University of the Free State Opens 2025 Admission| How To Apply

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The University of the Free State (UFS) is gearing up for its 2025 admission cycle, offering prospective students a chance to join a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence and inclusivity. With a diverse range of programs and a commitment to fostering critical thinking and innovation, UFS is an ideal choice for those looking to advance their education in a dynamic environment. As applications open, candidates need to familiarize themselves with admission requirements, deadlines, and available resources to ensure a smooth transition into university life. This year promises exciting opportunities for personal and academic growth at one of South Africa’s leading institutions.

How to Apply

Check Eligibility

  • Ensure you meet the minimum admission requirements for your chosen program, including academic qualifications and language proficiency.

Gather Required Documents

  • Prepare essential documents such as:
    • A certified copy of your ID or passport
    • Academic transcripts and certificates
    • Proof of residence
    • Any additional documents specific to your program

Online Application

  • Visit the UFS official website and access the online application portal.
  • Create an account and complete the application form with accurate information.

Application Fee

  • Pay the required application fee, as indicated on the website. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Submit Your Application

  • Review your application for accuracy and completeness before submitting it. Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly.

Track Your Application

  • After submission, you can monitor the status of your application through the online portal.

Await Admission Decision

  • UFS will notify you of your admission status via email. If accepted, follow the instructions provided for registration and enrollment.

Prepare for Registration

  • Once admitted, complete any necessary registration steps, including choosing courses and paying tuition fees.

Important Dates

  • Keep an eye on application deadlines and other key dates related to admission.

How to Check Application Status

Visit the UFS Student Portal

Log in to the Student Self-Service Portal

  • Use the login credentials (student number and password) you received when you first registered or applied.
  • If you’ve forgotten your login details, use the Forgot Password option to reset it.

Check Application Status

  • Once logged in, you should see an option to check your application status or follow your application progress.

Alternative: Contact UFS

  • If you’re having trouble with the portal or need further assistance, you can contact the UFS Admissions Office:

Email Updates

  • UFS may also send updates regarding your application status via email, so be sure to regularly check your inbox and spam/junk folders.

Requirements

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements for 2025

National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Grade 12 Results:

  • You must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with admission to bachelor’s degree studies.

Minimum Admission Point (AP) Score:

  • Admission Point (AP) scores vary per program.
  • You calculate your AP score based on your Grade 12 results. UFS uses a points system to calculate your score (from 1 to 8 for each subject). You generally need a minimum AP score of 30 for most degrees.

Language Requirements:

  • You need a minimum of 50% in the language of instruction (English or Afrikaans).

Life Orientation:

  • A minimum of 60% in Life Orientation is required but does not contribute more than 1 AP point.

Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy:

  • Some programs require Mathematics (with a minimum percentage) instead of Mathematical Literacy.
  • Mathematical Literacy is accepted for certain programs, though programs in Science, Engineering, or Commerce usually require pure Mathematics.

Subject-Specific Requirements:

  • Many programs have specific subjects that need to be passed with a minimum score (e.g., Accounting, Physical Science, or Life Sciences).

    Specific Admission Requirements by Faculty for 2025

    Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences:

    • AP score of 30+
    • Mathematics with at least 60% is required for most programs in this faculty (e.g., BCom degrees).

    Faculty of Health Sciences:

    • MBChB (Medicine): AP score of 36+, at least 60-70% in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
    • Nursing: AP score of 28+, with specific subject requirements in Life Sciences and Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy.

    Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences:

    • Programs like BSc in Agriculture, BSc in Mathematical Sciences, etc., require an AP score of 30+ and at least 60% in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

    Faculty of Humanities:

    • AP score of 30+ for general Humanities programs, with a minimum of 50% in the language of instruction.
    • For programs like Social Work and Psychology, there may be additional requirements such as selection tests or interviews.

    Faculty of Law:

    • AP score of 33+, with a minimum of 50% in the language of instruction (English/Afrikaans).

    Faculty of Education:

    • BEd degrees require an AP score of 30+, with specific subject requirements depending on the specialization (e.g., Foundation Phase or Intermediate Phase).

      Postgraduate Requirements

      • Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees typically require completion of a relevant undergraduate degree.
      • Admission criteria depend on the specific program, including minimum marks in your previous qualification and sometimes an interview or submission of research proposals.

      Registration

      UFS Registration Dates (2025)

      • New First-Year Students: Registration dates usually open in January and extend into early February.
      • Returning Undergraduate Students: Registration typically begins after new students and runs through early February.
      • Postgraduate Students: Registration for postgraduate programs might vary by faculty but usually happens around the same time as undergraduates.

      Note: Always check the UFS website for the exact registration dates for 2025 as they may vary per faculty.

