University of the Free State (UFS) Online Application – 2026 Admissions
The University of the Free State (UFS) invites all prospective students to apply for admission to study in 2026. Applications for undergraduate programmes open on 1 April 2025. Whether you’re a school-leaver, a transfer student, or planning to pursue postgraduate studies, UFS offers a wide range of qualifications to help shape your future.
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How to Apply
All applications to UFS must be submitted online. To start your application, visit the official UFS application portal. Before applying, it is important to consult the 2026 Undergraduate Prospectus to confirm that you meet the entrance requirements for your desired course.
➡️ [Click here to start your application]
➡️ [View the 2026 Undergraduate Prospectus]
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What Happens After You Apply
Once you’ve submitted your application, you will receive a student number (reference number). Please note that this number does not mean you have been accepted into the university. It only confirms that your application has been received and is being processed. Admission to a programme is a separate process, which involves evaluation by the relevant faculty based on academic requirements, space availability, and supporting documentation.
Undergraduate Application Requirements
All undergraduate applicants must complete the online application in full and upload the required documents. Incomplete applications may result in delays or disqualification.
Documents Required
Depending on your current academic status, please take note of the following requirements:
- Current Grade 12 learners: Upload school-stamped copies of your final Grade 11 results and/or your Grade 12 June report.
- Applicants who are rewriting Grade 12 subjects: Submit your most recent results. If you have written Grade 12 more than once, you must upload a combination of all results.
- IEB or SACAI students: When applying, choose “National Senior Certificate” as your result type.
- Cambridge students: Select “Cambridge” under the Results Details section of the application form.
- Transfer students (those who have studied at another tertiary institution): Declare all previous studies and upload your complete academic record/transcript, certificate of conduct, and qualification certificate (if applicable).
Please ensure all documents are clear and certified where necessary. Missing or unclear documents may lead to your application being declined.
Important Notes
- GED Not Accepted: The University of the Free State does not recognise the General Education Development (GED) test for admission. Universities South Africa (USAf) has officially removed recognition of the GED as equivalent to the National Senior Certificate (NSC). Applicants who have completed the GED must first complete a valid Grade 12 qualification such as the NSC, IEB, SACAI, or an accepted international equivalent.
- Applicants without NSC/IEB: If you did not complete a South African matric (NSC or equivalent), you must apply for exemption through USAf. This applies to international qualifications as well.
➡️ Apply for conditional exemption from USAf
📧 Email: [email protected]
Postgraduate Applications
All postgraduate programmes at UFS are selection-based. This means admission is not guaranteed and will depend on specific faculty requirements, available space, and the evaluation of your academic qualifications and supporting documents.
📘 [View the 2025 Postgraduate Prospectus]
Some Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral programmes require applicants to apply directly to the relevant department or to pre-register before formal application. It is essential that you visit the website of the faculty or department where you intend to apply, as additional documents may be required. These may include:
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation
- Research proposal or concept paper
- Departmental application form
- Academic references or letters of recommendation
Postgraduate and transfer applicants must upload:
- A complete academic transcript
- Certificate of conduct from previous institution
- Degree or diploma certificate(s)
- SAQA certificate (for international qualifications)
Note: Advanced Diplomas are considered undergraduate qualifications. However, due to the requirement of previous studies, they are processed administratively as postgraduate applications.
Need Help with Your Application?
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, the UFS Application Helpdesk is here to support you.
📱 KovsieCHAT on WhatsApp: 087 240 6370
📞 Call Centre: +27 51 401 9111 (Option 1)
📧 Email: [email protected]
Start planning your future today with the University of the Free State—where excellence, diversity, and opportunity meet. Apply early to avoid missing out on your chance to become a part of the UFS community in 2026!
