Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa

University of the Free StateAPS Calculator

In South Africa

#1001-1200

In the world

UFS is ranked 9 in South Africa and most of its 142 programmes want 28-34 APS , so it's a solid target if your marks sit in the middle range.

Calculate my APS See full university guide

Closed01 Apr - 31 Aug 2026

UFS does not charge an application fee, but Health Sciences closes much earlier than the general September deadline.

How to apply to UFS

1
Open the UFS online application
Start at ufs.ac.za and choose the application system.
2
Pick your campus and programme
Choose between Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa, or South Campus where relevant.
3
Upload your ID and Grade 11 transcript
Use clear certified copies before you submit.
4
Submit before your faculty closes
General applications close on 30 September 2026, but Health Sciences closes on 31 May 2026.

Fees & funding

There is no UFS application fee. Use that advantage to sort out NSFAS, Kovsie residence planning, and any extra faculty forms early.

How to apply for NSFAS

Key dates

Applications open

1 April 2026

Applications close

31 August 2026

Health Sciences closes

31 May 2026

Go to UFS application portal

Similar to UFS: NMU, NWU, TUT

Once UFS has your application, keep checking both your email and self-service portal for updates.

Check your application status

Track your UFS self-service updates.

Understanding your response

UFS may still ask for NBTs, selection forms, or other faculty-specific steps before it confirms your place. A provisional offer still needs follow-through from you.

Got an offer?

Accept your offer online and move on residence planning early if you want Kovsie accommodation.

Didn't get in?

If UFS is not available, shift your focus to the universities and programmes still open to you.

Rewrite matric

Improve your marks and reapply.

Try other unis

See where your current APS still fits.

Gap year

Work, volunteer, and plan your next cycle.

Similar to UFS: NMU, NWU, TUT

Applying to UFS: common questions

How do I apply to UFS?

Apply online through the official UFS application portal. Create a profile, choose your programme, upload certified copies of your ID and latest results, pay the application fee if there is one, and submit before the closing date. Keep the reference number you get at the end.

When do UFS applications open and close?

Most South African universities open applications between March and May and close between June and September for the next year. Selection programmes like medicine and actuarial science close earliest. Confirm the exact UFS dates on the official site before you apply.

Can I apply to UFS with my Grade 11 results?

Yes. UFS, like most South African universities, lets you apply using your Grade 11 final or Grade 12 mid-year results. Any offer is conditional until your final matric (NSC) results meet the requirements.

How much is the UFS application fee?

Application fees differ by university and change each year. Many universities waive the fee for South African citizens who apply online, while others charge about R100 to R250. Check the current fee on the UFS admissions page before you pay.

Do I apply for residence and funding separately at UFS?

Yes. Residence and NSFAS funding are separate applications from your academic application at UFS. Apply for all three at the same time, because residence places and funding deadlines fill up early.

How do I check my UFS application status?

Log in to the official UFS application or student portal with your reference number and ID number, and open the application status page. Many universities also let you check by SMS, WhatsApp or their call centre. Your status shows whether you are still in process, provisionally admitted, or not admitted.

How long does UFS take to respond?

UFS usually sends a conditional offer within a few weeks if you applied with Grade 11 marks. The firm offer comes after the final matric (NSC) results are released in mid-January, once the university can confirm you met the requirements.

What must I do if UFS makes me an offer?

Accept the offer in the portal as your firm choice, pay the registration deposit by the deadline to hold your place, and decline offers from other universities so someone on the waiting list can take them. Then confirm your registration and residence dates.

What if UFS does not accept me?

You still have options. Apply to another university that is still open, choose a TVET college, start with a Higher Certificate or a foundation programme that builds up to a degree, or upgrade your matric marks and apply again next year.

More on how to apply to university, and what happens next.

Full applying guide

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