      Registration Process

      For New First-Year Students

      Accept Your Offer

      • After receiving your admission offer, you must accept it online by the given deadline to proceed to registration.

      Pay Registration Fees

      • Before registering, you must pay the first payment fee (initial payment), which is part of your tuition or residence fees. Payment details will be provided on the UFS website or communicated via email.

      Register Online

      • Registration at UFS is done online through the UFS Self-Service Portal:
        • Visit the UFS website: https://www.ufs.ac.za
        • Log in to the UFS Self-Service Portal with your student number and password.
        • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your registration.

      Submit Documents

      • You will need to upload certified copies of your NSC/Grade 12 results, identity document (ID), and any other required documentation.

      Student ID Card

      • Once your registration is confirmed, you’ll be able to obtain your student ID card from the campus.

      Orientation

      • New students will also participate in the orientation program, which provides important information on campus life, academic programs, and student services.

        For Returning Students

        Clear Financial Obligations

        • Ensure that any outstanding balances are settled before you can register for the new academic year. Check your financial statement via the UFS Self-Service Portal.

        Pay First Payment

        • Returning students are also required to pay the first payment fee before registration.

        Online Registration

        • Log in to the UFS Self-Service Portal to register for your courses.
        • You may need to consult with your academic adviser if required by your faculty.

          For Postgraduate Students

          Meet Faculty-Specific Requirements

          • Ensure you meet the specific requirements for your program and faculty. This might involve submitting additional documentation, such as research proposals (for Master’s or Ph.D. programs).

          Register Online

          • The process is similar to that of undergraduate students via the UFS Self-Service Portal.

            Payment of Fees

            • You can pay the registration fees via electronic bank transfer or directly at the UFS cashier.
            • It’s important to retain proof of payment for any future reference.

            Academic Advising

            • If you need assistance with course selection, you can contact your faculty’s academic adviser. Some faculties may require academic advising before registration.

            Student Housing

            • If you’re applying for on-campus accommodation, you need to complete the housing application separately.
            • Housing registration will also be done online, and you will need to confirm your placement.

            Late Registration

            • UFS generally allows a short period for late registration, but late fees may apply, and students are advised to register during the normal registration period.

            International Students

            • International students must provide additional documentation, such as a valid study visa and proof of medical aid.
            • Ensure you meet the visa requirements well in advance, as the process might take time.

            For further assistance or if you face any issues during the registration process, you can contact the UFS Registrar’s Office or the relevant faculty.

            Application and Closing Dates

            Application Opening Dates for 2025

            • Applications Open: Applications for 2025 at UFS typically open in April 2024. You can apply online through the UFS application portal.

            Application Closing Dates for 2025

            Undergraduate Programs:

            • MBChB (Medicine): 31 May 2024
            • Health Sciences (Allied Health Sciences): 31 July 2024
            • Architecture, Quantity Surveying, and Construction Management: 31 July 2024
            • Teacher Education (Foundation Phase): 31 July 2024
            • All Other Programs: 30 September 2024

            Postgraduate Programs:

            • Postgraduate program deadlines vary by faculty. It’s important to consult your specific faculty for detailed closing dates, but many postgraduate applications close around 30 September 2024 or later, depending on the program.

              International Students

              • International undergraduate and postgraduate applications: Same as the general closing dates above, unless specified otherwise by the department.

              Application Process

              • Apply Online: You can apply through the UFS online portal: UFS Online Application
              • Submit Required Documents: Be sure to upload all necessary documents, such as your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, passport (for international students), and other required paperwork.

              Late Applications

              • UFS typically does not accept late applications. It’s crucial to submit your application before the relevant deadlines.

              Important Notes:

              • Always check the UFS website or contact the Admissions Office for the most up-to-date information, as deadlines may be subject to change.
              • Some programs (like MBChB or Teacher Education) have earlier deadlines due to additional selection processes.

              Fees

              Registration Fee (First Payment)

              • All students must make a first payment (registration fee) before being allowed to register.
              • This amount is typically part of the total tuition fee and is non-refundable.
              • For 2024, the first payment was approximately R7,050 for South African students and around R12,900 for international students. These amounts might increase slightly for 2025.

              Tuition Fees

              Tuition fees vary depending on your program of study and the number of modules or credits you’re taking. Each faculty has its fee structure.

              Undergraduate Tuition Fees (2025):

              • Humanities, Education, Law: These faculties generally have lower tuition fees compared to science or health-related fields.
                • Approximate cost: R40,000 – R60,000 per year.
              • Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Economics, Management: Programs in these faculties usually have higher fees due to lab work or specialized courses.
                • Approximate cost: R50,000 – R70,000 per year.
              • Health Sciences (e.g., MBChB): Medicine and allied health programs have higher fees.
                • Approximate cost: R70,000 – R90,000 per year.

