University Information Systems Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Information Systems has specific requirements that differ from the general BSc requirements.

The current Rhodes University information lists:

• English Level 5 (60–69%)
• Mathematics at 70%
• Life Sciences Level 5 (60–69%) or Physical Sciences Level 5 (60–69%)

An APS of 45 or higher is listed for the higher admission category.

Students interested in information systems, computing and technology-related careers should therefore check the exact 2028 programme requirements before applying.

Rhodes University Pharmacy Admission Requirements

Pharmacy is another programme where applicants need to meet specific science requirements.

The current requirements identify the following for Dean’s Discretion consideration:

• Mathematics Level 5 (60–69%)
• Life Sciences Level 5 (60–69%)
• Physical Sciences Level 5 (60–69%)

For a provisional offer, the published requirements specify:

• Mathematics Level 6 (70–79%)
• Life Sciences Level 6 (70–79%)
• Physical Sciences Level 6 (70–79%)

The current APS ranges also distinguish between different admission routes.

Because Pharmacy has specific science requirements, prospective students should make sure they take the appropriate subjects before applying.

Rhodes University Law Admission Requirements

The current Rhodes University requirements for Law include specific language and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirements.

Applicants should have:

• English Home Language Level 5 (60–69%), or
• English First Additional Language Level 6 (70–79%)
• Mathematics Level 4 (50–59%), or
• Mathematics Literacy Level 5 (60–69%)

The published requirements also identify APS ranges for different admission categories.

For 2028, applicants should confirm these figures in the official programme information before submitting an application.

Is the NBT Required for Rhodes University?

The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are an important part of Rhodes University’s admissions process.

Rhodes University recommends that first-time South African university applicants write the NBTs. The university explains that NBT results can be considered when an applicant does not meet the automatic admission requirements, including when final examination results fall short of the required threshold.

The NBT system includes:

Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test

The AQL consists of:

• Academic Literacy
• Quantitative Literacy

Rhodes University states that all applicants should write the AQL.

Mathematics Test

The Mathematics test is relevant to applicants seeking entry into:

• Commerce
• Pharmacy
• Science

Applicants should check the latest Rhodes University and NBT instructions for their particular programme before registering for the tests.

Rhodes University Extended Studies Programme

Rhodes University provides an Extended Studies Programme as an alternative pathway for a limited number of students who demonstrate potential to succeed in university studies but do not meet the requirements for standard admission.

The programme provides additional academic support and allows the degree to be completed over an extended period.

The university’s current admissions policy states that Extended Studies programmes are available in Science, Humanities and Commerce, with degrees completed over four rather than the regular three years. Admission is based on an APS of at least 34 points and is at the Dean’s discretion, taking performance in relevant subjects into account.

The current undergraduate information similarly notes that applicants with APS scores below automatic acceptance may still be considered under alternative admission arrangements.

Does Meeting the Rhodes University Minimum Requirements Guarantee Admission?

No.

This is an important point for every 2028 applicant.

Rhodes University explicitly states that obtaining the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Admission can depend on factors including:

• APS
• Subject combinations
• Faculty requirements
• NBT performance
• The number of available places
• The applicant’s academic record
• Information provided in the application
• Dean’s discretion where applicable

The university’s admissions policy confirms that applicants below automatic acceptance thresholds may still be considered using additional information, including NBT results.

Rhodes University Admission Requirements for International Students

International students have additional requirements.

Rhodes University’s admissions policy states that an appropriate international qualification equivalent to the South African National Senior Certificate may be considered for undergraduate admission. Before admission, an international applicant must provide, or apply for, the appropriate USAf Certificate of Exemption where required.

International applicants should therefore prepare:

• Passport
• School-leaving certificate
• Academic transcripts/results
• Evidence of eligibility for university study
• USAf/Matriculation Board documentation where applicable
• English proficiency evidence where required
• Other documents requested by Rhodes University

Rhodes University Requirements for A-Level and Other International Qualifications

Rhodes University accepts certain international school-leaving qualifications, but the requirements depend on the qualification and programme.

For example, the university’s international application information states that applicants who have completed A-Level or Cambridge examinations may qualify for exemption where they have two A-Level passes at A, B or C, or an equivalent qualification. O-Level passes alone are not sufficient for this route.

For international applicants who are still completing their school-leaving examinations, Rhodes University requests relevant school results and may issue a provisional offer based on available results.

Applicants from outside South Africa should therefore check the requirements for their specific national qualification rather than converting their results themselves.

English Language Requirements for International Applicants

International applicants whose primary language is not English may need to provide evidence of English proficiency.

Rhodes University’s current language requirements state that English Foreign Language applicants may be required to submit an IELTS result with an overall band score of 7.0, with no individual component below 6.0.

Applicants should check whether their previous education qualifies for an exemption from an English-language test before registering for one.

Rhodes University Study Visa Requirements

International students who are not South African citizens or permanent residents require the appropriate study permission before registering.

Rhodes University states that international students must have a valid study permit/study visa before registration. The university advises students to obtain the appropriate visa before travelling to South Africa.

Visa applications may require documents such as:

• Official university acceptance letter
• Medical and radiological reports
• Proof of medical insurance
• Accommodation information
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Police clearance
• Other immigration documents

Visa requirements can change, so international applicants should also check the South African diplomatic mission in their country.

Rhodes University Transfer Student Requirements

Students who have previously studied at another university can also apply to Rhodes University.

The university’s admissions policy states that transfer applicants must provide an official academic transcript. Applicants seeking admission to the second or subsequent year should provide evidence that they have completed an appropriate number of higher-education credits at a recognised and accredited institution.

