University of the Free State Application 2027 & How to Apply

The University of the Free State (UFS) is accepting applications for students who want to begin their studies in the 2027 academic year.

The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across its Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa and South campuses. Applications are completed online through the official UFS application system.

For South African matriculants, gap-year students and international applicants, applying early is important because some programmes have earlier closing dates and certain programmes are subject to selection.

For 2027, UFS undergraduate applications opened on 1 April 2026. The general application period runs into 2026, but applicants must check the closing date for their specific programme because some programmes close earlier. International undergraduate applicants have a separate closing date of 31 August 2026.

Key Application Dates

Estimated 2027 Opening and Closing Deadlines

The 2027 UFS application dates have been published, so applicants should use the official dates rather than relying on previous years’ deadlines.

Key UFS 2027 application dates:

• Applications opened: 1 April 2026
• General undergraduate application period: 1 April 2026 onwards, with programme-specific closing dates
• International undergraduate applicants: 31 August 2026
• Many undergraduate programmes: 30 September 2026
• Some programmes have earlier deadlines: Applicants must check the 2027 prospectus for the programme they select.
• Application fee: R0 — UFS applications are free

The UFS online application portal confirms that applications opened on Wednesday, 1 April 2026 and that applying to UFS is free. It also states that undergraduate applicants can select two study options.

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, for example, lists 1 April to 30 September 2026 for undergraduate and honours applications, while warning that some programmes have earlier closing dates.

International applicants should pay particular attention to the earlier deadline. The 2027 UFS prospectus states that the closing date for international undergraduate applications is 31 August 2026.

Some programmes also have individual selection deadlines. For example, the Bachelor of Architecture has a 31 July 2026 application and selection-form deadline.

Best advice: Do not wait for the general closing date. Check the deadline for your exact programme before starting your application.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

How to Submit Your Application Online

UFS applications are completed online through the university’s application portal.

Official UFS online application portal:
Apply to the University of the Free State

Follow these steps to complete your application.

Step 1: Choose the qualification you want to study

Before opening the application form, identify the qualification you want to study.

Use the official 2027 UFS Undergraduate Prospectus to check the available programmes and the application information for your chosen course.

Pay attention to:

• Programme name
• Programme code
• Campus
• Application closing date
• Whether the programme is subject to selection
• Any additional selection documents
• Whether the programme has an earlier closing date

Do not select a programme simply because the university offers it. Make sure you understand the application instructions for that particular programme.

Step 2: Go to the UFS application portal

Open the official UFS online application portal.

The portal currently identifies itself as the 2027 UFS Application Procedure and provides the application stages for prospective students.

Select the appropriate application option and begin the process.

The UFS online application system guides applicants through several stages, including:

1. Start Application
2. Selection Information
3. Study Choices
4. Verification
5. Personal Information

UFS states that applicants must complete all stages of the online application for the application to be submitted successfully.

Step 3: Complete the selection information

Follow the instructions displayed by the application portal.

You will need to provide information relevant to your application and indicate the type of study you are applying for.

Read each page carefully before moving to the next stage.

If you are unsure about a particular field, consult the official UFS instructions rather than entering information simply to move forward.

Step 4: Select your study choices

UFS allows undergraduate applicants to choose two study options.

This means you should think carefully about your first and second choices before completing this section.

When selecting your choices:

• Check the exact qualification name.
• Check the programme code.
• Check the campus where the programme is offered.
• Check the relevant closing date.
• Check whether additional selection documentation is required.

For competitive or selection-based programmes, submitting an application does not necessarily mean that you will automatically receive an offer.

Step 5: Complete the verification stage

Review the information you have entered.

Check your:

• Name and surname
• ID or passport details
• Date of birth
• Contact information
• Email address
• Study choices
• School information
• Previous qualifications

Make sure the information corresponds with your official documents.

An incorrect email address can cause problems because UFS uses email and SMS communications to provide applicants with application updates.

