The University of the Free State (UFS) | Academic Division and Overview

The University of the Free State (UFS) is a multi-campus public university located in Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State and the judicial capital of South Africa. Initially established in 1904 as a tertiary section of Grey College, it later became an independent Afrikaans-language university in 1950 under the name University of the Orange Free State. The university has two satellite campuses, one in Bloemfontein (South Campus) and the other in the former homeland QwaQwa.

Historically, the university’s language policy has undergone changes. Originally, when founded in 1904, the language medium was English. However, with language activists advocating for Afrikaans, it became one of the subjects at the college in 1919. In 1950, the University of the Orange Free State was established, and Afrikaans became the official medium of instruction. The university’s name changed again in 2001 to the University of the Free State.

In 1993, a bilingual language policy (Afrikaans and English) was introduced, but it was formalized in 2003. The university made English the primary medium of instruction in 2016, a decision that faced legal challenges but was upheld by the Constitutional Court of South Africa in 2017.

Campuses:

1. Bloemfontein Campus: Located near the city centre, this is the main campus of the university.
2. South Campus: Situated in Bloemfontein, it serves as a satellite campus.
3. QwaQwa Campus: Formerly part of the University of the North until 2003, this is another satellite campus.

The university offers a range of sports facilities, medical services, and cultural activities for students. There is a student centre, a student newspaper (IRAWA), a campus radio station (KovsieFm), a library (The Sasol Library), the Frik Scott medical library, a career and guidance centre, a student theatre, and a computer centre.

Academic Divisions:

1. Economic and Management Sciences
2. Education
3. Health Sciences
4. Law
5. Natural and Agricultural Sciences
6. The Humanities
7. Theology and Religion

The University of the Free State plays a significant role in South African higher education and has evolved into a diverse and inclusive institution since its desegregation in 1996.

How to apply to the university

1. Choose a program
2. Press “Apply now” button
3. Send an application form
4. Complete admissions tasks
5. Go to study

To apply follow these steps. To get more information about the university and the admissions process, you can use the live chat to contact a university representative.

Required documents for admission

When applying for admission you should prepare all required documents. Request a list of necessary documents directly from a university, as it may vary for different countries. Using our live chat, you can also ask for sample documents.

• Supervisor Agreement Form (PhD)
• Letters of reccomendation (MA, PhD)
• Resume/CV (graduate, postgraduate)
• Health and Life Insurance
• TOEFL Certificate
• Online Application form
• Research proposal outline (MA, PhD)
• Diploma evalution (local authorities)
• Experience certificate (MA, PhD)
• Photographs
• IELTS Certificate
• Student visa
• Family Details
• Declaration for financial support
• Application fee
• Proof of fee payment
• Passport