This guide provides straightforward insights for your 2027 studies at the University of Fort Hare, based strictly on the official 2026/2027 General Prospectus.
University of Fort Hare (UFH) 2027 Application
The University of Fort Hare online application is designed for students who want to study at a historic institution with campuses in Alice, East London, and Bhisho.
- Application Fee: Unlike the free online systems at other universities, UFH requires a non-refundable application fee of R120 for South African citizens and R500 for international students.
- APS Calculation: UFH calculates your Admission Point Score (APS) using your six best subjects. While some faculties differ, most calculations exclude Life Orientation from the primary score required for degree entry.
- The Certificate/Diploma Pathway: If you do not meet the APS for a Bachelor’s degree, UFH offers various Higher Certificates and Diplomas with lower point requirements (starting from an APS of 20 to 24), which can serve as a bridge to further studies.
- Mandatory Documents: You must upload certified copies of your ID and your latest school results. For the East London and Alice campuses, residence space is limited, so indicating your need for accommodation early is critical.
- Mathematics Requirements: Many degrees in the Faculty of Management & Commerce and the Faculty of Science & Agriculture require pure Mathematics. Students with Mathematical Literacy must check specific faculty tables to see if they qualify for extended programmes.
Important University of Fort Hare (UFH) 2027 Application Dates
- 1 April 2026: Applications officially open.
- 30 September 2026: General closing date for all undergraduate programmes.
- 31 October 2026: Final closing date for any remaining spaces in non-selection programmes (subject to availability).
2027 Admission Comparison: UFH vs Other Universities
The table below compares UFH with other institutions to help you understand the differences in costs and requirements.
| Feature | University of Fort Hare (UFH) | University of Venda (UNIVEN) | WITS University | Nelson Mandela Univ (NMU) |
| Application Fee | R120 | FREE | R100 (SA) | FREE (SA) |
| NBTs Required | No (General) | No | Only Health Sciences | Selective |
| Closing Date | 30 Sept 2026 | 30 Sept 2026 | 30 Sept 2026* | 30 Sept 2026 |
| LO Points | Excluded | Excluded | Included (Max 3) | Excluded |
| Scoring Method | APS (1–7 Scale) | APS (1–7 Scale) | APS (1–7 Scale) | Sum of Percentages |
*Note: WITS Health Sciences and select other degrees close earlier on 30 June 2026.
By comparing these details, you can see that UFH has a similar deadline to the UNIVEN online application guide and NMU online application steps and dates. However, because UFH charges an application fee, ensure you meet the 2027 Courses Requirements for your specific faculty before paying. If you are looking for a completely free application, you might also consider the NWU online application steps and dates.