The University of the Free State (UFS), a public multi-campus university located in Bloemfontein, accepts online applications for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Check Your Personalized Bursary Options

Step 1: Choose Study Level

Step 2: Choose Field of Study

Step 3: Describe Your Interest

Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?

This guide explains how to apply, admission requirements, deadlines, and the documents you need, based on official UFS information.

When can I apply to UFS?

Applications for the 2027 academic year open on 1 April 2026 through the UFS Online Application portal.

Undergraduate and postgraduate applications open at the same time using the same online portal.

What are the application deadlines?

Undergraduate applications close on different dates depending on the programme:

Health-related and professional programmes (for example MBChB, Optometry, and Nursing): deadlines typically fall between 31 May and 31 July 2026

Other undergraduate programmes: 30 September 2026

International undergraduate applicants: must submit their applications by 31 August 2026 through the UFS application portal.

Postgraduate application deadlines vary by faculty. Most close between 30 September and 31 October 2026, although some departments may set earlier or programme-specific deadlines. Always check the relevant faculty page for confirmation.

What are the admission requirements?

Undergraduate applicants

Applicants must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC), IEB, or SACAI qualification that meets the university’s admission standards.

If your qualification differs, admission approval may be required through Universities South Africa (USAf). Exemption must be arranged before applying.

Programme-specific subject requirements

Some fields such as Engineering or Health Sciences require particular subject results and minimum performance levels. The official UFS prospectus provides detailed requirements for each programme.

Postgraduate applicants

Applicants must submit:

Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
A SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications

Postgraduate programmes are selection-based and may require research proposals, motivation letters, or interviews depending on the programme.

How do I submit my application online?

Applications are submitted online through the UFS application system:

  1. Visit apply.ufs.ac.za
  2. Create an application account
  3. Complete all stages of the application process (including study choices, personal information, and document uploads)
  4. Accept the declaration and submit the application

Undergraduate applicants may choose up to two study options. After submitting the application, it is usually not possible to add additional programme choices.

What documents must I upload?

Current Grade 12 learners

Upload your final Grade 11 results or June Grade 12 results.

Applicants who already completed matric or studied elsewhere

Upload:

Final NSC certificate
Academic transcripts
Records from any previous tertiary studies

International applicants

Upload:

Certified copy of your passport
SAQA evaluation certificate

UFS does not require documents to be certified if the uploaded files are clear and smaller than 3 MB per file.

Is there an application fee?

The University of the Free State does not charge an application fee. Applying through the UFS online portal is completely free.

How will I receive application updates?

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation message with your reference or student number.

Admission decisions are made based on:

Final Grade 12 results for school applicants
Academic records for transfer or postgraduate applicants

The university normally communicates updates through email or SMS. You can also check your application status through the UFS Self-Service portal at myapplication.ufs.ac.za.

1. When does UFS open applications?
Applications open on 1 April 2026 via apply.ufs.ac.za for the 2027 academic year.
2. What is the closing date for undergraduates?
Most undergraduate programmes close on 30 September 2026. Selective programmes may close earlier, and international applicants must apply by 31 August 2026.
3. Is there an application fee?
No. The University of the Free State does not charge an application fee. All applications are submitted free of charge.
4. What documents are required?
Applicants must upload Grade 11 or Grade 12 results, academic transcripts (if applicable), a passport for international applicants, and a SAQA certificate for foreign qualifications if required.
5. Can I select multiple programmes?
Yes. Applicants may choose up to two study options during the application process. These choices usually cannot be changed after submission.
6. Do I need USAf approval?
If your qualification is not a recognised NSC, IEB, or SACAI qualification, you may need to obtain matriculation exemption through USAf before applying.
7. How can I check my application status?
Log in to myapplication.ufs.ac.za or check your email and SMS notifications for updates.
8. When will I receive an admission decision?
Admission decisions are based on final school results or academic records and are issued after the university verifies all submitted documents.
9. Can transfer students apply?
Yes. Transfer applicants must upload their full tertiary academic transcripts and certificates from previous institutions.
10. Are postgraduate programmes selection-based?
Yes. All postgraduate programmes are selection-based and may require additional documents such as proposals, research plans, or motivation letters.