Rhodes University publishes its undergraduate admission information on its Admission Gateway, with entry requirements by faculty, the application procedure and closing dates, and an annual fees booklet. Here is what these sources contain and how to use them.
Entry requirements by faculty
The Admission Gateway lists each faculty's subject requirements:
- Commerce: BCom programmes need English and Mathematics at level 4. The Bachelor of Business Science needs Mathematics at level 6.
- Pharmacy: Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences at level 6 for a provisional offer, or level 5 at the Dean's discretion
- Science: BSc programmes need English at 60% (home language) or 65% (first additional language), Mathematics at level 4, and Life Sciences or Physical Sciences at level 5
- Humanities, Education and Law: their own English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy levels
Bachelor's pass
Rhodes considers your application only if you qualify for bachelor's degree study and meet the faculty requirements. The gateway explains which subjects you must pass for a bachelor's pass.
National Benchmark Tests
All applicants should write the Academic and Quantitative Literacy test of the NBTs. Applicants to Commerce, Pharmacy and Science also write the Mathematics test. The tests are written throughout the year at various centres.
The application procedure
You apply online through ROSS, Rhodes's online student service. The application procedure explains each section of the form, such as the person responsible for your fees, previous study, financial assistance and the personal section that the Deans read. All applications should be submitted before the end of September, and the application fee is R100.
How to use these sources
- Check the bachelor's pass rules and your faculty's subject requirements.
- Calculate your admission points.
- Write the NBTs early.
- Apply on ROSS before the end of September.
The fees booklet
Rhodes's fees booklet sets out tuition, the Initial Fee Payment, residence fees, the Academic Merit Award Scheme and payment options. In 2026, the Initial Fee Payment for South African students was R7,277 for tuition only, or R32,545 with residence.
International applicants
For international applicants, Rhodes's entry requirements page says an APS of 40 points or more receives a firm offer, while 37 to 39 points are held until the end of September for the Dean to consider if space is available.
If your points are low
If you do not have the required points, a positive report from your principal and a detailed personal section can help the Deans assess your potential.
Related pages
See the Rhodes admission requirements, Rhodes courses and how to apply to Rhodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Rhodes entry requirements?
On the Rhodes Admission Gateway, by faculty.
Which NBTs do Rhodes applicants write?
All write the AQL test, and Commerce, Pharmacy and Science applicants also write the Mathematics test.
When do Rhodes applications close?
Before the end of September.