Applying to the University of the Free State (UFS) is free, and you apply online. Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 April 2026. Closing dates depend on your programme, because selection programmes close earlier than the rest. The UFS does not consider applications that arrive after the closing date.
Before you apply
Read the admission requirements for the programmes you want in the UFS undergraduate prospectus, and work out your Admission Point score. The UFS asks you to apply only for programmes where you meet all the minimum requirements. Check the UFS admission requirements page for the method and the AP needed for popular programmes.
Closing dates for 2027
- School of Clinical Medicine programmes, including MBChB: 31 May 2026
- Bachelor of Social Work and some other selection programmes: 31 July 2026
- Fine Arts, with your portfolio and selection form: 30 September 2026
- BSc and other non-selection programmes: 30 September 2026
Some programmes, such as those in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, set their own dates, so check the prospectus for your programme.
The application steps
- Go to the UFS online application portal.
- Create your application and choose your programmes.
- Upload your documents, including your ID and your latest results.
- Submit any extra selection material that your programme needs, such as a selection form or portfolio.
- Track your application and respond to any requests from the UFS.
The UFS describes its online application as quick and easy, and it works on mobile phones and tablets. Use an email address that you check often.
Applying for residence
If you want to live in a UFS residence, apply for accommodation as well. On the Bloemfontein Campus, Housing and Residence Affairs is on 051 401 9111 (option 6) or at resapplications@ufs.ac.za. On the South Campus, contact 051 505 1456. The UFS also accredits off-campus accommodation.
After you apply
Top achievers with an AP of 35 or more who meet their programme's criteria receive a conditional offer and an automatic merit bursary. For other applicants, selection programmes rank applications from the highest AP downwards, while other programmes consider every applicant who meets the minimum.
Other routes
International applicants should use the conversion table in the prospectus and contact the Office for International Affairs, because foreign results are converted to the NSC scale. Older applicants who lack the usual school results can ask about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which the UFS also offers.
Getting help
For advice on your choices, Academic Advising is on 051 401 9111 (option 2). Always include your student or ID number when you contact the university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an application fee at the UFS?
No. Applying to the UFS is free.
When do UFS applications close?
It depends on the programme. For 2027, Clinical Medicine closed on 31 May 2026 and non-selection programmes on 30 September 2026.
Can I apply late to the UFS?
No. The UFS does not consider applications received after the closing dates.