University of the Free State (UFS) Courses 2028

University of the Free State Courses 2028: Complete List of UFS Courses and Programmes

If you are planning to study at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2028, choosing the right course is one of the most important decisions you will make before applying. UFS offers a broad selection of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across areas such as business, education, health sciences, law, humanities, natural sciences, agriculture, theology and religion.

The university currently has seven main faculties, namely Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Health Sciences, the Humanities, Law, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Theology and Religion. UFS also provides opportunities through Open Distance Learning and its Business School, although these should be distinguished from the main undergraduate faculty offerings.

Applicants should also read on University of Cape Town Fees for 2028

What Courses Does the University of the Free State Offer?

The University of the Free State offers undergraduate study opportunities in a wide range of disciplines.

Among the major study areas are:

Accounting and finance
Business management
Economics
Public administration
Human resource management
Education and teaching
Medicine
Nursing
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Optometry
Dietetics
Biokinetics
Radiation sciences
Social sciences
Communication
Journalism
Languages
Psychology-related studies
Law
Agriculture
Animal science
Food systems
Computer science
Mathematics
Statistics
Chemistry
Physics
Geology
Genetics
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Plant sciences
Zoology and entomology
Architecture
Quantity surveying
Construction management
Theology and religion

The exact programmes available for 2028 should be confirmed against the official UFS prospectus when it is released. The current UFS prospective-student portal directs applicants to its undergraduate prospectus for available programmes and admission requirements.

List of University of the Free State Courses 2028

Below is a broad guide to UFS courses based on the university’s current undergraduate programme offerings.

1. UFS Economic and Management Sciences Courses

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences is suitable for students interested in business, accounting, economics, finance, management and public-sector careers.

Current undergraduate offerings include qualifications such as:

Bachelor of Administration (BAdmin)

The BAdmin is particularly suited to students interested in public administration and management.

According to UFS, the programme focuses on areas associated with government and public-sector organisations, including administration, management, policy, human resources and organisational processes.

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

The BCom provides a broad business and commerce foundation. Depending on the specialisation, students can pursue areas such as:

Business management
Economics
Finance
Human resource management
Business and financial analytics
Other commerce-related disciplines

UFS currently lists several BCom specialisations and provides programme-specific admission requirements for each.

BCom Accounting

Students interested in accounting and financial careers can consider the BCom Accounting route.

UFS states that its BCom Accounting programme has professional accreditation connections, including SAIPA and AGA(SA), with partial accreditation from bodies such as CIMA and ACCA.

Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc)

The BAcc is aimed particularly at students interested in becoming Chartered Accountants (CA(SA)).

UFS describes the programme as preparing students for careers involving accounting, taxation, financial management and auditing.

Potential career areas include:

Accounting
Auditing
Taxation
Financial management
Banking
Investment
Business management
Public-sector finance

2. University of the Free State Education Courses

If your goal is to become a teacher, the Faculty of Education offers Bachelor of Education (BEd) programmes.

Current UFS Education offerings include:

BEd Foundation Phase
BEd Intermediate Phase
BEd Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Phase

The Faculty of Education currently indicates that its BEd is a four-year curriculum. Foundation Phase is offered at South and Qwaqwa campuses, while other phases and subject combinations have their own campus and programme arrangements.

BEd Foundation Phase

This route is designed for students interested in teaching learners from approximately Grade R to Grade 3.

BEd Intermediate Phase

This focuses on teacher preparation for approximately Grades 4 to 6.

BEd Senior Phase and FET

This pathway prepares teachers for the Senior Phase and Further Education and Training phases.

Students should note that particular subject combinations can have additional requirements. UFS specifically identifies areas such as Mathematics, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Economics, Geography and certain languages as disciplines where additional requirements may apply.

3. University of the Free State Health Sciences Courses

The Faculty of Health Sciences is one of the most competitive areas of study at UFS.

Current undergraduate health-related opportunities include programmes such as:

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Bachelor of Medical Science in Radiation Science
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Bachelor of Optometry
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Dietetics
Bachelor of Biokinetics
Sport Coaching

Some health programmes are subject to selection, meaning that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not automatically guarantee admission.

UFS specifically states that only a limited number of candidates are admitted to first-year study in the Faculty of Health Sciences, and that certain programmes, including MBChB and BMedSc (Radiation Science), are subject to selection procedures.

Applicants should therefore pay particular attention to:

Academic results
AP score
Required subjects
Selection documents
Application deadlines
Programme-specific selection rules

UFS also warns that late applications are not considered for the relevant Health Sciences selection processes.

4. University of the Free State Humanities Courses

The Faculty of the Humanities provides courses for students interested in people, society, culture, communication, languages, history, politics, psychology-related fields and the arts.

Current humanities-related study areas include programmes such as:

Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Communication Science
Journalism
Integrated Organisational Communication
Social sciences
Languages
Political and social studies
Humanities-related disciplines

For example, UFS’s Department of Communication Science currently offers BA in Integrated Organisational Communication and BA in Journalism. Both programmes are structured as three-year full-time undergraduate qualifications.

