Start your journey at the University of the Free State, a #FutureFocused institution dedicated to excellence and care. This comprehensive guide details the University of the Free State (UFS) 2027 Application Dates and provides essential University of the Free State (UFS) 2027 Courses Requirements to ensure your University of the Free State (UFS) 2027 online application is successful.
Quick Guide: University of the Free State (UFS) 2027 Online Application Steps
- Check Admission Requirements: Verify that you meet the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) and specific subject requirements for your chosen programme.
- Apply Online: All applications must be submitted through the UFS online portal at www.ufs.ac.za/apply.
- No Application Fee: Applying to the University of the Free State is FREE.
- Upload Required Documents: You must upload a certified copy of your ID and your latest Grade 11 results (or your final NSC results if you have already matriculated).
- Monitor Your Status: Regularly check your application status on the UFS website using your student number.
- Apply for Residence: If you require on-campus housing, you must apply for residence simultaneously with your academic application.
University of the Free State (UFS) 2027 Application Dates
UFS has strict closing dates, and late applications are generally not accepted for selection-based programmes.
| Milestone | Date |
| Applications Open | 1 April 2026 |
| Closing Date: Medicine (MBChB) | 31 May 2026 |
| Closing Date: Architecture, Nursing, Biokinetics, and others | 31 July 2026 |
| Closing Date: All Other Undergraduate Programmes | 30 September 2026 |
University of the Free State (UFS) 2027 Courses Requirements
Admission to the UFS is based on academic merit. Meeting the minimum requirements ensures your application is considered but does not guarantee a place in selection programmes.
Understanding the APS (Admission Point Score)
The UFS calculates your APS using your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
| Achievement Level | Percentage | UFS Points |
| 7 | 80%–100% | 7 |
| 6 | 70%–79% | 6 |
| 5 | 60%–69% | 5 |
| 4 | 50%–59% | 4 |
| 3 | 40%–49% | 3 |
| 2 | 30%–39% | 2 |
| 1 | 0%–29% | 1 |
Faculty-Specific Requirement Highlights
- Faculty of Health Sciences: This faculty has the earliest closing dates. MBChB and Occupational Therapy are high-selection programmes requiring exceptional APS scores and strong performance in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences: Programmes like Architecture and Forensic Sciences have early closing dates (31 July) and specific selection criteria.
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: Most BCom degrees require Mathematics. Students not meeting the Mathematics requirement may be considered for extended curriculum programmes.
- Faculty of Law: Admission to the LLB is based on academic performance and specific language requirements.
Important Admission Rules
- Provisional Admission: Offers are made based on your Grade 11 results, provided they meet the minimum APS and subject requirements. Final admission is confirmed only once your final National Senior Certificate (NSC) results are received.
- Selection Programmes: These programmes have limited capacity, and applicants are ranked according to their academic performance.
- NBTs: Some programmes may require the National Benchmark Tests for placement or selection.
For further application assistance, contact the UFS Student Recruitment Services at +27 51 401 3000 or email info@ufs.ac.za.
University of the Free State (UFS) 2027 Application Strategic Insights
Applying for a University of the Free State (UFS) online application is a smooth process because the university removes many of the common barriers to entry, such as application fees.
- No Application Fee: It is completely FREE to apply to the UFS. You do not have to pay anything to submit your academic or residence applications.
- The APS Calculation: UFS calculates your Admission Point Score (APS) using your six best subjects. Like many top institutions, Life Orientation is excluded from this calculation. If you score below 30% for any subject, that subject receives 0 points.
- Selection vs. Non-Selection: Meeting the minimum APS only places you in the "pool" for consideration. For selection programmes (like Medicine or Architecture), the university ranks students by merit and fills places from the top down.
- Health Sciences Deadlines: This faculty has the earliest closing dates. If you are applying for Medicine (MBChB), you must submit by 31 May 2026.
- NBT Requirements: While not always mandatory for every degree, the UFS may use National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) for placement or as part of the selection process for high-demand courses.
Important University of the Free State (UFS) 2027 Application Dates
- 1 April 2026: Applications officially open.
- 31 May 2026: Closing date for Medicine (MBChB).
- 31 July 2026: Closing date for Architecture, Nursing, Biokinetics, Occupational Therapy, and others.
- 30 September 2026: General closing date for all other undergraduate programmes.
2027 Admission Comparison: UFS vs Other Universities
The internal links below help you compare the UFS's free application and September deadlines with the stricter rules at other universities.
- Application Fees: While the UFS is free, you have to pay R100 if you use the WITS online application steps and dates or R300 for the University of Pretoria (UP) online application.
- Entrance Tests: The UFS is more flexible than the UCT online application or Stellenbosch University (SU), where NBTs are mandatory for almost everyone.
- Points Calculation: Like the UJ online application, the UFS ignores Life Orientation. However, if your LO mark is high, you might prefer UWC online applications, where LO points are counted.
2027 Admission Summary Table
| Feature | Univ. of the Free State (UFS) | Univ. of Johannesburg (UJ) | WITS University | Univ. of Pretoria (UP) |
| Application Fee | FREE | FREE | R100 (SA) | R300 |
| NBTs Required | No (General) | No (General) | Only Health Sciences | No (General) |
| Closing Date | 30 Sept 2026 | 31 October 2026 | 30 Sept 2026* | 30 June 2026 |
| LO Points | Excluded | Excluded | Included (Max 3) | Excluded |
| Max Choices | 2 Programmes | 2 Programmes | 3 Programmes | 2 Programmes |
Using these comparisons, you can see that the UFS is an excellent choice if you want a free application with a late September deadline. If you need even more time, the UJ online application steps and dates stay open until October. Always verify the 2027 Courses Requirements before you start.