General Admission Requirements for Rhodes University

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Admission Requirements at Rhodes University (RU)

Your admission to Rhodes University (RU) hinges on meeting the specific admission requirements or Admission Point Score (APS) for your chosen qualification. Failure to meet these requirements may necessitate considering alternative qualifications or, if eligible, enrollment in an extended program (refer to the college admission requirements), which allows registration for limited modules in the first year.

Rhodes University Admission Requirements:

Entry Requirements:

  • Your application will only be considered for admission if you qualify for Bachelor’s degree study AND satisfy the faculty requirements.
  • To qualify with a Bachelor’s pass status, learners must take seven subjects, including four compulsory subjects (two languages, Life Orientation, and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy), and three subjects of their choice.
  • For admission to degree studies, at least four of the seven subjects must be from the list of ‘designated subjects’ and achieve a rating of 4 (adequate achievement 50 – 59%) or above.

Designated Subject List:

  • Accounting
  • Agricultural Science
  • Business Studies
  • Consumer Studies
  • Dramatic Arts
  • Engineering Graphics and Design
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • Information Technology
  • Languages
  • Life Sciences
  • Music
  • Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy
  • Religion Studies
  • Physical Science
  • Visual Arts

Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

How to Calculate Your Admission Point Score (APS):

  • The percentages achieved in National Senior Certificate examinations (preliminary and final examinations) are allocated an admissions score.
  • The sum of six subject scores, excluding Life Orientation but including English and any other required subject(s) for the relevant program, is considered for admission.
  • Results below 40% for any subject do not attract a score. Mathematics Paper 3 does not contribute to the APS score.

Examples of Points Calculations:

  • English Home Language: 78% = 7.8 points
  • Afrikaans/isiXhosa first/Additional Language: 73% = 7.3 points
  • Mathematics: 69% = 6.9 points
  • Life Sciences: 70% = 7.0 points
  • Dramatic Arts: 89% = 8.9 points
  • Accounting: 73% = 7.3 points
  • Life Orientation: 90% = 0 points
  • Additional Mathematics: 60% = 0 points
  • Total Points: 45.2 points

Dean’s Decisions:

  • Offers are usually made based on provisional results, pending final examinations. Conditional offers may be made if provisional scores are promising.
  • If the APS score is below 45 points for automatic acceptance, consideration may still be given at the Dean’s discretion. Offers with APS scores of 38 – 44 may be considered with additional conditions.

Extended Studies Programme:

  • This program offers an alternative route to university studies at Rhodes, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Successful candidates undergo a supportive learning environment and an extended degree program over an additional year.

National Benchmark Tests (NBT’s):

  • First-time university-entering South African applicants are advised to write the NBT’s.
  • NBT results may be used by the Dean to make decisions on applications or in cases where entrance requirements are not met in final examinations.

International Requirements:

  • Applicants with 40 points and above receive firm offers, while those with 37 – 39 points remain on hold for further consideration.
  • International applicants must meet specific requirements based on their educational qualifications.

Faculty Requirements:

  • Different qualifications have specific requirements in terms of points, Dean’s discretion, and extended studies. For instance, Mathematics is a prerequisite for certain programs like Commerce and Economics.

Note: Life Orientation is not counted for points but is required for acceptance. Candidates with older versions of the South African Senior Certificate must provide a certified copy of their matriculation exemption certificate. Additionally, for Law studies, specific subject requirements must be met, including a minimum level in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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