University of the Free State (UFS) Online Application 2026

The University of the Free State (UFS) will open applications for the 2026 academic year on July 1, 2025, and close them in September 2025. Applicants are advised to prepare in advance and pay attention to program-specific deadlines to ensure their applications are submitted on time.

For the 2026 intake, applications will open on July 1, 2025, for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs across the Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa, and South Campuses. The Access Programme (AP) will also be available at the South Campus and its sub-regions starting on the same date

Application Fee

There is no application fee for the University of the Free State for the 2026 academic year. You can submit your application electronically, making the process convenient and hassle-free. So, if you’ve been thinking about studying at UFS, now’s the perfect time to start your application!

Step-by-Step Guide: What You Need Before Applying

To apply, you will need

South Africa Undergraduate Applicants:

A scanned copy of an ID
parent’s ID or passport if you are younger than 18
Your final Grade 11 results with the school’s stamp
National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Grade 12 IEB certificate
Transfer applicants must also provide conduct certificates from their previous universities

International Undergraduate Applicants

A scanned copy of your passport
certified school-leaving certificate and relevant diplomas
USAf accreditation from the examination board for South African universities.
Study-permit and visa

Postgraduate Applicants

Students transferring from other universities must include a certificate of conduct as well as a study record from their previous university with their applications
International postgraduate students must attach certified copies of degrees/certificates to their applications.
Study-permit and visa
A scanned copy of an ID
Departmental application form, CV, motivation, reports, dissertation/thesis proposal.

University of the Free State Application Steps 2026

Follow the steps below to apply to the University of the Free State:

Visit the official website at www.apply.ufs.ac.za.
Click the “Apply” tab in the top menu.
Select the “New Application” tab to begin.
Fill in your details and verify your email address where your student number will be sent.
Enter your student number to start the application.
Provide your details, ensuring they match the documents.
Re-enter your contact details on the next page and click “Next.”
Choose your course and confirm you meet the requirements.
Upload required documents (PDF or JPEG) for undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
Agree to the terms and conditions by checking the box.
Review and submit your application.

Admission Requirements

For degree studies at the University of the Free State, the Applicant must have an NSC or NCV with an endorsement that allows entrance to degree studies (bachelor’s degree) or an equivalent qualification. Applicant must in addition meet all the minimum admission requirements for the faculty programme he/she intends to study.

Application contact details

+27 51 401 9111

studentadmin@ufs.ac.za

For more information, click here to visit the official website

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