University of the Free State

About UFS

The University of the Free State is a long-established research university based in Bloemfontein, with additional campuses in Qwaqwa and a dedicated South Campus offering access and bridging programmes for students who need extra academic support.

UFS is well regarded for law, health sciences and agriculture, and has built a reputation for strong student support infrastructure — its South Campus model, in particular, is often cited as a model for widening access to university study.

The university has placed a strong public focus on transformation and reconciliation since a series of high-profile incidents in the 2000s, and multilingual teaching (English, Afrikaans and Sesotho) remains a deliberate part of its academic offering across its three campuses.

Why students choose UFS

• Dedicated South Campus for access and bridging programmes
• Strong reputation in law and health sciences
• Multilingual teaching across three campuses

Fields of study

• Economic & Management Sciences
• Education
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Law
• Natural & Agricultural Sciences

What you'll need to apply

Every South African public university sets its own admission point score and subject requirements per programme, so the details below are general guidance rather than UFS-specific rules — always confirm exact requirements on the official site before applying.

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) that meets the minimum admission point score for your chosen programme.
• Specific subject and mark requirements, which vary by faculty — competitive programmes like medicine or engineering typically set higher thresholds.
• An online application through the university's own portal, usually opening the year before you intend to start.
• Supporting documents such as certified copies of your ID and academic records, and proof of application fee payment where applicable.