Are you ready to join one of South Africa’s most respected universities? The University of the Free State (UFS) has officially opened applications for the 2026 academic year—and the window is wide open until 30 September 2025. Whether you're aiming for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, this is your moment to kickstart your future at UFS.
Application Dates & Procedure
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Opening Date: 1 April 2025
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Closing Date: 30 September 2025 (extendable for select programmes)
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Application Portal: apply.ufs.ac.za — entirely free for prospective students
How to apply:
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Register or log in via the online portal.
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Complete the multi-step form (personal details, uploads, etc.).
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Submit your choice of up to two programmes (undergrad) or one (postgrad).
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Upload all necessary documents, such as ID/passport, Grade 11/12 results, proof of residence, and NBT results if required Receive a confirmation email and track your application via UFS’s Self-Service portal.
Note: International undergraduates must apply by 31 August 2025
Faculties & Academic Offerings
UFS hosts seven faculties plus a Business School, offering a diverse array of programmes for both undergraduate and postgraduate students:
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Economic & Management Sciences
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Education
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Health Sciences
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Humanities
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Law
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Natural & Agricultural Sciences
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Theology & Religion
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UFS Business School
Popular degrees include medicine (MBChB), law (LLB), commerce (BCom), engineering, computer science, and education. Be sure to consult the official UFS 2026 Prospectus for detailed admission criteria.
Explore the UFS Campuses
UFS is a multi-campus institution, each with its own distinct vibe and facilities :
1. Bloemfontein Main Campus
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The flagship campus, centrally located in the city.
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Features the Thakaneng Bridge, a student hub with fast food outlets, ATMs, Van Schaik bookstore, photocopying services, and a 7-Eleven.
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Home to faculties, libraries (Sasol Library, Med Library), lecture halls, labs, and Kovsie FM radio.
2. South Campus (Bloemfontein)
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Designed to support students requiring academic development opportunities.
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Offers a smaller, more intimate learning environment with student services tailored to improving academic access.
3. Qwaqwa Campus (Phuthaditjhaba)
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Situated in the Eastern Free State, serving many rural and indigenous students.
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Provides comprehensive residence life, wellness centres, career services, sport, and community-focused learning environments.
Other Universities Still Open for 2026 Applications
Tshwane University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Student Accommodation & Residence Life
UFS offers a range of on‑campus residences, from junior residences to senior houses and specialized private options near campus.
Residence life is vibrant and growth-oriented:
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Bloemfontein & South Campuses: Traditional multi‑gender houses with inclusive programming.
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Qwaqwa Campus: Emphasizes holistic student development through structured activities and academic support.
Student Life: Beyond the Classroom
UFS is committed to awarding a fully rounded student experience:
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Sport & Recreation: Join KovsieSport with over 22 sports disciplines.
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Student Communities: Clubs, societies, and student media platforms like KovsieFM, KovsieTV, student newspaper, and theatre .
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Student Affairs & Support:
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Career Services provide fairs, workshops, and employer engagement.
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The Co‑curricular Hub, mental health services, Leadership Development, Peer Mentors, counselling, and disability support (CUADS).
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Community Projects:
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Initiatives like "No Student Hungry" and community gardens aim to fight food insecurity among students
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Arts, Culture & Dialogue programmes foster social cohesion and active citizenship.
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Campus Radio: KovsieFM 97.0 broadcasts in English, Afrikaans, and Sotho, offering hands‑on media experience.
Life in Bloemfontein & Surrounding Areas
Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of South Africa, home to around 850,000 residents. The city offers a mix of relaxed charm and vibrant culture .
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Amenities include malls, restaurants, nightlife, sporting venues, museums, and greenery.
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Weather:
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Summer (Oct–Apr): Hot (up to 32 °C), with occasional storms.
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Winter (May–Aug): Cold mornings, mild days around 15 °C.
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Universitas, a suburb near campus, is popular for student housing—converted family homes offer affordable sharing options close to campus.
Ready to Apply? Checklist
Here’s what you need to wrap up a strong application:
Online registration/login at apply.ufs.ac.za
Select up to two programmes (undergrad) or one (postgrad)
Upload certified documents: ID/passport, Grade 11 final or Grade 12 results, proof of residence, NBT results for Health Sciences, foreign credential SAQA evaluation if applicable
Free application submission—no payment needed
Confirmation email & student number issued
Use Self‑Service portal to track your application
Deadlines: 31 May for Health Sciences, 31 July for Nursing, Social Work, Architecture; 31 Aug for international undergrads; 30 Sept for others
Final Thoughts
With its beautiful campuses, supportive student structures, rich academic offerings, and inclusive community projects, UFS is more than just a university—it’s a launch pad for future leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. If you're considering applying for 2026, now is the time.
Don't delay: apply today and join a diverse, welcoming community that challenges you to grow both academically and personally.