Step 6: Complete your personal information

Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your identification documents.

South African applicants should use their South African ID details where required.

International applicants should use their valid passport information.

Check your cellphone number and email address carefully before continuing.

Step 7: Upload the required documents

Prepare your supporting documents before completing the application.

Depending on your circumstances, UFS may require documents such as:

• South African ID
• Passport for international applicants
• Grade 11 results
• Grade 12 results when available
• School-leaving certificate where already completed
• Academic records from previous tertiary study, where applicable
• Qualification certificates where applicable
• Additional documents required for specific programmes

The exact documents required can depend on the applicant and programme.

Do not upload documents simply because another university requires them. Follow the documents requested by the UFS application system and the instructions for your particular qualification.

Step 8: Submit the application

Before submitting, go through every section again.

Make sure:

• All required fields have been completed
• Your personal details are correct
• Your two study choices are correct
• Your supporting documents have been uploaded where required
• Your email address and cellphone number are correct
• You have completed every stage of the online application

UFS specifically states that applicants must complete all stages of the online process for the application to be submitted. After successful submission, applicants receive a confirmation email.

Step 9: Save your confirmation

Once your application has been submitted, keep your confirmation email and any application reference information.

It is a good idea to save:

• Application confirmation
• Reference number
• Copies of submitted documents
• Screenshots of important application information
• Emails or SMS messages received from UFS

You may need these details when checking your application status or contacting the university.

Required Supporting Documents

South African Applicants

South African applicants should prepare electronic copies of the documents relevant to their application.

Common documents can include:

• South African identity document
• Grade 11 report/results for current Grade 12 learners, where requested
• Grade 12/NSC results where already available
• National Senior Certificate or equivalent school-leaving qualification, if already completed
• Academic transcript from another institution, if you previously studied elsewhere
• Qualification certificates where applicable
• Programme-specific selection documents where required

The application system will indicate which documents need to be uploaded.

Current Grade 12 Learners

If you are currently in Grade 12 and applying for 2027, you may not yet have your final matric results.

That should not prevent you from applying during the 2027 application period.

Prepare your latest available school results and follow the instructions provided by UFS for current Grade 12 applicants.

Once your final results become available, follow any further instructions from UFS concerning the submission or verification of final results.

Gap-Year Students

If you completed matric previously and are taking a gap year before university, make sure you have your final school results available.

You may also need:

• ID document
• NSC or equivalent certificate
• Academic records from any tertiary institution attended
• Other documents requested by your selected programme

A gap year does not mean you should use outdated information from a previous application. Check the current 2027 application instructions and submit a new application if required.

International Applicants

International applicants have additional considerations.

The 2027 UFS prospectus states that the international undergraduate application deadline is 31 August 2026.

International applicants should prepare:

• Valid passport
• School-leaving certificate
• Academic transcripts/results
• Relevant qualification certificates
• Official translations where applicable
• SAQA documentation where required for foreign qualifications
• Other documents requested by UFS

International applicants should also pay attention to immigration requirements.

UFS states that international students must have a valid study visa endorsed for study at UFS before entering South Africa to study there.

What About Proof of Address?

Proof of address is not something applicants should automatically assume is required for every UFS undergraduate application.

The documents required for your application depend on the application category and programme.

If the UFS application system specifically requests proof of address, upload the document in the format requested.

Do not confuse undergraduate admission documents with documents that may be required later for:

• Student accommodation
• Financial aid
• Private accommodation
• Other administrative services

For example, UFS has separate proof-of-address requirements for certain financial-aid and accommodation processes. Those requirements should not automatically be treated as general admission requirements.

Additional Documents for Selection Programmes

Some UFS programmes require additional selection documentation.

For example, the Bachelor of Architecture requires applicants to complete and submit a separate selection form by the programme’s specified deadline.

Therefore, after selecting your programme, always check whether there is a separate:

• Selection form
• Portfolio
• Questionnaire
• Test
• Additional supporting document
• Programme-specific submission deadline

Application Fee & Payment Details

Is the UFS Application Free?

