Rhodes University Prospectus for 2028 Application: Courses, Admission Requirements, Fees and How to Apply
If you are planning to study at Rhodes University in 2028, the Rhodes University prospectus is an important resource to consult before submitting your application. It provides prospective students with information about academic programmes, admission requirements, application procedures, faculties, student support, financial assistance and other important aspects of studying at the university. Continue to read more about Rhodes University Prospectus for 2028 Application.
However, applicants searching for the Rhodes University Prospectus for 2028 Application should be aware of an important distinction: the university’s official website currently lists the Undergraduate Prospectus 2027 as its latest undergraduate prospectus. Therefore, the final 2028 prospectus should be treated as the authoritative document once Rhodes University publishes it.
This guide uses current official Rhodes University admission information to provide an evergreen overview for students preparing for the 2028 application cycle. Requirements, dates, fees and programme details can change, so applicants should verify the final 2028 information directly with Rhodes University before applying.
What Is the Rhodes University Prospectus?
The Rhodes University prospectus is a guide for prospective students who want to understand the university’s academic programmes and admission process.
A prospectus can help applicants find information about:
- Undergraduate courses and degree programmes
- Faculties and academic departments
- Admission requirements
- Admission Point Score (APS)
- Required school subjects
- Application procedures
- Application deadlines
- International student requirements
- Financial assistance
- Student accommodation
- Campus information
- Academic and student support
- Contact information
Rhodes University’s official Admission Gateway currently provides links to Entry Requirements, International Student Information, Application Procedure, Application Forms, Fees and Financial Aid, Curriculum Selection and the undergraduate prospectus.
For this reason, prospective students should use the prospectus together with the university’s online admission information rather than relying on third-party summaries alone.
Is the Rhodes University Prospectus for 2028 Available?
At the time of writing, the official Rhodes University website lists the Undergraduate Prospectus 2027 as its current undergraduate prospectus. A separate official 2028 undergraduate prospectus has not been identified on the university’s website yet.
This means students preparing for 2028 should not mistake a 2027 prospectus for the final 2028 prospectus.
The 2027 prospectus and current admission rules can be useful for planning, but the final 2028 document should be checked when released.
This is particularly important for:
- Admission requirements
- Application closing dates
- Application fees
- Tuition fees
- Residence fees
- Programme availability
- APS requirements
- Faculty-specific requirements
- Financial aid information
An evergreen approach is therefore to use the current official requirements as a planning framework while checking the university’s website for updates when the 2028 application cycle begins.
What Does the Rhodes University Prospectus Cover?
The prospectus is designed to help prospective students understand what Rhodes University offers and what is required for admission.
Some of the most important sections prospective students should look for include:
1. Academic Programmes
Students can use the prospectus to identify degrees and areas of study offered by Rhodes University.
2. Admission Requirements
This section explains the academic qualifications, APS requirements, subjects and other conditions applicants must satisfy.
3. Application Process
The prospectus and Admission Gateway provide information about how prospective students can apply.
4. Faculties and Departments
Applicants can use the university’s academic information to identify the faculty and department associated with their preferred qualification.
5. Financial Assistance
Information about financial aid can help students understand available funding opportunities and the process for requesting assistance.
6. Student Life
The prospectus also provides prospective students with information that can help them understand the university environment and student experience.
Rhodes University Admission Requirements for 2028
Although the final 2028 requirements should be confirmed when the official prospectus is released, the university’s current entry requirements provide an important guide.
Rhodes University states that an applicant’s application will only be considered if the applicant qualifies for bachelor’s degree study and satisfies the relevant faculty requirements.
For South African applicants following the National Senior Certificate (NSC), the university requires a Bachelor’s pass status and the relevant faculty requirements.
Rhodes University’s current entry requirements state that applicants must pass English at an achievement rating of 4 (50–59%) or above. Applicants must also obtain an achievement rating of at least 4 in at least four of the seven subjects from the university’s recommended subject list, while also meeting the faculty’s specific subject and percentage requirements.
The recommended subject list includes subjects such as:
- Accounting
- Agricultural Science
- Business Studies
- Consumer Studies
- Dramatic Arts
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Languages
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- Mathematical Literacy
- Music
- Physical Science
- Religion Studies
- Visual Arts
The precise requirements depend on the programme and faculty.
Rhodes University APS Requirements
The Admission Point Score (APS) is an important part of the Rhodes University admission process.
Rhodes University’s admissions policy states that admission to a degree programme is based on the applicant’s APS and the combination of subjects taken for the NSC, according to the relevant faculty requirements.
The university’s current entry requirements indicate that an APS of 45 points is used for automatic acceptance, while applicants below that level may still be considered under the Dean’s discretion process. Rhodes notes that some places may be offered to applicants with APS scores between 38 and 44, subject to additional conditions.
This does not mean that every Rhodes University programme has exactly the same APS requirement.
The relevant faculty and degree requirements must always be checked.
