Rhodes University APS Requirements for 2027: Complete Admission Guide

If you are planning to study at Rhodes University in 2027, understanding the Admission Point Score (APS) system is essential before submitting your application.

Rhodes University uses APS together with programme-specific subject requirements to determine whether applicants qualify for undergraduate studies. While meeting the minimum APS is important, admission remains competitive and depends on available spaces and overall academic performance.

Knowing how APS is calculated and what your chosen programme requires can help you make informed decisions and strengthen your application.

What Is the Rhodes University APS?

The Admission Point Score (APS) is a method used to evaluate your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results for university admission.

Unlike some institutions, Rhodes calculates APS using six approved subjects while excluding Life Orientation. English and any subjects specifically required for your chosen programme must be included in the calculation.

Marks below 40% do not contribute to your APS score.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Before being considered for admission, applicants must:

• Qualify for Bachelor’s degree study.
• Obtain at least 50% (Level 4) in English.
• Achieve Level 4 (50–59%) or higher in at least four designated NSC subjects.
• Meet the APS and subject requirements for their chosen faculty or programme.

Meeting these minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission.

Recommended School Subjects

Rhodes recommends that prospective students take subjects that prepare them for university studies, including:

• Accounting
• Agricultural Sciences
• Business Studies
• Economics
• Geography
• History
• Information Technology
• Languages
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Literacy
• Physical Sciences
• Visual Arts

These subjects can support applications depending on the qualification you intend to pursue.

How Rhodes University Calculates APS

APS is calculated using six NSC subjects.

The calculation includes:

• English
• Subjects required for your chosen programme
• Additional qualifying subjects

Life Orientation is excluded from the calculation.

Only results of 40% or higher contribute towards your final APS score.

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

Minimum 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 or above

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 or above

Faculty of Education APS Requirements

Applicants must have:

• English: Level 4
• Mathematics: Level 3 or
• Mathematical Literacy: Level 4

APS categories:

• Dean’s Discretion: 39–43
• Automatic Admission: 44 or above

Faculty of Humanities APS Requirements

Requirements include:

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

APS categories:

• Extended Studies: 34–37
• Dean’s Discretion: 37–44
• Automatic Admission: 45 or above

Faculty of Science APS Requirements

Bachelor of Science Programmes

Applicants require:

• English Home Language: 60% or
• English First Additional Language: 65%
• Mathematics: Level 4
• Life Sciences or Physical Sciences: Level 5

APS categories:

• Dean’s Discretion: 39–44
• Automatic Admission: 45 or above

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 or above

Faculty of Pharmacy APS Requirements

Bachelor of Pharmacy

For Dean’s Discretion consideration:

• Mathematics: Level 5
• Life Sciences: Level 5
• Physical Sciences: Level 5

For provisional admission:

• Mathematics: Level 6
• Life Sciences: Level 6
• Physical Sciences: Level 6

APS categories:

• Dean’s Discretion: 40–44
• Automatic Admission: 45 or above

Faculty of Law APS Requirements

Applicants must have:

• 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 or above

Extended Studies Programme

Rhodes University offers an Extended Studies Programme for students who demonstrate academic potential but may not qualify for direct admission.

The programme:

• Extends the degree by one additional year.
• Provides additional academic support.
• Helps students transition successfully into university studies.

It offers an alternative pathway for eligible applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Dean’s Discretion Admissions

Students who narrowly miss automatic admission may still be considered through the Dean’s Discretion process.

Generally:

• APS scores between 38 and 44 may qualify.
• Faculties consider additional academic information and individual circumstances.
• Admission remains subject to available spaces.

National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)

Rhodes recommends that first-time university applicants complete the National Benchmark Tests.

The assessments include:

• Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL)
• Mathematics (MAT)

Strong NBT results may strengthen applications, particularly for students who fall slightly below standard APS requirements.

Important Things to Remember

Meeting the minimum APS and subject requirements does not guarantee admission.

Selection also depends on:

• Competition for available places
• Overall academic performance
• Faculty-specific admission criteria
• National Benchmark Test results where applicable

Highly competitive programmes may require stronger results than the published minimum requirements.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Admission

To maximise your chances:

• Apply as early as possible.
• Ensure your English and Mathematics marks meet programme requirements.
• Write the National Benchmark Tests if recommended.
• Carefully check faculty-specific subject requirements.
• Choose programmes that align with your APS score and academic strengths.

Being well prepared can significantly improve your prospects of receiving an offer.

Final Thoughts

The Rhodes University APS requirements for 2027 differ across faculties and qualifications, with many competitive programmes requiring APS scores of 40 to 45 or higher.

For students who do not meet direct admission requirements, the Extended Studies Programme and Dean’s Discretion process provide valuable alternative pathways into higher education.

Before applying, carefully review both the APS and subject requirements for your chosen qualification and ensure your application reflects your strongest academic achievements.