University of the Free State (UFS) Fees 2028

University of the Free State Fees 2028: Tuition, Accommodation and Other Costs

If you are planning to study at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2028, understanding the cost of tuition, accommodation, registration and other student expenses is an important part of preparing for university. Continue reading to discover more about UFS Fees 2028

The University of the Free State does not have one fixed tuition fee that applies to every student. Your total tuition cost depends largely on the programme and modules you register for. UFS publishes estimated programme costs to help prospective students plan, but the university makes it clear that these figures are estimates and may change.

Prospective students from poor financial background should check out University of the Free State Scholarship and Bursary for 2028.

At the time of writing, the official 2028 UFS fee schedule has not yet been published. Therefore, this guide uses the latest official UFS fee information available, particularly the 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus, together with current UFS Student Finance information, to provide a realistic planning guide for prospective 2028 students.

This article explains University of the Free State fees for 2028, including estimated tuition fees, accommodation, international student fees, payment arrangements, NSFAS and other expenses you should budget for.

See all the University of Free State Courses for 2028

How Much Are University of the Free State Fees in 2028?

The exact UFS fees for 2028 will only be confirmed once the university publishes its official 2028 fee schedule.

However, UFS’s latest published undergraduate fee estimates provide useful guidance for students planning ahead.

For 2027, UFS published estimated annual programme costs ranging from approximately R41,000 to more than R82,000, depending on the programme. These are not fixed 2028 fees and should not be treated as an official quotation. UFS specifically describes the figures as estimated averages that are subject to change.

For example, the 2027 estimated programme fees include:

These figures come from the university’s official 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus and are useful for budgeting purposes only.

Are the UFS Fees for 2028 Confirmed?

No.

This is an important distinction for students searching for “UFS fees 2028”.

As of September 2026, UFS has published its 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus, but the official 2028 fee structure has not yet been released. UFS itself warns that its estimated programme prices are subject to change.

Therefore, students should avoid websites that present a particular amount as the definite University of the Free State fees for 2028 unless that amount can be verified against an official UFS publication.

The safest approach is to use current UFS estimates to create a budget and then update that budget once the official 2028 figures are released.

How Does UFS Calculate Tuition Fees?

One of the most important things to understand about UFS fees is that tuition is generally charged per module.

This means your final tuition account can depend on the modules you register for during the academic year.

UFS explains that programme prices vary according to the modules registered for, while the published programme figures are estimated annual averages intended to help students plan their finances.

Consequently, two students studying within the same broad faculty may not necessarily have identical fee accounts.

Your actual cost can depend on factors such as:

• Programme selected
• Modules registered
• Number of modules
• Academic year
• Additional academic charges
• Student category
• Whether you are a South African, SADC or non-SADC international student

UFS therefore encourages prospective students to generate an online quotation using the modules they expect to register for.

UFS Tuition Fees 2028 by Programme

Although the final 2028 prices are not yet available, the 2027 figures provide a useful indication of the range students may encounter.

Economic and Management Sciences

Examples from the 2027 UFS estimates include:

• BAcc – R73,080
• BAdmin (3 years) – R54,340
• BAdmin (4 years) – R41,750
• BCom (3 years) – R59,420
• BCom (4 years) – R47,480
• BCom Accounting – R62,490
• BCom Economics – R58,990
• BCom Human Resource Management – R53,890
• BCom Law – R58,680
• BCom Marketing – R57,350

Education

The 2027 estimated figures include:

• BEd – R52,660
• BEd Extended Curriculum – R46,050

Health Sciences

Selected 2027 estimates include:

• B Biokinetics – R59,800
• B Optometry – R65,760
• B Sport Coaching and Development – R56,970
• BSc Dietetics – R63,410
• BSc Occupational Therapy – R57,670
• BSc Physiotherapy – R63,560
• BMedSc Radiation Sciences – R75,370
• B Nursing – R55,240
• MB ChB – R82,450

Law

The estimated 2027 fee for the LLB programme is R45,500.

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Examples include:

• BAgric – R60,780
• BSc Agriculture – R67,060
• BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology – R66,570
• BSc Chemistry and Physics – R63,440
• BSc Consumer Science – R62,140
• BSc Extended Curriculum – R55,260
• BSc Forensic Science – R65,330
• BSc Geology – R63,450
• BSc Information Technology – R63,180
• BSc Quantity Surveying – R46,300
• BSc Actuarial Science – R75,540

Humanities

The 2027 estimates include:

• BA (3 years) – R52,450
• BA (4 years) – R43,160
• BA Drama and Theatre Arts – R51,370
• BA Integrated Organisational Communication – R53,830
• BA Journalism – R54,580
• BA Language Practice – R58,870
• BA Governance and Political Transformation – R58,530
• B Music – R49,890
• B Social Work – R55,540
• BSocSc (3 years) – R51,530
• BSocSc (4 years) – R41,270

Does UFS Accommodation Cost Extra?

