UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS) 2027 APPLICATIONS

• UFS 2027 Applications

• Planning to study at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2027? Find important information about UFS applications, closing dates, courses, admission requirements, documents and how to apply.

• The University of the Free State has three campuses: Bloemfontein Campus, Qwaqwa Campus and South Campus.

UFS 2027 APPLICATION DATES

Applications opened: 1 April 2026

IMPORTANT CLOSING DATES:

• • MBChB: 31 May 2026

• • Occupational Therapy: 31 May 2026

• • Optometry: 31 May 2026

• • Physiotherapy: 31 May 2026

• • Radiation Sciences: 31 May 2026

• • Biokinetics: 31 May 2026

• • Dietetics: 31 May 2026

• • Sport Coaching: 31 May 2026

• • Nursing: 31 July 2026

• • Social Work: 31 July 2026

• • Architecture: 31 July 2026

• • International undergraduate applications: 31 August 2026

• • Other selection and non-selection programmes: 30 September 2026

• • Transfer students applying for non-selection programmes: 30 September 2026

IMPORTANT:

• Applications received after the relevant closing date will not be considered.

 UFS FACULTIES & COURSES

The University of the Free State offers programmes across several faculties, including:

• • Economic and Management Sciences

• • Education

• • Health Sciences

• • Humanities

• • Law

• • Natural and Agricultural Sciences

• • Theology

Popular study areas include:

• • Accounting

• • Business Management

• • Economics

• • Education

• • Law

• • Medicine

• • Nursing

• • Psychology

• • Social Sciences

• • Computer Science

• • Information Technology

• • Agriculture

• • Environmental Management

• • Biological Sciences

• • Chemistry

• • Physics

• • Mathematics

• • Engineering Sciences

• • Architecture

• Always check the specific programme requirements before applying.

UFS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Admission requirements depend on the qualification.

• Applicants should check:

• • National Senior Certificate requirements

• • Required Grade 12 subjects

• • Minimum subject marks

• • Admission Point (AP) score

• • Mathematics requirements

• • Mathematical Literacy requirements

• • Physical Sciences requirements where applicable

• • English requirements

• • Programme-specific selection requirements

UFS calculates an Admission Point (AP) score based on your NSC achievement levels.

IMPORTANT:

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission because spaces are limited and some programmes have selection processes.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Applicants should prepare:

• South African ID

• Passport for international applicants

•  Parent/guardian ID or passport if under 18

• Final Grade 11 results with the school's stamp

• Mid-year Grade 12 results

• Grade 12 certificate if already matriculated

• Academic record if previously studied at another institution

• Certificate of conduct and official study record for transferring students, where applicable

• USAf Certificate of Exemption where applicable for international qualifications

Documents should be uploaded in PDF format and must be clear and readable.

 UFS APPLICATION FEE

• Application fee: FREE

• UFS does not charge an application fee for undergraduate applications.

• This means students can apply to UFS without paying an application fee.

 HOW TO APPLY TO UFS

1. Choose your preferred programme.

2. Check the admission requirements.

3. Prepare your documents.

4. Visit the UFS online application portal.

5. Create your application profile.

6. Complete the online application.

7. Choose up to two study options.

8. Upload the required documents.

9. Complete all application stages.

10. Submit your application.

11. Save your student/application number.

12. Track your application status online.

IMPORTANT:

Your application is only submitted after completing all required stages of the online application.

 HOW MANY STUDY OPTIONS CAN I CHOOSE?

• Applicants can choose a maximum of TWO study options.

• Choose your programmes carefully and make sure you meet the requirements for both choices.

UFS CAMPUSES

The University of the Free State has three campuses:

• • Bloemfontein Campus

• • Qwaqwa Campus

• • South Campus

The campus you attend depends on your chosen programme.

 UFS & NSFAS

Eligible South African students can apply for NSFAS funding, subject to the applicable NSFAS requirements.

IMPORTANT:

• University admission and NSFAS funding are separate processes.

• Being accepted by UFS does not automatically guarantee NSFAS funding.

UFS PROSPECTU

The UFS Undergraduate Prospectus provides information about:

•  Courses and qualifications

•  Admission requirements

• AP score requirements

• Faculties

•  Subject requirements

• Selection programmes

•  Application procedures

• Campus information

Always check the latest UFS prospectus before choosing your qualification.

IMPORTANT UFS APPLICATION ADVICE

• • Apply as early as possible.

• • Check the closing date for your specific programme.

• • Health-related programmes often close earlier.

• • Do not wait until the final day to apply.

• • Upload the correct documents.

• • Make sure your application is fully submitted.

• • Keep your student number and login details safe.

• • Monitor your email regularly.

• • Check your application status online.

• • Do not pay anyone promising guaranteed admission.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• When did UFS 2027 applications open?

UFS 2027 applications opened on 1 April 2026.

• Is the UFS application free?

Yes. Undergraduate applications to UFS are free.

• When do UFS 2027 applications close?

The closing date depends on the programme. Many programmes close on 30 September 2026, while selected programmes have earlier closing dates.

• When does UFS Medicine close?

Applications for MBChB close on 31 May 2026.

• When does UFS Nursing close?

Applications for Nursing close on 31 July 2026.

• When do UFS international undergraduate applications close?

International undergraduate applications close on 31 August 2026.

• How many programmes can I apply for at UFS?

You can choose a maximum of two study options.

• Can Grade 12 learners apply to UFS?

Yes. Current Grade 12 learners can apply using their Grade 11 final results and available Grade 12 results.

• Does meeting the minimum requirements guarantee admission?

No. Admission depends on the programme requirements, selection process and available spaces.

• How do I check my UFS application status?

After submitting your application, UFS provides login details that can be used to check your application status online.

APPLY TO UFS FOR 2027

Choose your course → Check requirements → Prepare documents → Apply online for FREE → Submit → Save your student number → Track your application.

ApplySmart SA

Helping South African students make smarter university, college and bursary decisions.

Last updated: August 2026

DISCLAIMER

ApplySmart SA is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the University of the Free State. Application dates, requirements, programmes and other information may change. Always verify the latest information with UFS before applying.