{"id":25,"date":"2026-03-14T10:30:57","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T10:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/?page_id=25"},"modified":"2026-03-14T10:30:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T10:30:58","slug":"university-of-the-free-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/university-of-the-free-state\/","title":{"rendered":"University\u202fof\u202fthe\u202fFree\u202fState 2027 Admissions: How to Submit Your Application"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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

This guide explains how to apply, admission requirements, deadlines, and the documents you need, based on official UFS information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When can I apply to UFS?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Applications for the 2027 academic year<\/strong> open on 1 April 2026<\/strong> through the UFS Online Application portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate and postgraduate applications open at the same time using the same online portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the application deadlines?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate applications close on different dates depending on the programme:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health-related and professional programmes<\/strong> (for example MBChB, Optometry, and Nursing): deadlines typically fall between 31 May and 31 July 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other undergraduate programmes:<\/strong> 30 September 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

International undergraduate applicants:<\/strong> must submit their applications by 31 August 2026<\/strong> through the UFS application portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

What are the admission requirements?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate applicants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applicants must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC)<\/strong>, IEB<\/strong>, or SACAI<\/strong> qualification that meets the university\u2019s admission standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your qualification differs, admission approval may be required through Universities South Africa (USAf). Exemption must be arranged before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Programme-specific subject requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postgraduate applicants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applicants must submit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
A SAQA evaluation<\/strong> for foreign qualifications<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postgraduate programmes are selection-based<\/strong> and may require research proposals, motivation letters, or interviews depending on the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I submit my application online?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Applications are submitted online through the UFS application system:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

    Undergraduate applicants may choose up to two study options<\/strong>. After submitting the application, it is usually not possible to add additional programme choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What documents must I upload?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Current Grade 12 learners<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Upload your final Grade 11 results<\/strong> or June Grade 12 results<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Applicants who already completed matric or studied elsewhere<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Upload:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Final NSC certificate
    Academic transcripts
    Records from any previous tertiary studies<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    International applicants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Upload:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Certified copy of your passport
    SAQA evaluation certificate<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    UFS does not require documents to be certified if the uploaded files are clear and smaller than 3 MB per file<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Is there an application fee?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The University of the Free State does not charge an application fee<\/strong>. Applying through the UFS online portal is completely free<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How will I receive application updates?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation message with your reference or student number<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Admission decisions are made based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Final Grade 12 results<\/strong> for school applicants
    Academic records for transfer or postgraduate applicants<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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