Important
Meeting the published minimum does not automatically guarantee acceptance. Rhodes University explicitly states that obtaining the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
This distinction is important for applicants planning for 2028.
Rhodes University Courses and Faculties
Rhodes University offers undergraduate study across several academic fields.
Prospective applicants can explore programmes through the university’s curriculum selection information and faculty pages.
Depending on the qualification, students may find programmes related to areas such as:
- Commerce
- Humanities
- Science
- Pharmacy
- Law
- Education
- Journalism and Media Studies
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Management
- Accounting
- Psychology
- Politics
- Sociology
- Languages
- Environmental and related scientific fields
The exact list of qualifications and curriculum combinations for 2028 should be confirmed against the official 2028 prospectus once available.
Applicants should also note that Rhodes University’s current online application system specifically states that the university does not offer Engineering, Architecture, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Medicine or Actuarial Science.
This is useful information for prospective applicants because it can prevent students from selecting a university that does not offer their intended professional degree.
Rhodes University Commerce Requirements
The Faculty of Commerce includes areas such as:
- Accounting
- Economics
- Information Systems
- Management
Current Rhodes University prospectus material has historically listed different APS and subject requirements for programmes such as the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Business Science.
For example, older official prospectus material shows different APS thresholds for BCom and Bachelor of Business Science programmes and different Mathematics requirements.
Because these requirements can change, applicants should not use historical figures as confirmed 2028 requirements.
Instead, students should check the programme-specific requirements in the official 2028 prospectus.
Rhodes University Humanities Requirements
Rhodes University offers several humanities and social science fields, including areas such as:
- Languages
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Politics
- Drama
- English
- Legal Theory
- Journalism
Applicants should pay particular attention to language requirements because the required level can differ according to the degree.
The university’s general entry requirements currently require English at an achievement rating of at least Level 4 (50–59%). Individual programmes can impose additional requirements.
Rhodes University Science Requirements
Students interested in science-related programmes should carefully examine subject requirements before applying.
Depending on the programme, relevant school subjects can include:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
- Life Sciences
- Information Technology
The required subjects and minimum achievement levels can differ by degree.
Therefore, having a high overall APS does not necessarily compensate for the absence of a subject that a particular programme requires.
Students interested in science should therefore check the specific curriculum and entry requirements before finalising their Grade 12 subject choices.
National Benchmark Tests at Rhodes University
The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are another consideration for prospective students.
Rhodes University recommends that first-time South African university applicants write the NBTs. The university explains that where an applicant does not meet automatic entry requirements, NBT results can form part of the Dean’s decision-making process. The results can also be considered where a candidate does not meet the entrance requirements in their final examinations.
Applicants should therefore consider taking the NBTs even when they believe their academic results may be sufficient.
However, students should check the requirements applicable to their particular application year and programme.
Rhodes University Extended Studies Programme
One of the alternative pathways highlighted by Rhodes University is its Extended Studies Programme.
The university describes this as an alternative route to university studies for a limited number of students who show potential to succeed but may not meet the requirements for standard admission.
The programme provides additional academic support and takes an additional year. Rhodes University states that the option is intended for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are selected for the programme.
Applicants who are not automatically accepted should therefore provide complete and accurate information in their application because the university indicates that the information supplied can be considered during the Dean’s decision-making process.
Rhodes University Admission for International Students
International applicants can also apply to Rhodes University, but additional requirements may apply.
Rhodes University’s admissions policy states that international qualifications may be considered where they are regarded as equivalent to the South African National Senior Certificate and meet applicable requirements. International applicants may also need a USAf Certificate of Exemption, or evidence that they have applied for one.
The university’s international application information also explains that applicants with international school-leaving qualifications may need to provide appropriate examination results.
For example, the university states that applicants following A-Level or equivalent qualifications may qualify for exemption through recognised qualifications where they achieve the required results.
International applicants should therefore start the exemption and document-verification process early.
Rhodes University Application Date for 2028
Application dates are among the most important details to confirm when preparing for university admission.
Rhodes University’s current admission information states that completed undergraduate applications for admission should be received by 30 September for enrolment in the following year. The university’s 2026 academic calendar also states that late applications will only be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.
International applicants should pay particular attention to the deadline because Rhodes University states that late foreign applications cannot be considered and that the closing date is strictly enforced.
For the 2028 intake, applicants should verify the final deadline once the official 2028 application information is released.
How to Apply to Rhodes University for 2028
Rhodes University provides an online application platform known as ROSS.
The current online admissions system allows applicants to register, provide personal information, select proposed programmes, enter school results and upload supporting documentation.
A typical application process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Degree
Identify the Rhodes University qualification you want to study.
Step 2: Check the Requirements
Review the programme’s:
- APS requirement
- Subject requirements
- Language requirements
- Required achievement levels
- NBT requirements
- Other selection criteria
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your:
- South African ID or passport
- School results
- Academic transcripts, where applicable
- Certificates
- International qualification documents, if applicable
- Other supporting documents requested by the university
Step 4: Register on ROSS
Create your online application account and provide the requested information.
