How To Apply For UFS Online For 2026 | www.ufs.ac.za
How To Apply For UFS Online For 2026 | www.ufs.ac.za, How To Apply For UFS Online For 2026 | www.ufs.ac.za
The University of the Free State’s online application process for the 2026 academic year will begin in 2025. The online application forms for 2026 will likely open in April 2025 and close by August 31, 2025. It is important to apply early as there is limited space, and late applications will not be considered. This article will guide you on submitting your application, including the requirements for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and steps to take before submitting your application.
University of the Free State Application Guidelines
To become a student at the university of the free state, you need to
- Apply for TWO (2) study options. If one option is a selection programme, we advise you to choose a non-selection programme as the second option because space is limited.
- Be finally admitted with your final Grade 12 NSC or IEB results;
- Pay the prescribed first payment five (5) working days prior to registration, and
- Register in 2026 before classes start
Documents Required to do an online application at the University of the Free State
For your application to be valid, you will require the documents below:
Domestic Applicant
- A mobile phone and an active email address are required.
- If you are a South African citizen, bring your ID.
- If you are under 18, you must present your parent’s ID or passport.
- Your final Grade 11 results or the equivalent, stamped by the school
- Your mid-year Grade 12 results or the equivalent. If you have already matriculated, your Grade 12 certificate or the equivalent.
- Your academic record is only valid if you are or were a student at another institution of higher learning USAf accreditation from the examination board for South African universities A Certificate of Exemption is required if you do not have an endorsed South African senior certificate.
International Applicants
- Proof that you are currently enrolled in the Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced level, if applicable.
- If applicable, a study record (academic transcript) accompanied by a certificate of conduct and/or qualification certificate if you have completed your degree.
- Obtain the required South African medical aid.
- Fill out an application for a study visa.
- Proof of direct payment of the USAf fee to USAf
- Uncertified senior/school leaving diploma
- Academic records of UFS discretionary-year studies that are uncertified
- Your South African identity card or passport
- Your final Grade 11 results, stamped by the school
- Your final Grade 12 results with the school’s stamp, if available.
- A certified copy of your school-leaving certificate, if available
- Please Note:
- No Application Fee is Required
How to Apply online at UFS 2026
South African Applicants
To complete the online application form, follow the steps below
- Apply online. Visit https://apply.ufs.ac.za
- Your application has been submitted. You will receive a student number and acknowledgement of your application.
- If you have not submitted the required documents, you will be requested to do so in order to finalize your application.
- Your application is evaluated by the university. Should your evaluation be positive, you will receive a conditional
- offer to study—SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF SPACE. Selection programmes are excluded. If you have indicated in your application that you require on-campus residence, you will also receive correspondence from Housing and Residence Affairs. Note that qualifying for your programme of choice does not guarantee admission.
- You need to source and secure financial support for your studies.
- When the final Grade 12 results are released in January 2026, all applications will be re-evaluated; you will receive a final offer if your evaluation is positive Take note that meeting the minimum admission
- requirements for your programme of choice does not guarantee admission.
- You must complete the offer’s online acceptance process within the stipulated timeframe. If you fail to complete the acceptance process for the offer before the deadline, the offer will be withdrawn, and you will lose your space. Note that limited spaces are available.
- Pay the prescribed first payment before registration. You can move into the residence on campus where you have been placed or into off-campus accommodation, and then start your academic activities, including orientation, academic advice, and registration.
Read Also: UFS Prospectus 2025-2026-Free PDF Download
International applicants
Applicants other than South African applicants must follow the steps below to submit an online application for 2025
STEP 1
- Submit your online application to the UFS at https://apply.ufs.ac.za. Please make sure that you capture subjects exactly as stated on your school-leaving report, not percentages.
STEP 2
- Your application has been submitted. You will receive a student number and acknowledgement of your application. If you have not submitted the required documents, you will be requested to do so to finalise your application.
STEP 3
- Your application and eligibility for a USAf Certificate of Exemption, if applicable, are evaluated by the university to determine whether you meet the exemption requirements (using a combination of Grade 12 mid-year AS-level and Grade 11 O-level results). Should your evaluation be positive, you will receive a conditional offer to study—SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF SPACE.
Selection programmes are excluded. If you have indicated in your application that you require on-campus residence, you will also receive correspondence from Housing and Residence Affairs. Note that qualifying for your programme of choice does not guarantee admission.
STEP 4
- If you do not yet have a Universities’ South Africa (USAF) Certificate of Exemption or are in the process of applying for one, the UFS OIA will assist you. The office can apply to USAF on your behalf. Once you receive a conditional offer to study, please liaise with oiastudentadmin@ufs.ac.za for assistance. You will be responsible for the payment of the USAF fee.
Please note that assistance from the OIA is only available if you apply to the UFS. Uncertified copies of the following documents are required:
-
- proof of payment of the USAf fee made directly to USAf (deposit the amount into the account of the Matriculation Board at:
- Bank: ABSA,
- Branch: Sunnyside (630345),
- Account number: 405 903 6917
- uncertified senior/school leaving certificate
- uncertified academic records of UFS discretionary year studies
- uncertified copy of South African ID or passport
STEP 5
- Apply for a police clearance certificate, which must cover either the past 12 months or the entire period since you turned 18, whichever is longer. You need a police clearance certificate from every country where you reside during this period.
STEP 6
- Following receipt of the conditional offer to study, you will receive a visa (undertaking) letter from the UFS OIA. Please contact niemannaja@ufs.ac.za or tshabalalal@ufs.ac.za to assist you with this letter.
STEP 7
- Contact the OIA for individual advice on study visa applications and mandatory South African medical aid. Please contact niemannaja@ufs.ac.za or tshabalalal@ufs.ac.za for assistance.
STEP 8
- Obtain mandatory South African medical aid; the OIA (contact information above) can assist you. This is required for you to be able to obtain a study visa.
STEP 9
- Apply for your study visa. The OIA will assist you.
STEP 10
- You need to source and secure financial support for your studies.
STEP 11
- When your final statement of results is available, it must be submitted to the UFS. Your conditional offer will be re-evaluated, and you will receive a final admission outcome. Take note that meeting the minimum admission requirements for your programme of choice does not guarantee admission.
STEP 12
- Complete the acceptance process for the offer online within the stipulated timeframe. If you fail to complete the acceptance process for the offer before the deadline, the offer will be withdrawn, and you will lose your space. Note that limited space is available.
STEP 13
- If you meet the requirements, you will be allowed to register conditionally on the condition that you finalise the application for Matriculation Exemption.
STEP 14
- Pay the prescribed first payment before registration. You can move into the residence on campus where you have been placed or into off-campus accommodation, and then start your academic activities, including orientation, academic advice, and registration
Visit the official website for more application tips
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