University of the Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa • Founded 1904 • World Rank #1342
Overview
Established in 1904, the University of the Free State is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Bloemfontein (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Free State.
This institution also has a branch campus in Qwaqwa. Officially recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa, University of the Free State (UFS) is a very large-sized coeducational South African higher education institution.
University of the Free State (UFS) 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. This 120-year-old South African higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
UFS also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
For visits or applications to University of the Free State, location and primary contact details are below. Open days are typically announced via social channels — follow them to receive event notifications.
Academic Details
University of the Free State at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.
Academic Structures
To understand where programmes live within University of the Free State, the academic structure is mapped below. Some institutions run joint faculties with external bodies — credentialing in those cases is shared.
Unit 6 items
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Faculty of Theology
Degrees
The degree levels available at University of the Free State — bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and others — are organised below. Each tier signals a different depth of specialisation and minimum study duration.
Bachelor's 50 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Administration
- African Studies
- Agriculture
- Anatomy
- Applied Mathematics
- Architecture
- Business and Commerce
- Commercial Law
- Communication Arts
- Communication Studies
- Consumer Studies
- Dietetics
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Foreigners Education
- Geography
- Health Administration
- Higher Education
- Home Economics Education
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Investment Analysis
- Journalism
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Media Studies
- Medical Science
- Medicine
- Music
- Music Education
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Performing Arts
- Physical Therapy
- Political Sciences
- Public Administration
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Surgery
- Surveying and Mapping
- Theatre
- Theology
- Tourism
Master's 101 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Administration
- African Studies
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Architecture
- Bacteriology
- Bible
- Bioinformatics
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Cardiology
- Clinical Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Community Health
- Comparative Literature
- Curriculum
- Development Studies
- Dietetics
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Endocrinology
- English
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
- Forensic Pathology
- Gastroenterology
- Gender Studies
- Genetics
- Gerontology
- Haematology
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- Higher Education
- Higher Education Teacher Training
- Human Rights
- Immunology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Internal Medicine
- Investment Analysis
- Labour Law
- Law
- Leadership
- Management
- Mathematics Education
- Medical Science
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Nanotechnology
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Occupational Therapy
- Oncology
- Optometry
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacology
- Physical Therapy
- Plant Pathology
- Plastic Surgery
- Political Sciences
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Real Estate
- Regional Planning
- Social Problems
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Soil Science
- Sports Management
- Surgery
- Sustainable Development
- Taxation
- Theatre
- Theology
- Town Planning
- Urology
- Virology
- Visual Arts
- Water Management
- Wildlife
Doctoral 66 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Architecture
- Bioinformatics
- Cardiology
- Cell Biology
- Communication Studies
- Community Health
- Computer Science
- Dermatology
- Dietetics
- Economics
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
- Haematology
- Health Education
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Internal Medicine
- Law
- Medical Science
- Medicine
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Music
- Neurology
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Occupational Therapy
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Philosophy
- Physical Therapy
- Physiology
- Plant Pathology
- Plastic Surgery
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Real Estate
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- Social Work
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Surgery
- Sustainable Development
- Theology
- Urology
- Virology
- Water Management
- Wildlife
Diploma & Certificate 12 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Administration
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture
- Health Administration
- Music
- Nursing
- Occupational Health
- Opera
- Radiology
- Sustainable Development
- Theology
- Translation and Interpretation
Other 49 programs
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Administration
- Adult Education
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Anatomy
- Animal Husbandry
- Applied Chemistry
- Architecture
- Business and Commerce
- Cell Biology
- Communication Studies
- Consumer Studies
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- Haematology
- Home Economics
- Immunology
- Information Technology
- Investment Analysis
- Irrigation
- Management
- Medical Science
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Plant Pathology
- Psychology
- Radiology
- Social Work
- Soil Science
- Taxation
- Technology Education
- Theatre
- Theology
- Virology
- Water Management
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa.
South (Campus) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Distance Education
- Teacher Training
Economic and Management Sciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- 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.
Education (Faculty) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Education
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Sciences
- Foreign Languages Education
- Higher Education
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Mathematics Education
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Preschool Education
- Science Education
- Technology Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (Faculty) 35 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Cardiology
- Cell Biology
- Child Care and Development
- Community Health
- Dermatology
- Dietetics
- Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
- Haematology
- Health Sciences
- Medical Parasitology
- Medicine
- Microbiology
- Neurological Therapy
- Neurology
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Occupational Health
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Orthopaedics
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Paediatrics
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Plastic Surgery
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Radiology
- Surgery
- Urology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (Faculty) 27 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- African Studies
- Afrikaans
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Classical Languages
- Communication Studies
- Criminology
- Cultural Studies
- Dutch
- English
- Fine Arts
- French
- German
- Government
- Health Administration
- History
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Sports
- Theatre
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Law
- Private Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Natural and Agricultural Sciences (Faculty) 34 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Actuarial Science
- Agricultural Economics
- Agriculture
- Applied Mathematics
- Architecture
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Building Technologies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Construction Engineering
- Crop Production
- Development Studies
- Entomology
- Environmental Management
- Food Technology
- Genetics
- Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Regional Planning
- Safety Engineering
- Soil Science
- Statistics
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
- Water Science
- Wildlife
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theology and Religion (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Bible
- History of Religion
- Missionary Studies
- New Testament
- Religious Practice
- Religious Studies
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Studies in Race, Reconciliation and Social Justice (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Peace and Disarmament
- Social Sciences
Programs Offered
All active programmes at University of the Free State are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.