              Postgraduate Tuition Fees (2025):

              • Tuition fees for postgraduate studies vary widely depending on the program (Honours, Master’s, or PhD) and research requirements.
                • Approximate cost: R30,000 – R70,000 per year, depending on the faculty.

              Residence Fees

              If you stay in UFS on-campus residences, you’ll have additional accommodation costs.

              • On-campus Residence Fees: These vary depending on the type of accommodation.
                • Approximate cost: R30,000 – R50,000 per year (excluding meals).
                • Meals: You can opt for meal plans or pay for meals separately.

              International Students

              • International Levy: International students are charged an additional levy, which was approximately R4,460
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                for 2024. This may increase for 2025.
              • Medical Aid: International students must have valid South African medical aid cover for the full academic year before they can register.

              Additional Fees

              • Laboratory Fees: Some courses, particularly in the sciences and health faculties, may require additional fees for lab work or equipment.
              • Textbooks: Budget separately for textbooks, as these are not included in the tuition fees.

              Financial Assistance

              • Bursaries and Scholarships: UFS offers a range of financial assistance options, including merit-based bursaries, need-based financial aid, and external scholarships. Check the UFS Financial Aid Office for available opportunities.
              • NSFAS: Eligible South African students can apply for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to cover their tuition and living costs.

              Payment Options

              • UFS allows students to pay fees in installments, but you need to ensure that you meet the required minimum payments before the registration deadlines.

              How to Get Detailed Fee Information

              For exact fees for your chosen program:

              Courses

              Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

              Undergraduate Programs

              • BCom (General)
              • BCom Accounting
              • BCom Economics
              • BCom Investment Management and Banking
              • BCom Business Management
              • BCom Marketing Management
              • BAdmin (Public Administration)

              Postgraduate Programs

              • BCom Honours in Accounting, Business Management, Economics, and more
              • Master of Commerce (MCom) in various specializations
              • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
              • PhD in related fields

              Faculty of Health Sciences

              Undergraduate Programs

              • MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
              • Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
              • Bachelor of Physiotherapy
              • Bachelor of Optometry
              • Bachelor of Nursing

              Postgraduate Programs

              • Master’s and PhD degrees in various health sciences, including Medical Science, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and more.
              • Specializations such as Clinical Psychology, Community Health, and Forensic Medicine.

              Faculty of Humanities

              Undergraduate Programs

              • BA (General)
              • BA in Communication Studies
              • BA in Journalism
              • BA in Psychology
              • BA in Political Science
              • BA in Language Practice
              • BA in Social Work
              • Bachelor of Music (BMus)

              Postgraduate Programs

              • BA Honours in various fields such as English, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.
              • Master’s and PhD in Social Sciences, Humanities, and related fields.

              Faculty of Law

              Undergraduate Programs

              • LLB (Bachelor of Laws) – 4-year program
              • BA with Law – 3-year program (leading to LLB)

              Postgraduate Programs

              • LLM (Master of Laws) in different specializations such as Corporate Law, Constitutional Law, Labour Law, and more.
              • PhD in Law

              Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

              Undergraduate Programs

              • BSc (General)
              • BSc in Agriculture
              • BSc in Mathematical Statistics
              • BSc in Computer Science
              • BSc in Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences
              • BSc in Actuarial Science
              • BSc in Environmental Science
              • BSc in Geology

              Postgraduate Programs

              • BSc Honours, MSc, and PhD in various fields including Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Environmental Management.

              Faculty of Theology and Religion

              Undergraduate Programs

              • BTh (Bachelor of Theology) – 3-year program
              • BTh Extended Curriculum Program – 4-year program

              Postgraduate Programs

              • BTh Honours
              • Master’s in Theology (MTh)
              • PhD in Theology with various specializations (e.g., Old Testament, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology)

              Faculty of Education

              Undergraduate Programs

              • BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching)
              • BEd (Intermediate Phase Teaching)
              • BEd (Senior and FET Phase Teaching)

              Postgraduate Programs

              • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – for those with a degree who wish to teach.
              • BEd Honours in various fields like Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies.
              • Master’s and PhD in Education with specializations in Curriculum Studies, Educational Leadership, and more.

              Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology

              Undergraduate Programs

              • BSc in Quantity Surveying
              • BSc in Construction Management
              • BSc in Urban and Regional Planning

              Postgraduate Programs

              • BSc Honours, MSc, and PhD in Built Environment fields.

              Extended Degree Programs

              • Extended Curriculum Programs are offered in most faculties to provide additional academic support for students who do not meet the regular admission requirements but show potential.

