{"id":336,"date":"2026-02-19T20:06:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T20:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/?p=336"},"modified":"2026-02-18T18:09:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T18:09:04","slug":"rhodes-university-aps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/rhodes-university-aps\/","title":{"rendered":"Rhodes University 2027: Understanding the Admission Scale"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you plan to study at Rhodes University<\/a> in 2027, you must understand how the university assesses applications using its Admission Point Score (APS) system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rhodes uses a percentage\u2011based APS that reflects six strong NSC subjects and specific faculty requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your APS score and subject performance determine whether you qualify for a Bachelor\u2019s degree study and how competitive your application is for specific programmes such as Commerce, Science, Law, Pharmacy, Education, or Humanities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission, but it sets the foundation for selection decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be considered for a Rhodes degree, you must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with exemption (Bachelor\u2019s pass) and meet faculty subject and APS requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

English at a minimum level and performance in required subjects are also essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Rhodes University Calculates APS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rhodes University calculates your APS using the percentage scores from your six best recognised NSC subjects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the main method:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Take your six best subject percentages (excluding Life Orientation).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Convert each percentage into decimal points (e.g., 75% becomes 7.5 points).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Add the points from all six subjects to get your total APS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Ensure your subject combination includes compulsory areas required by your chosen faculty.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Note: English (Home Language or First Additional Language) must be included, and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is generally expected, especially for science\u2011based or business degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rhodes APS Points Conversion Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Rhodes uses a unique scale where percentages become APS points directly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    NSC Percentage<\/strong><\/td>APS Points<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    90 \u2013 100%<\/td>9.0<\/td><\/tr>
    80 \u2013 89%<\/td>8.0 \u2013 8.9<\/td><\/tr>
    70 \u2013 79%<\/td>7.0 \u2013 7.9<\/td><\/tr>
    60 \u2013 69%<\/td>6.0 \u2013 6.9<\/td><\/tr>
    50 \u2013 59%<\/td>5.0 \u2013 5.9<\/td><\/tr>
    40 \u2013 49%<\/td>4.0 \u2013 4.9<\/td><\/tr>
    Below 40%<\/td>0.0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    For example, a 75% in English becomes 7.5 points and a 62% in Mathematics becomes 6.2 points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step\u2011by\u2011Step Instructions to Calculate Your Rhodes APS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Collect Your Final NSC Results: Wait for your official Grade 12 results. Only final results count toward APS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Choose Your Best Six Subjects (Excluding Life Orientation): English (Home or First Additional) must be included. Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is expected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Convert Each Subject to APS Points: Use the table above to convert your percentages into decimal points.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Add Your APS Points Together: The sum from six subjects is your total APS score.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Compare Your Score Against Faculty Requirements: Each faculty has different minimum expectations for automatic offers, dean\u2019s discretion, or extended studies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Check Additional Requirements: English language proficiency and required subject levels per faculty matter for eligibility.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Minimum APS Requirements by Faculty at Rhodes University<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Rhodes sets different APS thresholds for automatic acceptance, Dean\u2019s discretion, and Extended Studies. Requirements vary by faculty and qualification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Below is an updated guide consistent with current official admission criteria and faculty entry recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Commerce (BCom & Business Science)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n