Yes.

For the standard UFS 2027 online application, there is no application fee.

The official UFS application portal states clearly:

Application fee: R0

UFS describes the 2027 application process as free and does not require applicants to pay an application fee to submit the standard online application.

This is important because applicants should be cautious if someone asks them to pay money simply to “open” or “activate” a standard UFS undergraduate application.

Do South African Applicants Pay an Application Fee?

No.

South African applicants applying through the standard UFS online application process do not pay an application fee.

Do International Applicants Pay an Application Fee?

The standard UFS online application portal also states that application to UFS is free.

However, international applicants may have other costs associated with studying in South Africa, including immigration, visa, medical aid and other administrative requirements.

These should not be confused with an application fee.

The 2027 UFS prospectus notes that international students are subject to a non-refundable annual administrative levy on their student accounts.

Payment During the Application Process

Because the standard application is free, applicants should not make an application-fee payment simply because another website, agent or individual requests one.

If the university later requires payment for another service or process, use only the payment instructions published through official UFS channels.

Never send money to an unofficial person claiming to guarantee admission.

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your application, UFS will process it according to the relevant application and selection procedures.

A submitted application is not the same as an admission offer.

The UFS application confirmation specifically warns applicants that the application is not confirmation of admission or selection. The university communicates further information about application status through email or SMS.

Therefore:

• Do not assume that submitting an application means you have been accepted.
• Monitor your email regularly.
• Check your application status when instructed.
• Respond promptly if UFS requests additional information.
• Keep your contact information up to date.

What If You Miss the UFS 2027 Application Deadline?

Missing an application deadline does not mean you should immediately pay an agent who claims they can guarantee a late application.

Instead, take the following steps.

1. Check the official UFS website

Go to the UFS prospective-student pages and check whether the university has announced:

• An application extension
• A reopening of applications
• A programme-specific extension
• A new application opportunity

Do not rely on WhatsApp messages or social media posts as confirmation of an extension.

2. Check your specific programme

UFS has different closing dates for some programmes.

For example, some programmes close earlier than the general application period, while certain faculties publish their own application deadlines.

If you missed one deadline, check whether your second-choice programme has a different official closing date.

3. Contact UFS directly

If you believe you missed the deadline because of a technical problem or unusual circumstance, contact UFS through its official student/application support channels.

The UFS application portal provides +27 51 401 3000 and applications@ufs.ac.za for application enquiries.

Explain your situation clearly and ask whether any official option remains available.

4. Do not pay unofficial agents

Be extremely cautious of anyone who says:

“Pay me and I will guarantee your UFS admission.”

No private individual can legitimately guarantee that UFS will accept your application.

Use the official UFS website and application portal for your application.

5. Consider another qualification or institution

If your preferred programme is closed, investigate other legitimate study options with open applications.

You can also prepare for the next application cycle rather than submitting incomplete or fraudulent documentation.

UFS 2027 Application Checklist

Before submitting your UFS application, use this checklist:

• Check the 2027 UFS prospectus
• Confirm your programme and programme code
• Check the exact application deadline
• Check whether your programme has an earlier closing date
• Prepare your South African ID or passport
• Prepare Grade 11/12 results where applicable
• Prepare previous academic records if applicable
• Prepare any programme-specific documents
• Check whether you need a separate selection form
• Choose your two study options carefully
• Complete every stage of the online application
• Confirm your email address and cellphone number
• Submit the application online
• Save your confirmation email
• Monitor your email and SMS messages
• Do not pay an unofficial application fee

Most importantly, apply as early as possible. UFS’s 2027 application process opened on 1 April 2026, and some programmes have deadlines earlier than the general closing period. International applicants have an earlier 31 August 2026 deadline for undergraduate study.

For the safest application process, always use the official UFS application portal and check the current 2027 prospectus for the qualification you want to study.