University of Free State (UFS) Application 2028

University of Free State Application 2028: How to Apply Online, Requirements, Closing Dates and Status Check

If you are planning to study at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2028, one of the first things you need to understand is how the UFS application process works, when applications open and close, what documents you need, and how to monitor your application after submission.

UFS conducts its applications online, and prospective students can apply for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes through the university’s online application system. The current UFS application portal confirms that applications are free and that applicants must complete all stages of the online application before it can be submitted.

Aplicants should read on the following:

University of the Free State Courses for 2028

University of the Free State Fees for 2028

University of the Free State Scholarship and Bursary for 2028

Because the official 2028 application dates and prospectus have not yet been published, this article uses the latest official UFS application information available to explain how the 2028 application process is expected to work. Applicants should verify the final dates and requirements when UFS releases its 2028 application information.

Whether you are a South African matric learner, an international student, a transferring student or someone who has already completed Grade 12, this guide explains the UFS application process from choosing a programme to checking your application status.

What Is the University of the Free State Application?

The University of the Free State application is the official process through which prospective students apply for admission to study at UFS.

UFS offers undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities across its academic faculties and campuses. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the relevant prospectus and programme requirements before applying.

For undergraduate applicants, the UFS online application system allows applicants to:

• Select their student type.
• Enter school subjects and academic results.
• Choose study programmes.
• Provide personal information.
• Upload supporting documents.
• Verify their information.
• Submit their application.
• Receive confirmation of submission.
• Monitor their application status.

The online application system is structured into eight stages, beginning with the application and selection information and ending with the completion and submission of the application.

Is the UFS Application for 2028 Open?

The official UFS 2028 application dates have not yet been released.

The latest official UFS application information currently available is for the 2027 academic year. For 2027, UFS applications opened on 1 April 2026. The university states that undergraduate applications are free.

This provides a useful indication of the university’s application cycle, but applicants should not automatically assume that the 2028 opening date or closing dates will be identical.

Once UFS publishes its 2028 application information, prospective students should confirm:

• Application opening date
• Programme-specific closing dates
• General undergraduate closing date
• International application closing date
• Transfer application closing date
• Postgraduate closing dates
• Any changes to application procedures

The official UFS prospective-student portal should be treated as the primary source for these updates.

When Should You Apply to UFS for 2028?

The best time to apply is as soon as applications officially open, rather than waiting until the closing date.

This is particularly important if you want to apply for a programme with an earlier closing date.

Based on the current UFS application cycle, selected undergraduate programmes close earlier than other programmes. For the 2027 intake, for example, applications for programmes such as MB ChB, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Radiation Science, Biokinetics, Dietetics and Sport Coaching closed on 31 May 2026. Nursing, Social Work and Architecture had a 31 July closing date, while international undergraduate applications closed on 31 August. Other selection and non-selection programmes, including applications from transferring students, had a 30 September deadline.

Therefore, 2028 applicants should avoid treating one general deadline as applicable to every UFS course.

UFS Application 2028 Opening Date

The UFS 2028 application opening date is not yet officially confirmed.

However, UFS is likely to open applications for 2028 studies on 1 April 2027.

If UFS follows a similar annual admissions cycle, prospective 2028 students should begin preparing well before applications open.

A good preparation checklist includes:

1. Research your preferred qualification.
2. Check the admission requirements.
3. Calculate your Admission Point (AP) score.
4. Check your Grade 11 or Grade 12 results.
5. Prepare your identification documents.
6. Research whether your programme requires selection or NBTs.
7. Identify programme-specific closing dates.
8. Create an email address you regularly monitor.
9. Apply as soon as the application window opens.

Is the UFS Application Free?

Yes, the current UFS online application is free.

The official UFS application portal states that application to the university is free.

Applicants should nevertheless be careful when dealing with third parties claiming to charge an application fee on behalf of UFS. Always verify application instructions through the official UFS website and application portal.

Who Can Apply to UFS?

Different categories of students can apply to the University of the Free State.

These include:

Grade 12 learners

Learners currently completing Grade 12 can apply using their available school results. UFS indicates that current school learners should submit their latest applicable results, such as final Grade 11 or June Grade 12 results, depending on when they apply.

Students who have completed Grade 12

Applicants who have already matriculated should provide their final Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification.

Students transferring from another university

Students who have studied at another accredited higher education institution may apply to transfer, subject to UFS requirements. Such applicants are expected to provide their academic record and other requested documentation.

International students

International applicants can apply to UFS but have additional admission, immigration and documentation requirements.

UFS Application Requirements for 2028

University of the Free State Admission Requirements for 2028

The exact requirements depend on the programme you select.

