University of Fort Hare
Alice, South Africa • Founded 1916 • World Rank #2205
Overview
Established in 1916, the University of Fort Hare is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large town of Alice (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Eastern Cape.
Officially recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa, University of Fort Hare (UFH) is a large-sized coeducational South African higher education institution. University of Fort Hare (UFH) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UFH also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where University of Fort Hare is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for University of Fort Hare — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Academic Structures
Below is how University of Fort Hare is organised academically — the schools, faculties, and units that house its programmes. Larger institutions often run multi-faculty divisions to coordinate cross-disciplinary work.
Unit 5 items
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Management and Commerce
- Faculty of Science and Agriculture
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Degrees
The degrees on offer at University of Fort Hare, sorted by level. Awarding-versus-validating distinctions affect long-term recognition of the qualification beyond University of Fort Hare.
Bachelor's 31 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Commercial Law
- Communication Arts
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Geography
- Horticulture
- Human Resources
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Management
- Information Technology
- Law
- Library Science
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Music
- Nursing
- Pedagogy
- Political Sciences
- Public Administration
- Science Education
- Social Studies
- Social Work
- Soil Science
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
- Theology
Master's 50 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Afrikaans
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Archiving
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemistry
- Clinical Psychology
- Commercial Law
- Communication Studies
- Comparative Literature
- Criminology
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Fine Arts
- Geography
- Geology
- Health Sciences
- History
- Horticulture
- Human Rights
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Management
- Law
- Library Science
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Music
- Nursing
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Zoology
Doctoral 32 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- African Languages
- Afrikaans
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Applied Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Entomology
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- Geology
- History
- Horticulture
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Management
- Law
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Music
- Philosophy
- Public Administration
- Social Sciences
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Zoology
Diploma & Certificate 3 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Accountancy
- Educational Administration
- Public Health
Other 40 programs
- African Languages
- Afrikaans
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Communication Arts
- Comparative Literature
- Criminology
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- English
- English Studies
- Entomology
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Human Rights
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Management
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Library Science
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Microbiology
- Music
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Science Education
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa.
Govan Mbeki Research and Development (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- GMRDC
Education (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Higher Education
- Leadership
- Mathematics Education
- Science Education
- Teacher Training
- Technology Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Human Rights
- Law
- Private Law
- Public Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Management and Commerce (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Sciences
- Management
- Public Administration
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science and Agriculture (Faculty) 21 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Crop Production
- Geography
- Geology
- Horticulture
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing
- Physics
- Plant and Crop Protection
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences and Humanities (Faculty) 21 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Afrikaans
- Applied Linguistics
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Bible
- Comparative Literature
- English Studies
- Fine Arts
- Greek (Classical)
- History
- Human Resources
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religion
- Rural Studies
- Social Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agricultural and Rural Development Research (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Rural Studies
Social and Economic Research (Institute) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Child Care and Development
- Cultural Studies
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Gender Studies
- Heritage Preservation
- Rural Studies
- Social Sciences
- Urban Studies
- Women's Studies
Programs Offered
Search and filter University of Fort Hare's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
Bachelor's Degree
9 programmes
At undergraduate level, University of Fort Hare offers 9 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
57633
Bachelor of Music Music
Bachelor of Commerce Business & Management
Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Arts
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Human Movement Science Health Sciences
Bachelor of Nursing Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Science Agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology Biological Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
10 programmes
University of Fort Hare's 10 programmes at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.
Master of Arts Liberal Arts
Master of Arts in English Studies and Comparative Literature English Language Studies
Master of Commerce in Economics Economics
Master of Commerce in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
Master of Laws in Competition Regulation Law
Master of Philosophy in Human Rights Law
Master of Public Administration Public Administration
Master of Science in Applied Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
Master of Science in Ethnobotany Biological Sciences
Master of Social Science in Critical Leadership Studies Social Sciences & Education
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
6 programmes
There are 6 programmes to choose from at University of Fort Hare for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Movement Science Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Doctor of Philosophy in Education Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology Epidemiology
Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnobotany Biological Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Geology Earth Sciences & Geology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
17 programmes
This group collects University of Fort Hare's 17 programmes of certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate programmes — practical entry points or stepping stones toward a degree.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Further Education and Training Teaching Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Foundation Phase Teaching Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Accounting
Postgraduate Diploma in Archives and Records Management Business & Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Development Assistance Management Business & Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and Training Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights Law
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Public Health
Advanced Diploma in Public Health Public Health
77123
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Education Honours in Inclusive Education Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education Honours in Science Education Education & Teaching
96531
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Accounting
Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Industrial Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of Fort Hare
What applying to University of Fort Hare typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 1 Research programmes at University of Fort Hare
Use the programme finder to browse University of Fort Hare's 42 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Programme-level requirements at University of Fort Hare typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Lodge your application
University of Fort Hare processes applications through www.ufh.ac.za. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +27 (40) 602 2181. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Fort Hare
Frequently asked questions about University of Fort Hare, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
In what year was University of Fort Hare established?
University of Fort Hare was founded in 1916 (approximately 110 years ago).
What city is University of Fort Hare in?
University of Fort Hare operates from Alice, South Africa.
Is University of Fort Hare public or private?
University of Fort Hare is a public institution.
How big is University of Fort Hare's student body?
University of Fort Hare serves approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
Where does University of Fort Hare stand in university rankings?
It ranks #2205 globally and #15 in South Africa.
What programmes are available at University of Fort Hare?
Programmes at University of Fort Hare cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is University of Fort Hare's academic structure?
The institution comprises 5 academic units.
Is University of Fort Hare officially recognised?
University of Fort Hare is accredited by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA); Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Where can I learn more about University of Fort Hare?
The institution's website is www.ufh.ac.za.
Top-Ranked Universities in South Africa
When shortlisting in South Africa, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against University of Fort Hare, helpful for calibrating where University of Fort Hare sits in the broader landscape.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Universities sharing Association of African Universities (AAU) affiliation with University of Fort Hare offer comparable mobility and recognition benefits. Affiliated institutions often coordinate on academic standards and credit-transfer pathways.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
If University of Fort Hare's location appeals to you, these nearby universities offer comparable environments and academic breadth. Local clusters tend to share cultural, linguistic, and employment context, which can matter as much as institutional choice itself.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Interested in Education & Teaching but want alternatives to University of Fort Hare? These institutions in South Africa also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.
Universities Often Compared with University of Fort Hare
Faculty mobility between University of Fort Hare and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.
