University of Free State Opening Dates For 2026

University of Free State Opening Dates For 2025–2026

University of Free State Opening Dates For 2026

Applications for admission to the University of Free State (UFS) for the upcoming academic year will be accepted starting April 1. The application form for the 2026 academic year will be available on the official UFS website at www.ufs.ac.za. Both undergraduate and graduate students interested in enrolling at UFS can begin submitting their applications from this date.

The University of Free State 2026 Application Dates

Applications for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the University of Free State (UFS) for the 2026 academic year will open on April 1, 2025, and close on September 30, 2025. Late applications will only be considered if there are still available programs after the official deadline. Applicants will be notified of their application status via email after the closing date.

What are the needed documents to apply to UFS?

The required documents will vary depending on the qualifications you are applying for. However, some of the common documents include:

Prospective Undergraduate students

Grade 12 results, grade 11 results (final results only)
A copy of your matric certificate – if you have already passed matric.
An exemption certificate as issued by USAF. (Applicants who follow Cambridge, GED, or any other non-NSC curriculum)
Copy of your ID Document
Copy of your academic record (if applicable).
A copy of relevant results and passport (international students)

Prospective Postgraduate Candidates

A copy of your ID
Copy of your academic record (if applicable).

Application Fee

There is no application fee for either undergraduate or postgraduate applications

What is the University of Free State’s minimum admission requirement?

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a university exemption is the minimum admission requirement for the University of Free State. The academic performance of the Grade 11 (final) or Grade 12 (June or final) results determines the selection process. The University of Free State selects the best candidates. Average performance is taken into account as well. Even after being selected, candidates have to meet the minimum requirements for the Grade 12 assessments

How can one apply to the University of the Free State?

Follow the guidelines below to apply online via the University of Free State’s (UFS) website.

Go to www.ufs.ac.za, the University of Free State platform, to apply online for 2026.
Click on Apply Now
When you click it, the application login screen will show up.
Once you have chosen “Create a new student number,” complete each field.
To log in, use the student number you were given and the generated pin.
Select two or more courses for study.
Complete all fields.
Upload any pertinent supporting files.
After you’re finished, please make sure to click the “Submit Application” button to ensure that the University of Free State receives your application.
Check the status of your application online.

University of Free State Application status check Steps

Here’s how you can check your application status at the University of the Free State (UFS):

Visit the UFS website: https://www.ufs.ac.za/
Click on the “Students” tab in the main menu.
Select “KovsieLife” from the drop-down menu.
Click on the “Student Self-Service” tab on the KovsieLife page.
Enter your student number (which you received after submitting your application) and password.
Look for the “View Application” option and click on it.

What Your UFS Application Status Means

Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! All your submitted applications will be displayed, along with their current status. These may include:

Under Review: The application is being evaluated by the relevant faculty.
Conditional Offer: Congratulations! You’ve met the initial requirements but may need to fulfill additional conditions.
Provisional Offer: You’re almost there! This offer is subject to the verification of documents.
Unconditional Offer: The Ultimate Prize! You’ve secured your spot at UFS.
Unsuccessful: While this is not the news you hoped for, remember that there are other options. Consider appealing or exploring alternative programs.