University of Fort Hare (UFH)

The University of Fort Hare, known as UFH, is one of the most historic universities in Africa. It opened on 8 February 1916 in Alice, in the Eastern Cape, and its former students include Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo. Today, it teaches across three campuses in Alice, Bhisho and East London.

About Fort Hare

The university began as the South African Native College, and its first principal, Alexander Kerr, led it from 1916 to 1948. It stands near the site of an old colonial military post, the original Fort Hare, built in 1846. Under apartheid, the university was later placed in a system of ethnically defined institutions.

Fort Hare's alumni helped to shape Southern Africa. The university names Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and Govan Mbeki among its most notable former students, along with Robert Sobukwe, Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Robert Mugabe.

Campuses

The Alice campus is the main campus, with programmes in the social sciences, humanities, education, agriculture and law. The East London campus started in 1981 as part of Rhodes University, and Fort Hare incorporated it in 2004. It has since grown considerably. The university also has a campus in Bhisho.

Applying to Fort Hare

Fort Hare's admissions pages gave 31 October 2026 as the closing date for undergraduate applications for 2027. Honours and Master's applications also closed on 31 October, while PhD applications close on 31 March 2027. The university charges a late application fee for applications that arrive after the closing date.

The application fee is R120 for South African applicants and R500 for international applicants, and neither is refundable. You pay it before or during submission, and the university only processes your application once it receives the fee.

Fees and funding

Tuition varies by programme, so check the current fee schedule for your qualification. Fort Hare publishes a general prospectus each year with the details. Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS, and you can browse our bursaries for more funding options.

Is Fort Hare right for you?

Fort Hare suits students who want to study in the Eastern Cape at a university with deep historical roots. Its Alice campus offers a rural setting, while East London provides a city option.

Before you apply to Fort Hare

Pay the application fee before or while you submit, because Fort Hare only processes applications once the fee arrives. Check which campus offers your programme, since Alice, Bhisho and East London teach different fields. Make sure your matric subjects meet the requirements for your qualification, as bachelor's programmes need specific subject combinations. If you apply late, budget for the late application fee as well.