Rhodes University in Makhanda offers undergraduate degrees through six faculties: Commerce, Education, Humanities, Law, Pharmacy and Science. Each faculty sets its own entry requirements. The details below come from Rhodes's entry requirements and its 2026 fees booklet.
Rhodes's faculties
- Faculty of Commerce: BCom degrees and the Bachelor of Business Science, which needs English at level 4 and Mathematics at level 6
- Faculty of Education: teacher education degrees
- Faculty of Humanities: BA degrees and related programmes
- Faculty of Law: the LLB
- Faculty of Pharmacy: the Bachelor of Pharmacy, with provisional offers for applicants with level 6 in Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences
- Faculty of Science: BSc programmes, including Information Systems, which need English at 60% (home language) or 65% (first additional language) and Mathematics at level 4 or higher
The National Benchmark Tests
Rhodes asks all applicants to write the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test of the National Benchmark Tests. Applicants to the Faculties of Commerce, Pharmacy and Science must also write the Mathematics (MAT) test. The tests are written throughout the year at various centres, and dates and venues are on the NBT website.
How Rhodes scores applicants
Rhodes calculates admission points from your NSC percentages. If you do not have the required number of points, the Deans read the personal section of your application, and a positive report from your principal can help them assess your potential.
Applying with previous study
If you have studied at another institution, include a full academic transcript. If you completed courses at another South African university, you may apply for credit, with a letter giving full details. Credits are only granted on receipt of an official transcript. Exemptions for courses at a university outside South Africa need syllabi certified by that university, with a sworn translation if they are not in English. For courses taken outside South Africa, submit certified syllabi.
Costs
Tuition differs by degree. For 2026, South African students paid an Initial Fee Payment of 10% of the annual tuition fee before registration, or R7,277 for tuition only. Read more on the Rhodes fees page.
Disability support
The application form asks you to indicate any physical disability, such as blindness, deafness or wheelchair use. Rhodes uses this to assist you with your needs, and it does not affect your application.
Closing date
All applications should be submitted before the end of September, and the application fee is R100. You apply online through ROSS, Rhodes's online student service.
Next steps
See the Rhodes admission requirements page for the points you need, and the how to apply page for the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many faculties does Rhodes have?
Six: Commerce, Education, Humanities, Law, Pharmacy and Science.
Which NBTs do I write for Rhodes?
All applicants write the AQL test, and Commerce, Pharmacy and Science applicants also write the Mathematics test.
When do Rhodes applications close?
Applications should be submitted before the end of September.