University of Free State 2025 Online Application is now open for prospective students, with exciting new changes to streamline the application process. Whether you are applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs, the University of the Free State (UFS) has made significant updates to ensure a smoother and more transparent admissions experience.
2025 Undergraduate Applications
Starting from July 1, 2024, applications for Higher Certificate Programmes on the South Campus will be available. The University of the Free State (UFS) has implemented a new policy concerning the Application Point (AP) score, which is crucial for the admission process. This policy aims to enhance fairness and ensure that only applicants who meet or exceed the required AP thresholds for their selected programs are considered.
Applicants are encouraged to review the minimum APS requirements for their chosen programs by visiting the UFS Admissions Requirements page. This will help ensure that they meet the necessary standards before submitting their applications.
Before you begin your application, make sure to consult the 2025 Undergraduate Prospectus, which outlines all minimum entrance requirements for UFS programs. The application process for South African ID holders includes verification by an external service provider. By continuing with your application, you are consenting to this verification.
Steps for Undergraduate Applications:
- Complete the Online Application: Every applicant is required to complete an online application through the UFS portal.
- Receive a Student Number: After submission, you will be issued a student number (also referred to as a reference number). It is important to note that receiving this number does not mean you have been accepted by the university.
- Grade 12 Applicants: If you are rewriting Grade 12 subjects, your application will be evaluated based on your most recent results. Those who have attempted Grade 12 more than once should submit a combination of their results.
- IEB and SACAI Applicants: Students writing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) through IEB or SACAI can apply online, selecting “National Senior Certificate” under the Results Detail section.
- International Applicants: Those who have completed Cambridge International Examinations or other international qualifications can apply by selecting “Cambridge” or the appropriate option on the Results Detail page.
- Grade 11/12 Reports: Current Grade 12 students must submit school-stamped copies of their Grade 11 final or Grade 12 June reports.
- Transfer Students: If you are transferring from another institution, ensure that you declare your previous studies and provide an official academic transcript, a certificate of conduct, and a degree/diploma certificate if applicable.
Important Note on GED:
The University of the Free State does not accept the General Education Development (GED) test as a valid entry requirement for undergraduate qualifications. The GED is no longer recognized by Universities South Africa (USAf) and is not equivalent to the South African NSC/IEB/SACAI qualifications. Applicants with a GED must complete a Grade 12 equivalent to apply.
For those requiring USAF accreditation, you can apply online for conditional exemptions such as foreign, mature age, or others through the official USAF portal.
For assistance, you can contact the Application Helpdesk via KovsieCHAT on WhatsApp at 087 240 6370 or call +27 51 401 3000. You can also email queries to [email protected].
Postgraduate Applications for 2025
All Postgraduate programs at UFS are selection-based, meaning that acceptance is not guaranteed. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the 2025 Postgraduate Prospectus for detailed information about the specific requirements of each program.
Steps for Postgraduate Applications:
- Verify ID Information: Like undergraduate applicants, South African ID holders will undergo verification by an external provider.
- Departmental Applications: Some Honours, Masters, and Doctoral programs require direct applications or pre-registration with specific departments. Always refer to the relevant Faculty or Department webpage for additional documentation requirements.
- Application Process: Complete your online application, and after submission, you will receive a student number (reference number). However, receiving this number does not indicate acceptance, as your application will undergo evaluation by the relevant faculty.
- Upload Required Documents: Depending on the program, you may need to upload additional documentation, such as a CV, motivation letter, academic reports, or dissertation proposals.
- Transfer Students: If you are transferring from another university or applying for a postgraduate program, upload your official academic record, certificate of conduct, and degree/diploma certificate. If you hold an international qualification, you must also provide a SAQA certificate.
For inquiries related to postgraduate applications, you can contact the Postgraduate Helpdesk via WhatsApp at 087 240 6370 or call +27 51 401 9111 (option 1). Email queries can be directed to [email protected].
University of Free State 2025 Applications
- AP Score Policy: Ensures that only applicants meeting the academic standards are considered.
- Online Application: Required for all prospective students, with ID verification for South African applicants.
- Grade 12 Results: Submission of combined results is necessary if Grade 12 has been written more than once.
- International Qualifications: Cambridge, NSC/IEB/SACAI, and other equivalents are accepted.
- Postgraduate Programs: Selection-based and may require direct departmental applications.
Conclusion
The University of the Free State’s 2025 application process has been streamlined with new AP score policies and enhanced online application procedures, ensuring a fair and transparent admissions system for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
