Rhodes University, located in Grahamstown, South Africa, is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and an innovative approach to education. The university offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple faculties, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations.
Courses Available
Rhodes University offers courses in the following faculties:
Faculty of Humanities
- Arts: Fine Art, Drama, Music.
- Languages: English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, Linguistics, and French.
- Social Studies: Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Studies, History, Philosophy.
- Professional Courses: Journalism and Media Studies.
Faculty of Science
- Subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany, Geography, and specialized fields such as Entomology and Computer Science.
- Specialized degrees like BSc (Information Systems) and BSc (Software Development) prepare students for technical and commercial roles.
Faculty of Commerce
- Degrees focus on Business Management, Economics, Accounting, and Information Systems.
Faculty of Law
- Comprehensive law degrees covering criminal, constitutional, and corporate law.
Faculty of Pharmacy
- It offers a Bachelor of Pharmacy, equipping students with skills in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Faculty of Education
- Focuses on teacher training and educational research.
Faculty of Commerce
- Includes business and finance-oriented programs.
How to Apply for the Courses
The application process at Rhodes University is straightforward:
- Online Application: Visit the Rhodes University application portal to register an account and submit your application.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of R100 is required.
- Required Documents:
- Certified copies of your ID/passport.
- Certified copies of academic transcripts.
- Proof of payment for the application fee.
National Benchmark Tests (NBTs): These tests are required for specific faculties and serve as additional admission criteria, especially when the applicant’s scores are borderline.
General Admission Requirements
To gain admission to Rhodes University, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Admission Point Score (APS):
- It is calculated based on six subjects from the National Senior Certificate, excluding Life Orientation.
- For example, an APS of 45 points secures automatic entry, while scores between 38-44 may require further evaluation by faculty deans.
- Subject-Specific Requirements:
- Science and Pharmacy degrees require Life and/or Physical Sciences.
- Commerce courses often necessitate Mathematics proficiency.
- International Students:
- International applicants must have equivalent qualifications, such as A-Levels or HIGCSE, and may need a certificate of exemption from the South African Matriculation Board.
Specific Programme Requirements
Each program has unique prerequisites:
- Humanities: Open-ended with a focus on language and critical thinking skills.
- Science: Subjects like Mathematics and Physical Science are often mandatory.
- Commerce: A strong foundation in Mathematics and Economics is advantageous.
- Pharmacy: High proficiency in Life Sciences and Chemistry.
Course Fees
Rhodes University’s course fees vary depending on the faculty and program:
Undergraduate Programmes
- For humanities, law, and commerce, fees range between R38,000 and R60,000 per year.
- Science and pharmacy programs can cost up to R80,000 annually due to laboratory and technical expenses.
Postgraduate Programmes
- Master’s and PhD fees are generally lower but vary depending on research or coursework components.
Tuition Fees
- Payment Structure:
- Initial deposit: A percentage of the tuition fee must be paid upfront.
- Balance: Instalment plans are available.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships:
- Bursaries and loans are offered to students based on academic merit and financial need.
- Specific scholarships target disadvantaged students or those excelling in niche fields like journalism or environmental science.
For more information on financial aid, visit the fees and funding page.
Conclusion
Rhodes University stands out for its liberal arts approach, encouraging students to explore interdisciplinary combinations and critical thinking. With robust support systems and a tradition of academic excellence, it remains a top choice for students in South Africa and beyond. Whether you’re pursuing science, humanities, or law, Rhodes provides a solid foundation for personal and professional growth.
For detailed program offerings and up-to-date admission information, visit the official Rhodes University website at www.ru.ac.za.