Before submitting an application, you should make sure that you satisfy the admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

These can include:

• Appropriate school-leaving qualification
• Required AP score
• Required school subjects
• Minimum marks for particular subjects
• Language requirements
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirements
• Physical Sciences requirements
• Life Sciences requirements
• NBT requirements where applicable
• Programme-specific selection requirements

The latest UFS Undergraduate Prospectus confirms that applicants should only apply for programmes for which they meet the minimum entrance requirements.

For 2028, students should use the official 2028 prospectus once released because requirements can change between admission cycles.

Documents Needed for UFS Application 2028

Preparing your documents before beginning the application can make the process much easier.

For undergraduate applications, UFS currently requires applicants to provide relevant documents such as:

South African applicants

You may need:

• South African ID document
• Final Grade 11 results or applicable school results
• Mid-year Grade 12 results where applicable
• Final Grade 12 certificate if already matriculated
• Academic record if you previously attended another higher education institution

The 2027 UFS Undergraduate Prospectus specifically lists an ID document, relevant school results and an academic record for applicants who have studied at another institution.

Applicants under 18

If you are younger than 18, the UFS application information states that you should also provide your parent or guardian’s ID or passport.

International applicants

International students should prepare:

• Valid passport
• International school certificate/results
• Relevant exemption documentation
• Certified documentation where required
• Study visa documentation
• Other documents requested by UFS

UFS states that international applicants who do not hold a South African NSC require a USAf Certificate of Exemption where applicable. International students must also have a valid study visa endorsed for study at UFS before entering South Africa to study.

How to Apply to UFS for 2028

University of the Free State Prospectus for 2028

The UFS application is completed online.

Here is a simplified step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Choose a UFS Programme

Before starting your application, decide what you want to study.

Visit the official UFS prospective-student information and review the available programmes and prospectus.

Do not choose a course simply because it is popular. Make sure it matches your subjects, results, career plans and admission eligibility.

Step 2: Check the Admission Requirements

Once you have selected your programme, check:

• AP score
• Required subjects
• Minimum subject percentages
• Language requirements
• NBT requirements
• Selection requirements
• Campus
• Application closing date

UFS advises applicants to apply only for programmes for which they meet the minimum entrance requirements.

Step 3: Start the Online Application

Go to the official UFS online application system when the 2028 application period opens.

The current system provides separate options for undergraduate and postgraduate applications.

Step 4: Complete the Selection Information

The online application begins by collecting information about your student category and academic background.

The current undergraduate system asks applicants to indicate whether they are international students and to provide information about their certificate type and school subjects.

Enter your results carefully.

Step 5: Choose Your Study Options

The current UFS application portal allows undergraduate applicants to choose two study options.

This gives you an opportunity to identify two programmes that you are interested in, provided that you meet the relevant requirements.

Step 6: Enter Your Personal Information

Provide accurate personal information, including your:

• Full name
• Identification details
• Contact information
• Address
• School information
• Parent/guardian information where applicable

Make sure your name and personal details correspond with your official documents.

Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload the documents required for your application.

The current UFS application instructions state that documents must not exceed 5 MB in size.

If you apply using Grade 11 results, UFS indicates that you can later upload your Grade 12 results through the Self-Service system.

Step 8: Review Your Application

Before submitting, carefully check:

• Personal information
• Academic results
• Subject information
• Programme choices
• Uploaded documents
• Contact details

Incorrect academic information can cause serious problems with your application.

The UFS application system warns that fraudulent misrepresentation of school results is a criminal offence and may lead to prosecution and withdrawal of the application.

Step 9: Submit Your Application

Completing the application form does not necessarily mean that you have submitted it.

The UFS application portal states that applicants must complete all stages of the online application for the application to be submitted.

After submission, you should receive a confirmation email.

How to Check Your UFS Application Status for 2028

University of the Free State Status Check for 2028 Application

After submitting your application, it is important to monitor your application.

UFS states that applicants receive an application acknowledgement letter containing their student number after submission. When the application status changes, applicants are notified by email.

Applicants can also check their status online through the UFS Self-Service system using the login details provided after submitting their application.

What you should do after applying

• Check your email regularly.
• Check your spam or junk folder.
• Keep your student number safe.
• Monitor your UFS application status.
• Respond promptly if UFS requests additional information.
• Upload outstanding results when required.

Do not assume that silence means your application has been rejected.

What Does UFS Application Status Mean?

Your application status indicates where your application is in the admissions process.

The exact wording can vary, but students may encounter statuses relating to:

• Application received
• Application being processed
• Provisionally admitted
• Selected
• Admission
• Unsuccessful
• Additional information required

Remember that an application submission is not the same as admission.