Step 5: Complete the Application
The application platform asks for information relating to your personal details, proposed registration, previous studies, school information, financial assistance and other relevant information.
Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents
Make sure your required documents are uploaded correctly.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
The current ROSS system states that a R100 application fee is required after submitting the application. Because fees can change, applicants should verify the amount for the 2028 application cycle.
Step 8: Submit and Monitor Your Application
Review your information carefully before submission. The current system warns applicants that once the application is submitted, they cannot edit it again online.
Documents Required for Rhodes University Application
The exact documentation depends on your applicant category.
Applicants may need to provide:
- Identification document
- Passport, where applicable
- School results
- NSC certificate
- International school-leaving certificate
- Academic transcript for previous university studies
- Certificate of conduct for applicants transferring from another university
- Supporting documentation for financial assistance
- Other documents requested by Rhodes University
Rhodes University states that applicants who have previously attended another tertiary institution should provide a full academic transcript.
The online application system also requests supporting documents for school results and academic transcripts where applicable.
Rhodes University Transfer Students
Students who have already attended another higher education institution may apply to Rhodes University.
The university’s admissions policy states that transfer applicants should submit an official academic transcript and, where relevant, a certificate of satisfactory conduct from their previous institution. Applicants seeking admission into the second or subsequent year should provide evidence that they have completed an appropriate number of higher-education credits from a recognised accredited institution.
This means transfer applicants should not simply submit their Grade 12 results. Their previous university record is an important part of the application.
Rhodes University Financial Aid and Funding
Rhodes University Scholarships and Bursaries
Financing university education is an important consideration for prospective students.
The Rhodes University application system includes a section where South African students can indicate that they want to receive an application form for financial assistance. However, completing this section does not guarantee that financial aid will be awarded.
Students should research financial assistance opportunities early and carefully check eligibility, deadlines and documentation requirements.
The university’s Admission Gateway also provides information about fees and financial aid.
How to Prepare for the Rhodes University 2028 Application
Rhodes University 2028 Application
Students planning to apply for 2028 can begin preparing well before applications open.
Check your subjects
Make sure your Grade 11 and Grade 12 subject choices align with the degree you want to study.
Calculate your APS
Use your latest results to estimate whether you are likely to meet the relevant programme requirements.
Improve your academic results
If you are still in school, focus particularly on subjects that are specifically required for your intended programme.
Consider the NBTs
First-time South African applicants are encouraged by Rhodes University to write the NBTs.
Prepare documents early
Do not wait until the final days before the deadline to search for certificates, transcripts and identification documents.
Research funding
Investigate financial assistance before submitting your application.
Apply before the deadline
Avoid depending on late applications, particularly if you are an international applicant, because Rhodes University states that late international applications cannot be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rhodes University Prospectus 2028
Is the Rhodes University Prospectus 2028 available?
The university’s official website currently lists the Undergraduate Prospectus 2027 as its latest undergraduate prospectus. Applicants should check the official Rhodes University website for the release of the 2028 version.
Where can I find the Rhodes University Prospectus?
The prospectus is available through the university’s official Admission Gateway and prospective-student resources.
What APS score do I need for Rhodes University?
Rhodes University’s current entry information states that an APS of 45 points is associated with automatic acceptance, while some applicants below that level may be considered at the Dean’s discretion. Programme-specific requirements also apply.
Does meeting the minimum APS guarantee admission?
No. Rhodes University explicitly states that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Does Rhodes University accept international students?
Yes. Rhodes University has an international admissions process, although international applicants must meet applicable qualification and exemption requirements.
When should I apply for Rhodes University 2028?
The current university information uses 30 September as the undergraduate application deadline for admission in the following year. Applicants should confirm the official 2028 deadline when applications open.
Does Rhodes University offer Medicine or Engineering?
The current Rhodes University online application system states that the university does not offer Engineering, Architecture, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Medicine or Actuarial Science.
Final Thoughts on the Rhodes University Prospectus for 2028 Application
The Rhodes University Prospectus for 2028 Application will be an essential reference for students who intend to begin their studies at Rhodes University in 2028. At present, the university’s official website lists its 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus, so applicants should use current official information for planning while waiting for the 2028 prospectus to be published.
The most important preparation steps are to identify your preferred programme, check the faculty-specific admission requirements, calculate your APS, ensure that you have the required subjects, consider writing the NBTs, prepare your supporting documents and monitor the official application dates.
Applicants should also remember that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Rhodes University considers programme and faculty requirements as part of its admissions process, and some applicants may be considered through Dean’s discretion or alternative pathways.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, prospective students should consult the official Rhodes University Admission Gateway and the university’s official undergraduate prospectus resources. These should be treated as the primary sources when the Rhodes University Prospectus 2028 and 2028 application information become available.