About University of the Free State (UFS)
The University of the Free State (UFS) is one of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Established in Bloemfontein in 1904 as the Grey University College, UFS offers education to over 40,000 students across its seven faculties. With a commitment to engaged scholarship and addressing societal needs, UFS actively contributes to its communities and strives to provide an exceptional university experience for students and employees.
UFS Postgraduate Diploma Bursary 2025-2026
UFS is offering a Postgraduate Diploma Bursary for the year 2025-2026 to support first-time, full-time postgraduate diploma students. This bursary provides partial tuition fee assistance and is awarded based on academic excellence. Here are the key details about this bursary opportunity:
- The bursary is a one-time award for eligible students pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma program in 2025-2026.
- It is based on academic merit and available funds.
- Recipients of this bursary cannot concurrently receive government funding or the UFS Staff Study Benefit/Remission on Tuition Fees.
- The bursary cannot be used to settle outstanding fees from previous years.
Eligibility Criteria
Who is Eligible:
- South African and international students are eligible.
- Applicants must be registered as full-time students in a Postgraduate Diploma program.
- A minimum aggregate score of 65% in undergraduate studies is required.
- Previous degree must have been completed within the minimum prescribed period.
Who is Not Eligible:
- Students who already hold a Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, or B.Tech Degree.
- Second-year Postgraduate Diploma students.
- Undergraduate students in any degree program.
- Students enrolled in a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
- Recipients of funding from the UFS Postgraduate School in previous years.
- Full-time employees.
How to Apply
To apply for the UFS Postgraduate Diploma Bursary 2025-2026:
- Visit the online application portal at https://surveys.ufs.ac.za/evasys/online.php?p=PgDipl
- Complete the online application survey.
Submitting Academic Records:
- For students who completed their undergraduate degree at other universities: Email academic transcripts in PDF format to LekoekoeMM@ufs.ac.za with the subject line “Application for UFS Postgraduate Diploma Funding – UFS Student Number.”
- UFS Alumni: If you completed your undergraduate degree at UFS, you don’t need to email academic records. The Centre for Graduate Support will access your transcripts directly from the University. Complete the online application survey.
Required Documents
For students from other universities or colleges (including international students), along with the application, submit:
- Official academic transcript verifying completion of your undergraduate degree.
- Ensure the transcript displays final marks in percentages, not symbols.
Closing Date
Submit applications and documents by 28 February 2025-2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Contact Details
For inquiries, contact Mpho Lekoekoe at LekoekoeMM@ufs.ac.za or visit the Centre for Graduate Support, Johannes Brill Building, Office 10.
Please refer to the official UFS website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the bursary programs and application procedures.
