The University of the Free State (UFS) has junior and senior residences on its Bloemfontein, South and Qwaqwa campuses, plus day residences and accredited off-campus accommodation. On-campus residences are in high demand, with a waiting list. The details below come from the UFS 2027 undergraduate prospectus.
How to apply
Indicate in your online UFS application that you need on-campus accommodation for 2027. Meeting your programme's admission requirements does not guarantee a residence place, because space in each residence is limited.
Academic requirements
- Bloemfontein Campus: a Grade 12 AP of at least 30
- Qwaqwa Campus: a Grade 12 AP of at least 25
UFS uses your most recent AP, from Grade 11 or Grade 12. If you were admitted on your Grade 11 AP but your final Grade 12 AP falls below the requirement, your residence admission is cancelled. Senior students need at least 120 credits passed.
South Campus
If you were provisionally placed in a Bloemfontein residence but your final results place you in an extended curriculum programme on the South Campus, your placement moves to a South Campus residence, subject to space.
Deposits
When you accept a residence offer for the first time, you pay a breakage deposit of R990. You forfeit it if you do not show up, or cancel after 31 December. It is refunded in specific cases, such as not meeting admission requirements or leaving at the end of your accommodation term.
Accommodation fees for 2027
- Bloemfontein junior residences, such as Akasia, Emily Hobhouse, Kestell and Karee: R38,050 for a shared double room, R42,350 for a single room
- Newer Bloemfontein residences, such as Outeniqua, Conlaures and Ardour: R54,675 shared double, R59,435 single
- South Campus residences (Legae, Liberty and Toka): R54,675 shared double, R59,435 single
- Qwaqwa older residences: R38,050 shared double, R42,350 single
- Qwaqwa newer residences: R54,675 shared double, R59,435 single
These are estimates and subject to annual increases. You, your parent or guardian are responsible for the full accommodation fee.
Other charges
UFS's housing deposits are listed as R980 for junior residences and R2,800 for senior residences. Holiday accommodation costs R105 a day, and reserved covered parking for residence students costs R500 a year, which is not refundable. Senior residences and units, and the Kovsie-Inn postgraduate accommodation, have their own tariffs.
Day residences
If you live off campus, you can join a day residence, such as Veritas, Marjolein or Kagiso on the Bloemfontein Campus, or Unison on the South Campus. Each has a lounge with a kitchen on campus, plus mentorship and academic support.
Contacts
- Bloemfontein Campus: resapplications@ufs.ac.za
- South Campus: SCResApplications@ufs.ac.za
- Qwaqwa Campus: res_infoqc@ufs.ac.za
- Accredited off-campus accommodation: OCAStudents@ufs.ac.za
Include your full name and student number in every enquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What AP do I need for a UFS residence?
30 for the Bloemfontein Campus and 25 for the Qwaqwa Campus.
How much is the UFS residence deposit?
A breakage deposit of R990 when you first accept a residence offer.
How much is a UFS junior residence in 2027?
From R38,050 for a shared double room.