              Short Learning Programs

              UFS also offers short learning programs (SLPs) across various disciplines for professional development and skill enhancement.

              Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

              1. General FAQs

              Q: Where is the University of the Free State located?

              • UFS has three campuses:
                • Bloemfontein Campus (Main Campus) in Bloemfontein, Free State.
                • Qwaqwa Campus in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State.
                • South Campus in Bloemfontein, Free State.

              Q: Does UFS offer distance learning?

              • UFS primarily offers on-campus programs but has some distance education options through its South Campus.

              Q: What is the language of instruction at UFS?

              • The primary language of instruction is English. However, certain programs may offer classes in Afrikaans depending on demand.

              2. Application and Admission FAQs

              Q: When do applications open and close for 2025?

              • Applications open: April 2024
              • Closing dates: Vary by program, but the final deadline for most undergraduate programs is 30 September 2024. Specialized programs (e.g., MBChB) close earlier.

              Q: How do I apply to UFS?

              • Applications can be submitted online through the UFS application portal: UFS Online Application.
              • You will need to upload your supporting documents (ID/passport, NSC results, etc.) during the application process.

              Q: What documents are needed for the application?

              • Certified copy of your NSC/Grade 12 results.
              • Certified copy of your ID or passport.
              • Additional documents may be required depending on the program (e.g., a portfolio for Art programs).

              Q: What are the minimum admission requirements?

              • The minimum requirement for most undergraduate programs is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with bachelor’s degree admission.
              • UFS uses the Admission Point (AP) system, and the required AP score varies by program.

              Q: How do I check the status of my application?

              • You can check your application status by logging into the UFS Student Self-Service Portal with your student number.

              3. Registration and Fees FAQs

              Q: How do I register for the academic year?

              • Registration is done online through the UFS Self-Service Portal. You must pay the first payment (registration fee) before you can register.

              Q: What is the first payment (registration fee) for 2025?

              • The first payment was approximately R7,050 for South African students and R12,900 for international students in 2024. The 2025 fees may be slightly higher.

              Q: Can I pay my fees in installments?

              • Yes, UFS allows students to pay their fees in installments, but the first payment must be made before registration.

              Q: Where can I find detailed information about tuition fees?

              • You can view the detailed fee structure for your program on the UFS website: Tuition Fees.

              4. Financial Aid and Scholarships FAQs

              Q: Does UFS offer financial aid?

              • Yes, UFS offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and specific fields of study.
              • Eligible students can also apply for NSFAS funding (National Student Financial Aid Scheme).

              Q: How do I apply for financial aid?

              • Financial aid applications, including NSFAS, must be submitted online through their respective portals.
              • UFS also offers its internal bursaries, and applications can be submitted via the UFS Financial Aid Office.

              5. International Student FAQs

              Q: What additional requirements are there for international students?

              • International students must have a valid study visa and medical aid coverage from a South African provider for the full academic year.

              Q: Is there an additional fee for international students?

              • Yes, international students are required to pay an international levy, which was approximately R4,460 for 2024. This may increase slightly in 2025.

              Q: How do international students apply for accommodation?

              • International students can apply for on-campus accommodation via the same process as domestic students. Make sure to apply early, as spaces are limited.

              6. Residences and Accommodation FAQs

              Q: How do I apply for on-campus accommodation?

              • You can apply for residence when you submit your application for admission or via the UFS accommodation portal. You will be notified if you are allocated a room.

              Q: What are the residence fees?

              • Residence fees for on-campus housing range from R30,000 – R50,000 per year, depending on the type of accommodation.

              Q: Can first-year students apply for on-campus accommodation?

              • Yes, first-year students are encouraged to apply for accommodation early, as spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

              7. Academic and Course FAQs

              Q: What courses are offered at UFS?

              • UFS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its 7 faculties, including Health Sciences, Law, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Humanities, Education, Economic and Management Sciences, and Theology and Religion.

              Q: Can I change my course after I’ve registered?

              • Yes, students can change their course or modules, but this must be done within the prescribed deadlines. Consult with your academic adviser before making any changes.

              Q: How many faculties does UFS have?

              • UFS has 7 faculties, including:
                • Economic and Management Sciences
                • Education
                • Health Sciences
                • Humanities
                • Law
                • Natural and Agricultural Sciences
                • Theology and Religion

              8. Student Life FAQs

              Q: What sports and recreational activities are available?

              • UFS offers a wide range of sports, including rugby, soccer, cricket, netball, hockey, and more. The university also has various student societies, clubs, and cultural activities.

              Q: Is there a student orientation for new students?

              • Yes, UFS offers a comprehensive orientation program for first-year students to help them transition into university life and provide information on academic and social resources.

              9. Contact Information

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