2026 UFS Application Procedure

 

Welcome to the UFS Online Application portal

 

Applications open on Tuesday, 1 April 2025. Application to the UFS is free.

• Undergraduate applicants: If you require further information before applying, consult the 2026 Undergraduate Prospectus. Only apply for programmes for which you meet all the minimum entrance requirements. You may choose two options to study.  Should you opt to choose only one study choice, you will not be able to add the second study choice, nor will you be allowed to change at a later stage.
• For postgraduate programmes, consult the 2026 Postgraduate Prospectus. Additionally, visit the faculty of your interest for detailed requirements: www.ufs.ac.za 
• For your application to be submitted, you must complete all stages of the online application.
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email.
• Should you experience challenges with undergraduate applications, visit the Study at UFS webpage for the videos. If you are still struggling, email applications@ufs.ac.za or chat via WhatsApp KovsieChat at 087 240 6370 or call +27 (0)51 401 3000
• Should you experience challenges with postgraduate diploma (PGDip), and honours applications, email studentadmin@ufs.ac.za or call +27(0)51 401 9111 (Option 1)
• For postgraduate Master’s and Doctoral application challenges, email UFSPostgradAdmin@ufs.ac.za

International Applicants

• For undergraduate (UG) applications, please note that the closing date is 31 August.
• Ensure that the documentation that you upload is certified.
• Should you require further information, visit the Office for International Affairs. 

 

Submitting documents and results

• Learners currently at school must submit final Grade 11 or June Grade 12 results (depending on when you apply). Failure to submit any documents will result in delays in the processing of your application. If you applied with your grade 11 results, you can upload your grade 12 results on Self-Service at https://myapplication.ufs.ac.za/
• If you have already completed Grade 12, submit your final Grade 12 certificate.
• Documents submitted must not be more than 3 MB in size. You do not need to certify your documents.
• For postgraduate applications and transferring students, upload all requested documents, including the academic record, with your application. International postgraduate students must upload the SAQA certificate.
• Failure to upload correct information will lead to delays in processing your application.

 

Monitoring your application

• After submitting your application, you will receive an application acknowledgement letter with your student number included.
• When your application status is updated, you will receive an email communication. Please monitor your email account for important university communication. You can also check your status online on Self-Service at (https://myapplication.ufs.ac.za/) using your login details – including your password – which will be sent to you after you submit your application.
• We are not allowed to disclose your application status telephonically.

 

Closing dates

• For postgraduate closing dates, visit PG CLOSING DATES.
  
  
• Undergraduate closing dates:

 

31 MAY

• • MB ChB
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Optometry
  • Physiotherapy
  • Radiation Science
  • Biokinetics
  • Dietetics
  • Sports Coaching

 

31 JULY

• • Nursing
  • Social Work
  • Architecture

 

31 AUGUST

• • International undergraduate applications.

 

30 SEPTEMBER

• • Transferring students from other tertiary institutions
  • All other selection and non-selection programmes

 

 

 

POPIA Privacy Notice 

The University of the Free State (UFS) is an institution of higher learning established in terms of the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, published in Government Notice 33490 dated 27 August 2010.

The UFS collects and processes personal information for administrative and academic purposes as agreed with you in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA). Where necessary, personal information may be retained for legal or research purposes.

The UFS may disclose personal information of data subjects to third parties where we have a duty or a right to disclose in terms of the law and where we believe it is necessary to protect our rights. We value your privacy and will take all reasonable measures and make all reasonable efforts to ensure that any personal information in our possession or that we process is kept confidential, stored securely, and processed in terms of POPIA and South African law.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all information provided to the UFS is true and correct, and it remains your responsibility to inform us from time to time of any changes to your personal information (such as updated contact details). Please further note that you are welcome to request reasonable access to the personal information held on your behalf per sections 23 and 24 of POPIA, as well as to request the correction, reduction, or deletion thereof, as the relevant circumstances may require. To do so, simply contact the deputy information officers at DIO@ufs.ac.za and specify what information you require, subject to payment of a legally allowable fee.

For more information, please consult:
https://www.ufs.ac.za/privacy-notice