Rhodes University Courses and Requirements (2026)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Rhodes University is one of South Africa’s most respected institutions, known for its academic excellence, small class sizes, and strong focus on the humanities and sciences. Located in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape, Rhodes offers a range of undergraduate programmes across its faculties. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the courses available and the admission requirements.

Rhodes University Courses and Requirements

Quick Reference Summary

Faculty Minimum APS Key Subject Requirements
Humanities 45+ (Automatic) English Level 4+; no specific Maths requirement
Commerce 45+ (Automatic) Mathematics (varies by programme)
Science 45+ (Automatic) Mathematics, Physical Science or Life Science
Pharmacy 45 (Automatic) Mathematics, Life Science, Physical Science
Education 40+ (Automatic) Two languages at Level 4; Maths/Maths Lit Level 3–4
Law (LLB) Varies English Level 5+; strong Humanities background

Note: Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; spaces are limited and selection is competitive.

General Admission Requirements

To qualify for degree studies at Rhodes University, you must:

  1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree Pass in your NSC.
  2. Pass English with Level 4 (50–59%) or above.
  3. Have at least four designated subjects at Level 4 or above.
  4. Meet the specific faculty requirements for your chosen programme.

Designated Subject List

Recognised subjects include: Accounting, Agricultural Science, Business Studies, Consumer Studies, Dramatic Arts, Economics, Geography, History, IT, Languages, Life Sciences, Mathematics/Maths Literacy, Music, Physical Science, Religion Studies, Visual Arts.

APS Calculation

Rhodes calculates APS using actual percentages, not NSC level points. Example: 78% = 7.8 points. Life Orientation is excluded.

Example:
English HL – 78% → 7.8 points
Afrikaans – 73% → 7.3 points
Maths – 69% → 6.9 points
Life Sciences – 70% → 7.0 points
Drama – 89% → 8.9 points
Accounting – 73% → 7.3 points
Total = 45.2 points

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APS Tiers

Faculty Extended Studies Dean’s Discretion Automatic Admission
Humanities 30–34 34–44 45+
Commerce 34–37 38–44 45+
Science — 38–44 45
Pharmacy — 40–44 45
Education 32–39 — 40+

Faculty of Humanities

Offers BA and BSocSci degrees with majors in African Languages, Afrikaans, Anthropology, Drama, English, Fine Art, French, Geography, German, History, Journalism, Music, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology.

Requirements:

  • APS 45+ automatic, 34–44 Dean’s discretion, 30–34 Extended Studies.
  • English Level 4 minimum.
  • Maths not required; Maths Literacy accepted.

Faculty of Commerce

Degrees: BBusSci (4 years), BCom (3 years), BEcon (3 years).
Departments: Accounting, Economics, Information Systems, Management, Statistics.

Requirements:

  • APS 45+ automatic, 38–44 Dean’s discretion, 34–37 Extended Studies.
  • English Level 4 minimum.
  • Mathematics required; Maths Literacy not accepted.

Faculty of Science

BSc degrees across Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geology, Human Kinetics, Ichthyology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology.

Requirements:

  • APS 45 automatic, 38–44 Dean’s discretion.
  • English Level 4 minimum.
  • Mathematics Level 4+ required.
  • Physical Science or Life Science required.

Faculty of Pharmacy

Bachelor of Pharmacy (4 years). Highly competitive.

Requirements:

  • APS 45 automatic, 40–44 Dean’s discretion.
  • English Level 4 minimum.
  • Mathematics, Life Science, Physical Science required.

Faculty of Law

LLB offered as 4-year undergraduate or 3-year postgraduate.

Requirements (4-year LLB):

  • English Level 5 minimum.
  • APS typically 40+.
  • Maths not strictly required; strong Humanities background preferred.

Faculty of Education

Trains teachers for primary and secondary schools.

Requirements:

  • APS 40+ automatic, 32–39 Extended Studies.
  • Two languages Level 4 minimum.
  • Maths or Maths Literacy Level 3–4.

National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)

  • AQL (Academic & Quantitative Literacy): All applicants.
  • MAT (Mathematics): Required for Commerce, Pharmacy, Science.
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Extended Studies Programme

For disadvantaged students with APS below automatic admission. Adds an extra year to the degree with strong academic support.

Application Process (2026)

  • Open: April 2025
  • Close: 30 September 2025 (no late applications)
  • Fee: R100

Apply via ROSS (https://ross.ru.ac.za (ross.ru.ac.za in Bing)). Submit Grade 11 results, ID, and programme-specific documents. Payment via EFT or online.

International Applicants

Require exemption certificates. APS 40+ = firm offer; 37–39 = waitlisted.

Accepted qualifications: A-Level, AS-Level, O-Level, IB.

FAQs

  • Minimum APS: 45 automatic, lower considered via discretion/extended.
  • Maths required? Yes for Commerce, Science, Pharmacy. Not for Humanities, Education, Law.
  • Mathematical Literacy accepted? Yes, for Humanities and Education.
  • Application deadline: 30 September 2025.
  • Application fee: R100.
  • Status check: Online via ROSS.

Summary Table

Faculty Degree Options Key Requirements APS Automatic
Humanities BA, BSocSci English L4; no Maths 45+
Commerce BCom, BBusSci, BEcon Maths required 45+
Science BSc Maths + Science subject 45
Pharmacy BPharm Maths, Life Science, Physical Science 45
Law LLB English L5; Humanities background Competitive
Education BEd Two languages L4; Maths/Maths Lit L3–4 40+

Conclusion

Rhodes University offers diverse undergraduate programmes across Humanities, Commerce, Science, Pharmacy, Law, and Education. While APS 45 is the benchmark for automatic admission, students with lower scores may still be considered. Mathematics is essential for Commerce, Science, and Pharmacy, but Humanities, Education, and Law provide opportunities for students without Pure Mathematics.