Bachelor's Degree
18 programmes
There are 18 programmes to choose from at University of the Free State for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.
Bachelor of Nursing Nursing
Bachelor of Laws Law
Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Agriculture
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Sciences
Bachelor of Architecture Architecture
Bachelor of Accounting Accounting
Bachelor of Social Science Social Sciences & Education
62114
62112
Bachelor of Sustainable Food Systems Food Science
Bachelor of Sport Coaching Sport and Exercise Science
Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics Nutrition & Dietetics
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Science in Construction Economics and Management Economics
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Agriculture
Bachelor of Optometry Optometry
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
19 programmes
At postgraduate taught level, University of the Free State runs 19 programmes. These master's degrees suit applicants ready to concentrate on a narrower field than their bachelor's covered.
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages English Language Studies
Master of Public Health Public Health
Master of Psychology in Research Psychology Psychology
Master of Psychology Psychology
Master of Medicine in Clinical Pharmacology Pharmacy
Master of Human Rights Law
Master of Higher Education Studies Education & Teaching
Master of Health Systems Study
Master of Health Professions Education Education & Teaching
Master of Community Development Development Studies
Master of Biokinetics
Master of Reconciliation and Social Cohesion
Master of Arts in Governance and Political Transformation Politics & International Relations
Master of Arts in Bible Translation Management Translation & Interpreting
Master of Arts in Bible Translation Translation & Interpreting
Masters of Social Science in Counselling Psychology Counselling & Psychotherapy
Master of Social Science in Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychology
Master of Science in Physiotherapy Physiotherapy
Master of Science in Mountain Environments Environmental Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
7 programmes
Browse 7 programmes of research-degree study at University of the Free State. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Doctor of Psychology in Child Psychology Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health Public Health
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Language Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Professions Education Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Biokinetics Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture Architecture
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
37 programmes
These 37 programmes group University of the Free State's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Higher Certificate in Nursing Nursing
Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies Politics & International Relations
Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing Nursing
Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education Nursing
Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance Music
Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery Midwifery
Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Physics Physics & Astronomy
Postgraduate Diploma in Language Practice Linguistics & Language Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine Medicine
Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing Nursing
Postgraduate Diploma in Community Development Development Studies
97157
Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Phase Teaching Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Further Education and Training Phase Teaching Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Computer Information Systems Honours Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Physiology Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Pharmacology Pharmacy
Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Medical Physics Physics & Astronomy
Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Human Molecular Biology Molecular Biology
123427
Bachelor of Education Honours Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Taxation Business & Management
Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management Accounting Accounting
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Music Music
Bachelor of Architecture Honours Architecture
Bachelor of Agriculture Honours Agriculture
Advanced Diploma in Opera Studies Music
Advanced Diploma in Music Music
Diploma in Nursing Nursing
Diploma in Grade R Teaching Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Spatial Planning Honours Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Bachelor of Social Science Honours Social Sciences & Education
Advanced Diploma in Midwifery Midwifery
Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture Agriculture
Bachelor of Psychology Honours Psychology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of the Free State
What applying to University of the Free State typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of the Free State runs 81 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to University of the Free State, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for South Africa.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of the Free State's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.ufs.ac.za). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +27 (51) 401 9111. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of the Free State
Quick reference for University of the Free State: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
How old is University of the Free State?
The institution opened in 1904 (approximately 122 years ago).
Where is University of the Free State located?
University of the Free State is located in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Is University of the Free State a public or private institution?
University of the Free State operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at University of the Free State?
Student enrolment at University of the Free State is around 30,000-34,999.
What is University of the Free State's ranking?
University of the Free State is ranked #1342 globally and #9 in South Africa.
What programmes are available at University of the Free State?
Programmes at University of the Free State cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is University of the Free State's academic structure?
University of the Free State is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.
Is University of the Free State accredited?
University of the Free State is accredited by Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET); South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Where can I learn more about University of the Free State?
University of the Free State's official website is www.ufs.ac.za.
Top-Ranked Universities in South Africa
Alumni network strength of South Africa's national leaders compounds over time. The peer-graduate networks at top institutions often outweigh academic differences in long-run career outcomes.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Universities affiliated with Association of African Universities (AAU) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if University of the Free State's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Cohort intake size shapes class culture meaningfully in Education & Teaching. Some South Africa institutions accept a few dozen, others hundreds — the difference affects peer-learning depth and faculty access.
Universities Often Compared with University of the Free State
Comparable peer metrics — selectivity, yield, faculty awards — give a fuller picture than headline rankings alone. The universities below cluster around University of the Free State on most of these signals.
