The UFS Online Application 2026 Undergraduate process is now open for all students who want to study at the University of the Free State (UFS). Whether you are a South African applicant or an international student, the online system makes it easy to apply for your chosen course.
UFS, also known as Kovsies, offers both selection programmes (such as Medicine, Law, and certain Health Sciences courses) and non-selection programmes (such as Humanities and Social Sciences). When you apply, you may only choose two academic study options. If one of your choices is a selection programme, it must be your first choice.
UFS processes more than 70 000 applications each year, but fewer than 9 000 first-years are admitted.
Certain programmes like Health Sciences and Law close months earlier than the general deadline.
More than 40% of incomplete applications at UFS are rejected outright before even reaching selection.
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What Do You Need to Apply at the University of the Free State?
To complete your UFS Online Application 2026 Undergraduate, you must prepare the following documents in PDF format (each smaller than 2 MB):
- Your Grade 12 certificate if you have already matriculated.
- Your Grade 11 final results (stamped by your school).
- Your Grade 12 mid-year results if available.
- Your South African ID (if you are a South African citizen).
- Your passport (if you are an international applicant).
- Your parent’s or guardian’s ID/passport if you are younger than 18.
- If you are transferring from another university, you need:
- Your academic record
- A certificate of conduct
- An official study record from the previous institution.
- International applicants may need a USAf Certificate of Exemption from Universities South Africa (apply via mb.usaf.ac.za).
- Cambridge and international students must send their predicted or mid-year results to oiastudentadmin@ufs.ac.za.
- South African Cambridge applicants must send their final results to schoolresults@ufs.ac.za.
Other Universities Open for 2026 Applications
Steps to Apply Online for UFS 2026
- Visit the official UFS application portal at https://apply.ufs.ac.za.
- Register with your email address and mobile phone number. Both are required to access the system.
- Select your two study options (remember, selection courses must be your first choice).
- Upload all the required documents in PDF format.
- Submit your application online and receive your reference number.
- A few days later, UFS will send you an acknowledgement email with your student number.
- Wait for evaluation – your results will be re-assessed when the final Grade 12 results are released in January 2026.
Application Evaluation and Offers
- After submission, UFS evaluates your application.
- If you meet the requirements, you may receive a conditional offer.
- Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission – space is limited.
- If you applied for on-campus accommodation, Housing and Residence Affairs will contact you separately.
- You must accept your offer online before the given deadline. If you do not, your space will be withdrawn.
- Once accepted, you need to pay the prescribed first payment at least five working days before registration.
Key Reminders for UFS Online Application 2026 Undergraduate
- You must apply online – no paper applications are accepted.
- Keep your email address and phone number active, as UFS communicates with you through both.
- Your application is incomplete until all documents are submitted.
- Final offers are only made after final Grade 12 results are available in January 2026.
- International students must contact the Office for International Affairs via oiastudentadmin@ufs.ac.za for guidance.
Why Choose the University of the Free State?
The University of the Free State is one of South Africa’s most respected institutions, with campuses in Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa. It is known for academic excellence, innovative teaching, and a strong support system for both local and international students. The online application system is designed to be mobile-friendly, fast, and secure – making it easy to apply from anywhere.
Final Answer: UFS Online Application 2026 Undergraduate
To apply for undergraduate studies at UFS in 2026, you must complete the online form at apply.ufs.ac.za, upload all the required documents (Grade 11 and 12 results, ID or passport, and academic records if applicable), and follow the seven easy steps. After evaluation, UFS will send you a conditional offer if you qualify. Accept your offer and make the first payment to secure your space.
Universities Are Now Open for 2026 Applications
Do not miss your chance! Explore which South African universities are currently open for applications and secure your spot before deadlines close.
Apply at Other SA Universities Now