A UFS application acknowledgement explicitly states that submission of an application is not confirmation of admission or selection. Admission depends on final results, academic records and compliance with university and faculty requirements.

UFS Application Closing Dates for 2028

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is assuming that all UFS programmes have the same closing date.

For the current 2027 application cycle, UFS lists different deadlines for specific programmes and applicant categories. Health-related programmes such as MB ChB, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Physiotherapy and others had earlier closing dates, while Nursing, Social Work and Architecture closed later. International undergraduate applications had a separate deadline.

This means that 2028 applicants should check the closing date for their exact programme rather than relying on a general date found on an unofficial website.

UFS Application for International Students

International students can apply to UFS, but the process includes additional requirements.

According to UFS, international applicants who do not have a South African NSC may need to obtain a USAf Certificate of Exemption. The university also states that international students must have a valid study visa endorsed for UFS before entering South Africa for study.

International applicants should also pay attention to:

• Qualification equivalency
• Matriculation exemption
• Certified documents where required
• Study visa requirements
• Medical aid requirements
• International application deadlines

UFS’s international student information also indicates that international students must have appropriate medical aid coverage for the academic year.

Can You Apply for Two UFS Courses?

Yes. The current UFS undergraduate application portal states that applicants may choose two study options.

This is useful when you have two related programmes you are interested in.

However, both choices should be realistic. Before selecting them, compare your academic results with the requirements for each programme.

Can You Apply After the UFS Closing Date?

Applicants should not rely on late applications being accepted.

This is especially important for selection programmes.

For example, the Faculty of Health Sciences states that only a limited number of candidates are admitted to first-year study and that no late applications will be considered for its relevant undergraduate selection process.

The safest approach is to submit your application well before the relevant closing date.

UFS Application Tips for 2028 Applicants

Apply early

Do not wait until the final day.

Check your programme requirements

The requirements for Medicine, Nursing, Law, Education, Science, Humanities and other programmes can differ significantly.

Keep your documents ready

Scan your documents before applications open.

Use accurate information

Never change or exaggerate your academic results.

Monitor your email

UFS uses email communication to provide application updates.

Keep your login information safe

You will need your credentials to monitor your application through Self-Service.

Check programme-specific deadlines

Some courses close earlier than others.

UFS Application 2028: Important Dates to Watch

Because the 2028 dates have not yet been officially published, applicants should watch for the following milestones:

For context, UFS’s current 2027 application cycle opened on 1 April 2026, with programme-specific deadlines extending through September 2026.

This table should therefore be updated once the university publishes its official 2028 application dates.

Where to Apply to the University of the Free State

Applicants should use the official UFS online application portal rather than third-party application websites. UFS Online Application Portal

You can also use the official UFS prospective-student page for information about programmes, admission, application procedures and prospectuses.

Frequently Asked Questions About UFS Application 2028

When does UFS application for 2028 open?

The official 2028 opening date has not yet been announced. The current 2027 application cycle opened on 1 April 2026, so prospective students should begin preparing well before the 2028 application period.

Is the UFS application free?

Yes. The current official UFS application portal states that applying to UFS is free.

Can I apply to UFS online?

Yes. UFS conducts its applications online through its official application system.

How many programmes can I choose?

The current UFS undergraduate application system allows applicants to select two study options.

Can Grade 11 learners apply to UFS?

Yes. Current school learners can apply using their available results. UFS currently requires applicable Grade 11 or Grade 12 results depending on when the application is submitted.

How do I check my UFS application status?

After submitting your application, UFS provides login details that can be used to access the Self-Service system and monitor your application status.

Does applying to UFS guarantee admission?

No. Submitting an application does not guarantee admission. Admission depends on final academic results, meeting the programme requirements and the university’s selection process.

Does UFS accept international students?

Yes. UFS accepts international applicants, but they have additional documentation, exemption, visa and other requirements.

Final Thoughts on University of the Free State Application 2028

Applying to the University of the Free State for 2028 should be approached as a process rather than simply completing an online form.

Start by deciding what you want to study, then check the programme’s admission requirements, AP score, required subjects and closing date. Prepare your supporting documents early and submit your application as soon as the official application window opens.

Most importantly, do not rely on outdated application dates or admission requirements from previous years. The current official UFS application portal is for the 2027 cycle, while the final 2028 dates and requirements still need to be confirmed by UFS.

The good news is that the basic application process is straightforward: choose your programme, check that you qualify, complete the online application, upload the required documents, submit the application and monitor your status.

For 2028 applicants, the best strategy is to prepare early and verify every important detail against the official UFS information when the 2028 application cycle is released. University of the Free State Contact Details.