BA Journalism

This can be suitable for students interested in:

Journalism
News reporting
Broadcasting
Digital media
Content production
Communication

BA Integrated Organisational Communication

This programme focuses on communication within organisations and incorporates areas such as corporate communication, marketing communication and managerial communication.

Humanities graduates can pursue careers across media, communications, government, research, education, community development, administration and the private sector, depending on their major subjects and further qualifications.

5. University of the Free State Law Courses

The Faculty of Law offers the Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

The LLB is designed to prepare students for legal careers, further postgraduate legal studies and careers requiring knowledge and application of law.

UFS describes the LLB as developing capabilities in:

Legal research
Legal problem-solving
Critical thinking
Legal communication
Ethical decision-making
Understanding legal systems
Professional development

The current UFS Faculty of Law information identifies a four-year LLB as well as a five-year pathway for eligible applicants who are considered through the university’s selection process. Applicants cannot directly apply for the five-year programme; those who do not meet the four-year LLB requirements may be considered for the five-year programme.

Students interested in law should therefore carefully check the latest requirements before submitting a 2028 application.

6. University of the Free State Natural and Agricultural Sciences Courses

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences offers one of the broadest selections of science, agricultural and built-environment programmes at UFS.

The faculty currently groups its undergraduate offerings into areas including Agricultural Sciences, Building Sciences and Natural Sciences.

Agricultural Sciences

Current study areas include:

Agricultural Economics
Animal Science
Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences
Sustainable Food Systems and Development

These courses can prepare students for careers in agriculture, food systems, agricultural economics, farming, environmental management, research and related sectors.

Building Sciences

Students can pursue areas such as:

Architecture
Quantity Surveying
Construction Management

These programmes are suitable for students interested in the built environment, property development, construction and infrastructure.

Natural Sciences

Current UFS study areas include:

Chemistry
Computer Science and Informatics
Genetics
Forensic Science
Geography
Geology
Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
Mathematical Statistics
Actuarial Science
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Physics
Plant Sciences
Zoology and Entomology

The faculty’s official website confirms this broad selection of undergraduate disciplines.

7. UFS Computer Science Courses

Students interested in technology can consider Computer Science and Informatics within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

This area is particularly relevant for careers in:

Software development
Information technology
Data-related fields
Systems analysis
Programming
Computing
Technology research

Applicants should pay close attention to Mathematics requirements because technology and science programmes frequently have specific mathematical prerequisites.

The UFS Natural and Agricultural Sciences faculty currently lists Computer Science and Informatics among its undergraduate study areas.

8. UFS Mathematics and Statistics Courses

Students who enjoy mathematics, data and quantitative analysis can explore:

Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
Mathematical Statistics
Actuarial Science

These fields can provide foundations for careers in:

Data analysis
Statistics
Finance
Actuarial science
Research
Banking
Insurance
Business analytics
Quantitative modelling

Because these are mathematically intensive programmes, prospective students should check the exact Mathematics achievement requirements for their selected programme.

9. UFS Biological and Life Sciences Courses

UFS offers several biological and life-science-related disciplines.

These include areas such as:

Biochemistry
Microbiology
Genetics
Botany/Plant Sciences
Zoology
Entomology
Animal Science

For example, UFS’s Plant Sciences information lists BSc programmes involving Botany, Biochemistry, Genetics and related combinations.

These fields can lead to careers in:

Scientific research
Biotechnology
Environmental science
Agriculture
Laboratory science
Conservation
Food science
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries

10. UFS Theology and Religion Courses

The Faculty of Theology and Religion offers specialised programmes for students interested in theology, religion, ministry, ethics, leadership and related academic disciplines.

One of the key undergraduate qualifications is the Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv).

The current UFS Faculty of Theology and Religion information describes the BDiv as a four-year professional degree offered at the Bloemfontein Campus. The programme covers areas including theology, ethics, religion and society, pastoral care, leadership, spirituality, African theology and practical theology.

Potential career areas include:

Ministry
Religious leadership
Community development
Education
Counselling-related roles
Research
Communication
Social and faith-based organisations

The current programme information lists an AP requirement of 28 and English at Level 4 (50%), although applicants for 2028 should verify the final requirements when the new prospectus is released.

UFS Courses by Faculty

For easier reference, prospective students can use the following guide:

UFS Faculty	Examples of Courses/Study Areas
Economic and Management Sciences	BAdmin, BCom, Accounting, Finance, Economics, HR Management, Business Management
Education	BEd Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase and FET
Health Sciences	MBChB, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Dietetics, Biokinetics, Radiation Sciences
Humanities	BA, Journalism, Communication, Organisational Communication, Social Sciences, Languages
Law	LLB
Natural and Agricultural Sciences	Agriculture, Animal Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, Genetics, Geology, Microbiology
Theology and Religion	Bachelor of Divinity and related theological studies

This is a planning guide rather than a final 2028 programme catalogue. UFS advises applicants to consult the relevant prospectus and faculty rulebooks for the current programme structure, compulsory modules, elective modules and requirements.

