University of the Free State Free Applications: Apply to Study at UFS Without an Application Fee

Are you looking for a South African university where you can apply without paying an application fee? The University of the Free State (UFS) has confirmed that applications for the 2027 academic year are free, making it possible for prospective students to submit an online application without paying an application charge.

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The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities across its campuses, including Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa.

UFS Applications Are Free

The official UFS online application portal states that 2027 applications opened on 1 April 2026 and that application to UFS is free. Applicants therefore do not need to pay an application fee when submitting their applications through the official online system.

This is particularly useful for prospective students who want to apply to university without the additional cost of an application charge.

Application fee: R0

However, a free application does not mean that tuition, accommodation, books or other study-related expenses are automatically free. Students who require financial assistance should investigate funding options such as NSFAS separately.

What Can You Study at UFS?

The University of the Free State offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.

Prospective undergraduate students can consult the 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus to view available programmes and their admission requirements. UFS advises applicants to apply only for programmes for which they meet the minimum entrance requirements.

Study opportunities cover areas including:

• Humanities
• Education
• Economic and Management Sciences
• Natural and Agricultural Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Law
• Theology and Religion
• Other specialised fields

Some programmes have additional selection requirements and earlier application closing dates.

Applicants Can Choose Two Study Options

Undergraduate applicants can select two study options as part of the UFS application process. The university advises prospective students to check the relevant admission requirements before making their choices.

Applicants should therefore carefully consider their preferred qualifications before completing the application.

2027 UFS Application Closing Dates

Although the application fee is free, applicants still need to submit their applications before the relevant closing dates.

The UFS online application portal currently lists the following undergraduate deadlines:

Applicants should check the specific programme requirements because some courses have earlier closing dates.

What Documents Do You Need?

Applicants should prepare the required documentation before starting their application.

For undergraduate applicants, UFS indicates that learners currently at school should submit their available Grade 11 or June Grade 12 results, depending on when they apply. Applicants who have already completed Grade 12 should submit their final Grade 12 certificate.

Applicants transferring from another tertiary institution need to provide their academic record and other requested documents.

The university also states that documents uploaded through the application system should not exceed 5 MB each.

How to Apply to UFS Online

The application process is completed online through the official UFS application portal.

Step 1: Check the Requirements

Read the relevant 2027 UFS Undergraduate Prospectus and make sure you meet the minimum admission requirements for your preferred programme.

Step 2: Start Your Online Application

Go to the official UFS application portal and select the appropriate application category, such as undergraduate or postgraduate. The online system provides separate application options for different study categories.

Step 3: Enter Your Information

Complete your personal information and provide the requested academic details.

Step 4: Select Your Study Choices

Undergraduate applicants can select two study choices.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload the required academic documents and other requested information.

Step 6: Complete and Submit

UFS states that applicants must complete all stages of the online application for the application to be submitted successfully. Once submitted, applicants receive a confirmation email.

How to Track Your UFS Application

After submitting an application, UFS provides an acknowledgement letter containing the applicant's student number.

Applicants can monitor their application status through the UFS Self-Service system and should regularly check their email for university communication.

Receiving confirmation that an application has been submitted does not mean that the applicant has been admitted. Admission depends on meeting the relevant academic and programme requirements.

International Students

International applicants can also apply, but additional requirements apply.

UFS states that international applicants must obtain the appropriate study visa before entering South Africa and may need a Universities South Africa (USAf) Certificate of Exemption if they do not hold a South African National Senior Certificate.

International applicants should therefore review the university's specific requirements before submitting an application.

Beware of Application Scams

Because UFS applications are free, prospective students should be cautious about anyone asking them to pay an application fee to submit a UFS application.

The safest approach is to use the official UFS application portal and follow the university's published instructions.

Apply for Free at UFS

The University of the Free State's free online application process provides prospective students with an opportunity to apply without paying an application fee.

University: University of the Free State
Application year: 2027
Application fee: FREE / R0
Application method: Online
Applications opened: 1 April 2026
Undergraduate application closing dates: Programme-dependent, with the general listed deadline for many programmes being 30 September 2026.

APPLY ONLINE

University of the Free State Online Application Portal

Important: Use the official UFS portal for the actual application. SkillsDaily can share information about the opportunity, but applicants should submit their applications through UFS's official system.