Apply to University of the Free State UFS 2025-2026
Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible in the application cycle. Applications close at the end of May for medical programmes (apart from nursing). The end of July is the latest you can apply for quantity surveying, architecture, construction management and nursing programmes. Applications for all other programs close at the end of September with the exception of Fine Arts programmes which close at the beginning of November.
- UFS Important Application Dates
- UFS Admission Requirements
- UFS Transport Information
- UFS Residences | Accommodation
- UFS Contact Address
UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATIONS
- Please click HERE to consult the Undergraduate Prospectus to ensure you meet the minimum entrance requirements before applying.
- Each prospective student must complete the online application.
- Once your online application has been submitted and processed, you will receive a student number (Reference number).
- Receiving a student number (Reference number) does NOT imply that you have been accepted by the University of the Free State yet.
- In the case of applicants re-writing Grade 12 subjects, applications will be processed on the current results available. If Grade 12 has been written more than once then your combined results must be submitted with your application.
- Applicants writing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) through IEB or SACAI examining bodies can apply online by selecting “National Senior Certificate” under the Results Detail page of the online application process.
- Applicants currently in Grade 12 are requested to provide school stamped copies of final Grade 11.
- Applicants transferring from another university/tertiary institution are required to declare their previous studies when applying as well as upload a full academic record/transcript and degree/diploma certificate (where applicable).
- The University of the Free State does not accept the General Education Development (GED) test for entry into any of its curricular undergraduate qualifications. The GED is no longer recognised by Universities South Africa (USAf), and is not equivalent to a South African grade 12 (NSC/IEB/SACAI). Applicants who completed the GED and would like to study towards an undergraduate curricular qualification are advised to register and complete a grade 12 NSC/IEB/SACAI or international equivalent thereof.
- Applicants who did not complete SC/NSC/IEB must have USAF accreditation from the examination board for South African Universities. Click HERE to apply online for conditional exemption, foreign conditional exemption or mature age conditional exemption or send an email to applications@usaf.ac.za.
- To apply for the University Access Programmes (UAP), please click HERE to ensure you meet the minimum admission requirements before applying.
POSTGRADUATE APPLICATIONS
- It is important to note that ALL Postgraduate programmes are selection programmes. Click HERE to consult the Postgraduate Prospectus.
- In some instances Honours, Masters and Doctoral students are expected to apply directly to the department or to pre-register. Please refer to the specific Faculty and departmental information to determine whether you need apply directly or to pre-register. Visit the Faculty and specific department web page for more information.
- Each prospective student must complete the online application.
- Once your online application has been submitted and processed, you will receive a student number (Reference number).
- Receiving a student number (Reference number) does NOT imply that you have been accepted by the University of the Free State yet.
- Admission is a separate process when your application will be evaluated by the relevant faculty.
- Before you submit your online application and upload/email documents, please visit the relevant faculty/department website to confirm additional documentation that may be required e.g. departmental application form, CV, motivation, reports, dissertation/thesis proposal etc. Visit the Faculty and specific department web page for more information.
- Applicants transferring from another university/tertiary institution are required to upload a full academic record/transcript, degree/diploma certificate and SAQA certificate if you hold a foreign/ international qualification .
- Advanced Diploma qualifications are classified as undergraduate. It is however processed (administratively) as a postgraduate qualification due to previous studies involved.
Application Helpdesk Enquiries: +27 51 4019666 or email studentadmin@ufs.ac.za
Apply to UFS using the online application
Things to note before applying online to UFS:
- You’ll need an email address to complete the application.
- Have you calculated your APS?
- South African applicants will need an ID number. Foreign applicants will need their passport number.
- Scan your supporting documents so they are ready to upload.
- There is no application fee.
How to Apply Online
UFS has one online application form for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. This is a simple nine-step application process.
Apply to UFS using the hardcopy application
Things to note before applying with a hardcopy form:
- There are two different application forms: one for undergraduate applicants and one for postgraduates.
- Make sure you have attached all relevant supporting documents before sending off the application form.
- Have you calculated your APS? You’ll need to do this before applying. Find out how.
- There is no application fee.
You can post your application form to the following address:
QWAQWA CAMPUS
University of the Free State
Admin Building
Kestell Road
Private Bag X13
PHUTHADITJHABA
9866
Apply to UFS Residence
NOTE: All prospective students will only be able to get application forms directly from the information desk at the Thakaneng Bridge or by calling UFS Housing and Residence on 051 401 3000. If you are a current student, you can apply for Junior or Senior residence accommodation by getting the forms online.
UFH Application and Acceptance Process
The application form must be completed in detail and signed by the student and his/her parent or guardian if he/she is a minor.
Once the form has been completed it must be sent to the Registrar by the date stipulated below, together with the prescribed application fee (R120.00). The final decision regarding the admission of an undergraduate candidate will be taken in January, when the Grade 12 results are available. The University will confirm the candidate’s admission in writing.
Application Fees for UFS
There is no application fee for all UFS applicants.
Submitting Results and Documents
When it comes to school results, you will need to submit your grade 11 marks, if you are currently in school. If you have completed matric, you will also need to submit your final matric results. You will also need to attach a copy of your ID or passport. All the documents you attach will need to be certified copies of the originals.
Are you a transferring student? If yes, make sure that all transcripts and academic records are submitted as early as possible. It is also important to make sure that the final transcript of your current studies reaches the Admissions Office as soon as possible.
Contact the University of the Free State
For more information on how to apply to UFS, you can visit their website.
Alternatively, you can contact the UFS Admissions Department using the following details:
Email: info@ufs.ac.za
Tel: 051 401 9111