What Are the Most Popular UFS Courses?

The meaning of “popular” can vary depending on applicant demand and career interests, but students frequently search for programmes in areas such as:

Medicine
Law
Accounting
Business
Computer Science
Education
Nursing
Psychology-related studies
Finance
Economics
Engineering and science-related fields
Health Sciences

However, students should not select a course solely because it is popular.

A better approach is to consider your academic strengths, career goals, interests, subject choices and the admission requirements.

UFS itself provides career guidance resources, including a career questionnaire designed to help prospective students consider their interests, talents, values and possible career paths.

Which UFS Course Should You Choose?

Choosing a university course should involve more than searching for the course with the highest demand.

Consider the following:

1. Look at your Grade 11 and Grade 12 subjects

Your subjects can determine which UFS courses you qualify for.

For example, Mathematics may be important or compulsory for many science, commerce and technology programmes.

2. Calculate your AP score

UFS uses an Admission Point (AP) system for undergraduate admission. Your AP score can help you determine which programmes you may qualify for.

3. Check the exact programme requirements

Do not rely only on general UFS admission requirements.

The university states that programme-specific and faculty-specific requirements apply.

4. Consider your career goal

If you want to become an accountant, compare accounting qualifications. If you want to become a teacher, examine the relevant BEd route. If you want to work in healthcare, investigate the appropriate Health Sciences programme.

5. Check whether the programme is a selection programme

Some programmes have limited spaces and additional selection procedures.

This is particularly important for certain Health Sciences qualifications.

UFS Courses and Admission Requirements for 2028

There is no single admission requirement for all UFS courses.

Requirements can include:

Minimum AP score
Specific school subjects
Minimum Mathematics achievement
Language requirements
Life Sciences or Physical Sciences
NBT requirements
Selection forms
Additional selection criteria

For example, current UFS Economic and Management Sciences information gives different requirements for BAdmin, BCom and BAcc.

Similarly, Education programmes have their own AP and language requirements, while Law has specific English and Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy requirements.

This is why applicants should always check the exact course rather than relying on a general “UFS APS requirement.”

UFS Courses 2028: How to Apply

The current UFS application system allows prospective students to apply online.

For the 2027 cycle, UFS opened undergraduate applications on 1 April 2026, and the university states that applications are free. Applicants can select two study options and must complete all stages of the online application for it to be submitted.

For 2028 applicants, the exact opening and closing dates should be confirmed when UFS publishes its 2028 application information.

A good application strategy is to:

Identify your preferred UFS course.
Check its admission requirements.
Calculate your AP score.
Check your required subjects.
Determine whether NBTs are required.
Check whether the programme is subject to selection.
Prepare your supporting documents.
Apply through the official UFS application portal.
Monitor your application status and university communications.

UFS Campuses Where Courses Are Offered

The University of the Free State operates across three campuses:

Bloemfontein Campus
Qwaqwa Campus
South Campus

Not every course is offered at every campus. The UFS prospectus identifies campus codes and programme locations, so students should check the campus associated with their chosen qualification.

Does UFS Offer Extended Courses or Alternative Entry Routes?

Yes. UFS offers Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECPs) in selected fields.

The university describes these programmes as pathways for applicants who demonstrate potential but do not meet the mainstream programme admission criteria. Placement is subject to available space, and applicants must first apply for mainstream programmes to be considered for ECP placement.

This can be particularly useful for students who may need additional academic preparation before progressing through a degree programme.

However, the availability of an ECP varies by programme and academic year.

Are UFS Courses Available Online?

UFS has different modes and structures of study, including Open Distance Learning offerings. However, prospective students should not assume that every undergraduate course can be completed online.

The official prospective-student portal distinguishes the university’s faculties and also identifies Open Distance Learning separately.

Before choosing a programme, check:

Study mode
Campus
Duration
Contact requirements
Whether the programme is offered online or face-to-face
Whether practical components are required

This is especially important for professional programmes such as healthcare, education and science.

Final Thoughts on University of the Free State Courses 2028

The University of the Free State courses for 2028 are expected to cover a wide range of academic and professional fields, from accounting, business and education to medicine, law, computer science, agriculture, natural sciences, humanities and theology.

The best course for you depends on your academic results, interests, career plans and the subjects you completed at school.

Because the official UFS 2028 undergraduate prospectus is not yet available, prospective students should treat the current programme list as a planning guide rather than a final 2028 catalogue. UFS’s latest prospectus explicitly states that its published admission requirements apply to the relevant admission year and that requirements may change.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, prospective students should consult the official UFS prospective-student portal and the official UFS undergraduate prospectus page when the 2028 information becomes available.

If you are preparing your 2028 application, start by choosing your course, checking the programme-specific requirements and making sure your Grade 11/12 subjects and AP score align with the qualification you want to study.