Applicants transferring from another institution should therefore provide complete academic records and carefully explain the programme and year of study they are applying for.

Rhodes University Application Requirements for 2028

When the 2028 application cycle opens, applicants should prepare their documents and information before beginning the online application.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need:

• South African ID or passport
• Grade 11 results
• Latest Grade 12 results, if available
• Final NSC/IEB certificate when available
• Previous university academic records, if applicable
• International qualifications
• USAf exemption documentation where applicable
• NBT information
• Other programme-specific documentation

Rhodes University warns that inaccurate or incomplete application information can delay processing, while false information can result in rejection.

Rhodes University Application Closing Date

Applicants should pay close attention to application deadlines.

Rhodes University’s current admissions information indicates that applications are generally expected before the end of September, while the university’s international application procedure states that 30 September is the closing date for foreign applications and that late foreign applications cannot be considered.

However, applicants planning for 2028 should confirm the official closing date once the 2028 application cycle is published.

Do not rely on a previous year’s deadline as the final 2028 deadline.

Rhodes University Application Fee

Rhodes University’s current information lists a R100 non-refundable application fee.

Because fees and application procedures can change, prospective 2028 students should verify the applicable amount on the official Rhodes University application website when submitting their application.

How to Apply to Rhodes University for 2028

The application process can generally be approached in the following steps:

Step 1: Choose your programme

Decide which qualification you want to study.

Step 2: Check the programme requirements

Review the required:

• APS
• English level
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
• Science subjects
• Other programme-specific subjects

Step 3: Calculate your APS

Use your six relevant subjects and Rhodes University’s APS calculation method.

Step 4: Check NBT requirements

Determine which NBTs apply to your programme and complete them where required or recommended.

Step 5: Prepare supporting documents

Gather your identification, academic results and other required documents.

Step 6: Complete the application

Use the official Rhodes University application system and provide accurate information.

Step 7: Pay the application fee

Where applicable, pay the prescribed non-refundable application fee.

Step 8: Submit before the deadline

Do not wait until the final day to submit your application.

Step 9: Monitor your application

Keep checking your application communications and respond promptly if Rhodes University requests additional information.

Tips for Students Applying to Rhodes University in 2028

1. Start preparing early

Do not wait for the 2028 application portal to open before checking admission requirements.

2. Choose Grade 12 subjects strategically

Your subjects can determine whether you qualify for particular programmes.

3. Work on your APS

A strong academic record can be important because Rhodes University uses APS as one of its admission indicators.

4. Pay attention to Mathematics

Students interested in Commerce, Science, Pharmacy, Information Systems and other quantitative fields should carefully check the Mathematics requirements.

5. Take the NBT seriously

NBT results can form part of the admission assessment, particularly when an applicant does not meet automatic entry requirements.

6. Do not rely only on the general requirements

Always check your specific degree because faculty requirements can differ substantially.

7. Apply before the deadline

A late application can create unnecessary problems, particularly for international applicants.

8. Check the official 2028 prospectus

The requirements published for 2026 or 2027 are useful for planning but should not be treated as the final 2028 rules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhodes University Admission Requirements 2028

What APS score do I need for Rhodes University in 2028?

There is no single APS requirement for every programme. The current university information shows different requirements by faculty and programme, with 45+ APS used for automatic acceptance in a number of areas. Applicants below that level may be considered through alternative routes, depending on the programme and circumstances.

Does Rhodes University accept Mathematical Literacy?

Yes. Mathematical Literacy is accepted for certain programmes, but the required achievement level varies. Applicants should check the specific programme requirements.

Is NBT compulsory for Rhodes University?

Rhodes University recommends that first-time South African university applicants write the NBTs. The results may be considered in admission decisions, especially where applicants do not meet automatic entry requirements.

Can I get into Rhodes University with an APS below 45?

An APS below 45 does not necessarily end the application process. Rhodes University has Dean’s Discretion and Extended Studies routes for eligible applicants, subject to programme requirements and available opportunities.

Does Rhodes University guarantee admission if I meet the minimum requirements?

No. Rhodes University specifically states that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

What English mark do I need for Rhodes University?

The general degree-study requirement currently includes English at Level 4 (50–59%), but individual programmes can require higher English achievement levels.

When should I apply for Rhodes University 2028?

Applicants should apply as soon as the 2028 application cycle opens and before the official closing date. The current application information uses the end of September as the general deadline, with 30 September specifically stated for foreign applications. Confirm the final 2028 deadline with Rhodes University.

Final Thoughts on Rhodes University Admission Requirements for 2028

The Rhodes University admission requirements for 2028 will depend on the programme and faculty you choose. The university’s current admission framework requires applicants to qualify for bachelor’s degree study and satisfy the academic requirements of their chosen faculty. APS, subject combinations, English performance, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and science subjects can all be important depending on the programme.

For prospective students, the best preparation is to start early. Calculate your APS, check your subjects against your preferred qualification, prepare for the NBT where applicable and make sure your application contains accurate information.

Most importantly, applicants should remember that minimum requirements are not a guarantee of admission. Rhodes University can consider additional factors and uses different admission routes, including Dean’s Discretion and Extended Studies, in appropriate circumstances.

Because this article is intended to remain useful beyond one application cycle, the figures above should be treated as a planning guide based on the latest official Rhodes University information available, rather than a replacement for the official 2028 prospectus. When Rhodes University publishes its final 2028 admission requirements, applicants should compare the new requirements with the information in this guide before submitting an application.