This guide outlines the essential requirements for entry into various faculties at Rhodes University, ensuring that you are well-prepared for your application.
General Admission Criteria
To gain admission to Rhodes University, students must meet the following general criteria:
- Bachelor’s Pass: Students must qualify for a Bachelor’s pass, which entails achieving a minimum of four subjects at a rating of 4 (50-59%) or above in the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
- English Proficiency: A minimum achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) in English is mandatory.
- Recommended Subjects: At least four subjects must be selected from the recommended subject list, which includes Mathematics, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and more.
Minimum Faculty Requirements
Different faculties at Rhodes University have specific entry requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the minimum requirements for the most popular programs:
1. Commerce
- BCom Programs: English Level 4 (50-59%), Mathematics Level 4 (50-59%)
- Bachelor of Business Science: English Level 4 (50-59%), Mathematics Level 6 (70-79%)
- APS Range: 34-44
2. Education
- Requirements: English Level 4 (50-59%), Mathematics Level 3 (40-49%), or Mathematics Literacy Level 4 (50-59%)
- APS Range: 39-44
3. Humanities
- Requirements: English Home Language (60%) or English First Additional Language (65%)
- APS Range: 34-45+
4. Pharmacy
- Dean’s Discretion: Mathematics, Life Science, and Physical Science all at Level 5 (60-69%)
- Provisional Offer: All subjects at Level 6 (70-79%)
- APS Range: 40-44
5. Science
- BSc Programs: English Home Language (60%), English First Additional Language (65%), Mathematics Level 4 (50-59%), and either Life Science or Physical Science Level 5 (60-69%)
- APS Range: 39-45+
6. Law
- Requirements: English Home Language Level 5 (60-69%), English First Additional Language Level 6 (70-79%), Mathematics Level 4 (50-59%)
- APS Range: 40-45+
Calculating Your Admission Point Score (APS)
Your APS is calculated based on the percentages obtained in your NSC examinations. Each subject’s percentage contributes to the overall score, excluding Life Orientation. Here’s how to calculate it:
- Convert Percentages: For each subject, convert your percentage into points using the formula:
- Achievement Rating: 80-100% = 7 points, 70-79% = 6 points, 60-69% = 5 points, 50-59% = 4 points, 40-49% = 3 points, below 40% = 0 points.
- Total Points: Sum the points from your best six subjects to obtain your APS.
Example Calculation
| Subject | Percentage | Points |
|---|---|---|
| English Home Language | 78% | 7.8 |
| Afrikaans/isiXhosa | 73% | 7.3 |
| Mathematics | 69% | 6.9 |
| Life Sciences | 70% | 7.0 |
| Dramatic Arts | 89% | 8.9 |
| Accounting | 73% | 7.3 |
| Total | 45.2 |
Special Considerations
- Dean’s Decisions: Students with an APS between 38-44 may still be considered at the Dean’s discretion, often with additional conditions or through the Extended Studies Programme.
- National Benchmark Tests (NBTs): It’s advisable for first-time applicants to complete the NBTs, which include tests on academic and quantitative literacy as well as mathematics. These results can impact your admission decision.
International Applicants
International candidates must achieve an APS of 40 points and above for a firm offer. Requirements vary based on qualifications such as A-levels, AS-levels, and others. A minimum of two subjects at A-level and three at O-level is generally required.
Applying to Rhodes University
To apply, follow these steps:
- Register online at the Rhodes University Admissions Gateway.
- Complete the application form and submit it.
- Pay the R100 application fee.
- Ensure all documents are submitted by the deadline.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.