Rhodes University has officially opened its online application portal for the 2027 academic year. Aspiring students can now apply for undergraduate degrees across all six specialized faculties. Unlike some institutions that require final matric marks, Rhodes encourages the use of Grade 11 final results or Grade 12 mid-year results for early conditional offers. With the portal closing on 30 September 2026, early submission is the best strategy to secure on-campus residence and your first-choice programme.
Quick Application Facts
- Opening Date: 01 April 2026
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Application Fee: R100 (Standard) | Late applications (if allowed) are significantly higher.
- Faculties: Humanities, Commerce, Law, Science, Education, and Pharmacy.
🚀 Student Desk Expert Insight: The Rhodes Advantage
Rhodes is “Where Leaders Learn,” but getting in requires a strategic academic profile.
- The APS Strategy: Rhodes University uses an Admission Point Score (APS) system. For most degrees, Life Orientation (LO) is excluded from the calculation or given half-points. When calculating your points, focus on your top 6 subjects (excluding LO).
- The Pharmacy & Law Filter: Pharmacy and Law are the most competitive programmes at Rhodes. If you are applying for Pharmacy, your Mathematics and Physical Science marks are non-negotiable gatekeepers. For Law, your English/Language proficiency must be exceptionally high.
- Early Offer Logic: If you apply with strong Grade 11 results, you may receive a Conditional Offer. This takes the pressure off during your Final Matric Exams, as you only need to maintain those marks to confirm your place.
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Rhodes University Faculties & Programmes
Rhodes is unique because of its small, specialized faculties that allow for better student-to-lecturer ratios:
- Humanities: Journalism & Media Studies (World-class), Languages, and Social Sciences.
- Commerce: Accounting, Economics, and Information Systems.
- Law: LLB (available as a 3-year or 4-year stream).
- Science: Biotechnology, Environmental Science, and Computer Science.
- Pharmacy: BPharm (Highly sought after).
- Education: BEd Foundation Phase and Senior Phase.
Minimum Entry Requirements
To be considered for 2027, you must provide:
- NSC Entry: A Bachelor’s Degree pass on your National Senior Certificate.
- APS Scores: Generally ranging from 35 to 45+ points depending on the faculty.
- Subject Specifics: For example, Commerce and Science require a minimum of 50-60% in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy).
[STRATEGY] The “Early Bird” Checklist
Rhodes offers limited space in its famous “Res” (Residence) system. Here is how to stay ahead:
- Residence Application: You apply for residence during your academic application. Since Rhodes is a residential university, these spots fill up months before the September deadline.
- Document Verification: Ensure your copies are clearly certified. If the Admissions Gateway cannot read your results, your application will stay “Incomplete” and you will lose your spot in the queue.
- The NBTs: While not always mandatory for every faculty, check if your specific course requires the National Benchmark Tests (NBT). It is better to write them early in 2026.
Required Documents
Ensure these are scanned as individual PDF files:
- Certified Copy of ID (or Passport for international students).
- Latest Results: Final Grade 11 report OR Grade 12 Term 1/Term 2 report.
- Application Fee Proof: Pay via the RU online system or bank deposit.
How to Apply: The RU Admission Gateway
Rhodes uses a streamlined “Admission Gateway” for all new applicants.
- Visit the Portal: www.ru.ac.za/admissiongateway
- Register: Create a new profile with a valid email address you check daily.
- Complete Info: Fill in your academic history and choose two programme choices.
- Upload & Pay: Attach your documents and pay the R100 fee.
- Submit: Ensure you receive an acknowledgment email with a student reference number (e.g., 27Gxxxx).
Important Notes
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026.
- Late Applications: RU rarely opens for late applications; don’t count on it.
- Financial Aid: Apply for NSFAS as soon as their 2027 portal opens (usually later in the year).
Final Thought: Rhodes University offers a unique “Small Town” campus experience that creates deep lifelong networks. By applying now in April with your Grade 11 results, you are giving yourself the best chance to join the “Old Rhodians” network in 2027. Get your documents certified and head to the Gateway today!
