Rhodes University Entry Requirements: 2024/2025

We are pleased to present to you the Rhodes University Entry Requirements for the 2024–2025 session.  

Right now, you are thinking of enrolling for the prestigious Rhodes University and also wondering if you really have what it takes. You must have even played around the RHODES UNIVERSITY online application portal and even gone to the extent of attending the universityOpen day. Well, the RHODES UNIVERSITY entry requirements is at your finger-tips because, in this article, we are going to break down all the necessary admission requirements in details so you know where you fit in and which qualification matches your grade/result.  

This article you are reading contains all the necessary RHODES UNIVERSITY admission requirements for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students. Kindly ride along as we make your RHODES UNIVERSITY admission seamless and easy. 

RHODES UNIVERSITY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL COURSES 

Your application will only be considered for admission to the University if you qualify for Bachelor’s degree and satisfy the faculty requirements. To qualify for with a Bachelor’s pass status, learners are required to take seven subjects, four of which are compulsory (two languages, Life Orientation and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy) and three of the learner’s own choice from the subjects on offer at the school.

To qualify for degree studies at a university, at least four of the seven subjects must be from the list of ‘designated subjects’ set out below and the student must have obtained an achievement rating of 4 (adequate achievement of 50–59%) or above in these four subjects.

NOTE: If you meet the minimum admission requirements, this only means that you are eligible for selection; it does NOT mean that you will necessarily be accepted.

The designated subject list is:

Accounting                          Agricultural Science                       Business Studies

Consumer Studies,               Dramatic Arts                               Engineering Graphics and Design

Economics                           Geography and History

Information Technology        Languages                                   Life Sciences

Music Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy

Religion Studies                   Physical Science and Visual Arts.

The minimum entry requirements for admission to Rhodes University in 2018 are set out in the following table below. Note (a) the point levels that are required; (b) the differences in the achievement levels that are needed for Mathematical literacy; and (c) the need for Life and/or Physical Sciences for degrees in Science or mathematics.

Extended Studies Programme

• This is an alternative route to university studies at Rhodes.  A limited number of students who show potential to succeed are exposed to a carefully designed and supportive learning environment, which enhances their ability to succeed at Rhodes University.
• This option is for students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds on condition that they take their degree over an extra year at University.  It is therefore very important to give full information when completing the application form, as this is the information that the Dean will use in making a decision.

NATIONAL BENCHMARK TESTS (NBT’S)

• It is recommended that all first-time university-entering South African applicants write the NBT’s. If the applicant does not meet the automatic entry requirements, the NBT results will be used by the Dean to make decisions on applications. These test results can also be used if a candidate does not meet the entrance requirements in their final examinations.
• There are two NBT’s. The Academic and Quantitative literacy test (AQL) consists of two components, namely academic literacy and quantitative literacy. An applicant will be awarded separate scores for each component, even though they are written as one test. Applicants to all faculties should write the AQL. The Mathematics test is based on the Mathematics Grade 12 Syllabus. Applicants who wish to enter mathematics, Science or Commerce should write the Mathematics Test. One score is awarded for the Mathematics Test.
• For further information about the NBT’s dates and venues, please visit www.nbt.ac.za or 021 650 3523.

FURTHER READING: HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR RHODES UNIVERSITY ADMISSION POINT SCORE (APS)

International requirements

40 points and above will receive a firm offer; 37–39 points will remain on hold until the end of September to be considered by the Dean if space is available.

For candidates who offer A, O, HIGCSE & IGCSE, five different subjects are counted.  The basic minimum requirement for admission to the University is a certificate of Full Exemption or Foreign Conditional Exemption from the Matriculation Board. Applicants who have passed A levels are eligible for full exemption, provided the passes in approved subjects meet the following requirements:

• A-level:  symbols A-E (minimum of 2 subjects)
• AS-level: symbols A-D (4 subjects and 1 at O-level)
  
• O-level:  symbols A-C (maximum of 3 subjects)
  
• At least 2 subjects at A-level and 3 different subjects at O-level or 3 subjects at A-level and 2 at O-level
  
• HIGCSE/IGCSE qualification:
  
• HIGCSE:  symbols 1-3 (4 subjects)
  
• IGCSE:  symbols A-C (1 subject)
  
• International Baccalaureate (B)
  
• 3 high-level (HL) subjects:  Grade 4
  
• 4 Standard Level (SL) subjects:  Grade 5
  

Points rating

If you are applying for Pharmaceutics, your A-Levels or AS-Levels must include Mathematics, Science and Biology. If you are applying for Science your A-Levels, AS-Levels or O-Levels should include Mathematics, Science and Biology

With at least 1 subject from each of the following groups:

Please note that Psychology, Sociology, Physical Education, General papersand Thinking Skills are not recognised subjects for entry to a South African University.

If you have 2 A-level passes but do not have a second language, application should be made to HESA (through your University after registration) for a Foreign Conditional Exemption. The onus is on you to acquire this certificate.

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