Rhodes University 2027: Understanding the Admission Scale
If you plan to study at Rhodes University in 2027, you must understand how the university assesses applications using its Admission Point Score (APS) system.
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Rhodes uses a percentage‑based APS that reflects six strong NSC subjects and specific faculty requirements.
Your APS score and subject performance determine whether you qualify for a Bachelor’s degree study and how competitive your application is for specific programmes such as Commerce, Science, Law, Pharmacy, Education, or Humanities.
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission, but it sets the foundation for selection decisions.
To be considered for a Rhodes degree, you must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with exemption (Bachelor’s pass) and meet faculty subject and APS requirements.
English at a minimum level and performance in required subjects are also essential.
How Rhodes University Calculates APS
Rhodes University calculates your APS using the percentage scores from your six best recognised NSC subjects.
The university excludes Life Orientation from the APS total, even though it is a compulsory NSC subject. Results below 40% do not earn any points.
Here’s the main method:
- Take your six best subject percentages (excluding Life Orientation).
- Convert each percentage into decimal points (e.g., 75% becomes 7.5 points).
- Add the points from all six subjects to get your total APS.
- Ensure your subject combination includes compulsory areas required by your chosen faculty.
Note: English (Home Language or First Additional Language) must be included, and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is generally expected, especially for science‑based or business degrees.
Rhodes APS Points Conversion Table
Rhodes uses a unique scale where percentages become APS points directly:
| NSC Percentage | APS Points |
| 90 – 100% | 9.0 |
| 80 – 89% | 8.0 – 8.9 |
| 70 – 79% | 7.0 – 7.9 |
| 60 – 69% | 6.0 – 6.9 |
| 50 – 59% | 5.0 – 5.9 |
| 40 – 49% | 4.0 – 4.9 |
| Below 40% | 0.0 |
For example, a 75% in English becomes 7.5 points and a 62% in Mathematics becomes 6.2 points.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions to Calculate Your Rhodes APS
- Collect Your Final NSC Results: Wait for your official Grade 12 results. Only final results count toward APS.
- Choose Your Best Six Subjects (Excluding Life Orientation): English (Home or First Additional) must be included. Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is expected.
- Convert Each Subject to APS Points: Use the table above to convert your percentages into decimal points.
- Add Your APS Points Together: The sum from six subjects is your total APS score.
- Compare Your Score Against Faculty Requirements: Each faculty has different minimum expectations for automatic offers, dean’s discretion, or extended studies.
- Check Additional Requirements: English language proficiency and required subject levels per faculty matter for eligibility.
Minimum APS Requirements by Faculty at Rhodes University
Rhodes sets different APS thresholds for automatic acceptance, Dean’s discretion, and Extended Studies. Requirements vary by faculty and qualification.
Below is an updated guide consistent with current official admission criteria and faculty entry recommendations.
Commerce (BCom & Business Science)
- Automatic Offer: 45+ APS
- Dean’s Discretion: 38 – 44 APS
- Extended Studies: ~34 – 37 APS
- BCom: English Level 4 (50–59%), Maths Level 4 (50–59%).
- Business Science: English Level 4; Maths Level 6 (70–79%).
Education
- Automatic Offer: ~40+ APS
- Dean’s Discretion: ~39 – 43 APS
- Requirements include two languages at Level 4 and Maths or Maths Lit at acceptable levels.
Humanities
- Automatic Offer: ~45+ APS
- Dean’s Discretion: ~37 – 44 APS
- English requirements vary (higher levels for additional language proficiency).
Science and Technology
- Automatic Offer: ~45+ APS
- Dean’s Discretion: ~39 – 44 APS
- BSc programmes require English, Mathematics, and either Life or Physical Sciences at specified levels.
Law
- Automatic Offer: ~45+ APS
- Dean’s Discretion: ~40 – 44 APS
- English and Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy at specified levels are mandatory per faculty rules.
Pharmacy and Health Science Areas
- Automatic Offer: ~45+ APS
- Dean’s Discretion: ~40 – 44 APS
- Mathematics, Physical and Life Sciences requirements apply for eligibility.
Dean’s Discretion and Extended Studies
If you do not meet the automatic APS threshold, Rhodes may still consider your application under the Dean’s discretion if your score is near the minimum and you demonstrate other strengths.
Extended Studies programmes exist to support students entering via a supportive academic route, usually for APS scores below normal levels but showing potential.
- Dean’s Discretion Range: Typically around 38 – 44 APS, depending on faculty.
- Extended Studies: Offers entry with lower APS and extra academic support.