Yes.

Tuition fees do not automatically cover accommodation, meals, travelling, textbooks and other living expenses.

UFS specifically advises prospective students to budget separately for expenses such as:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Textbooks
• Study materials
• Stationery
• Travelling
• Data
• Clothing
• Pocket money
• Other personal expenses

Students who want to live in a UFS residence should therefore add accommodation costs to their tuition budget.

The exact residence cost can vary according to the residence and applicable annual fee structure. Students should check the official UFS residence information for the relevant academic year rather than relying on outdated accommodation prices.

UFS Fees for International Students

International students should pay particular attention to the university’s fee rules because their financial obligations can differ from those of South African students.

UFS states that international students from SADC countries pay the same tuition fees as South African students. However, students from non-SADC countries pay 50% more per module on their tuition fees.

UFS also states that international students are required to pay the full tuition fee for the academic year before registration, unless they have acceptable evidence of sponsorship. Accommodation fees must also be paid before registration where applicable.

International students should therefore not simply use the standard South African student fee estimates when preparing their 2028 budget.

UFS International Student Administration Levy

International students should also budget for an annual international administration levy.

According to UFS, this levy is payable by international students in addition to the annual registration fee. It is non-refundable and expires on 31 December of each year.

This is an important additional cost that prospective international students should consider when calculating their total cost of studying at UFS.

UFS Registration Fees and First Payment

Students should also understand that tuition fees are not the only financial requirement associated with registration.

UFS currently requires a first payment before registration. The university’s registration information states that the first payment is due five working days before registration.

The exact amount applicable to a 2028 student should be confirmed from the official UFS registration and Student Finance information when the 2028 registration cycle begins.

Students should not assume that the first payment represents their entire annual tuition bill. It is part of the university’s registration and fee-payment arrangements.

When Must UFS Fees Be Paid?

Payment deadlines can change from one academic year to another.

For 2026, UFS lists:

• First payment: five working days before registration
• First-semester tuition and residence fees: 31 March
• Second-semester tuition and residence fees for South African students: 31 August
• Second-semester tuition and residence fees for international students: 30 June

These dates should not be presented as the 2028 deadlines. They are included to demonstrate the current payment structure. UFS will publish the applicable dates for 2028 when the relevant registration information becomes available.

What Happens If You Cannot Pay UFS Fees?

Students who cannot personally finance their studies should investigate available financial assistance before registration.

Potential sources of funding can include:

• NSFAS
• UFS financial aid
• Scholarships
• Bursaries
• External sponsorships
• Other approved funding arrangements

UFS states that NSFAS and fully funded students are exempt from certain upfront payment requirements where funding has been confirmed and covers all study costs.

Students should ensure that their funding is actually confirmed rather than assuming that simply applying for funding means their fees have been covered.

Can NSFAS Pay UFS Fees?

Eligible South African students may receive financial assistance through NSFAS, subject to the applicable NSFAS rules and funding decisions.

However, students should distinguish between:

Applying for NSFAS and having confirmed NSFAS funding.

UFS’s current registration information states that NSFAS and fully funded students are exempt from certain payment requirements only when funding is confirmed and covers the relevant study costs.

Students should therefore monitor both their NSFAS status and their UFS student account.

Other Costs to Budget for at UFS

When planning your 2028 university budget, do not focus exclusively on tuition.

UFS itself recommends that students budget for additional costs such as:

1. Accommodation

This applies to students living in university residences or private accommodation.

2. Food

Students need to budget for meals and groceries.

3. Textbooks

Some courses require textbooks or prescribed reading materials.

4. Study Materials

Students may need printing, stationery and other learning resources.

5. Transport

Students living away from campus should consider daily or periodic transportation costs.

6. Data and Internet

Online learning platforms and communication can create additional costs.

7. Personal Expenses

Clothing, toiletries, entertainment and other personal expenses should also be included in your budget.

UFS explicitly lists these types of expenses as costs that are excluded from its estimated programme prices.

How to Get an Accurate UFS Fee Quotation

Rather than relying entirely on an estimated annual programme price, students should obtain a quotation based on their actual modules.

UFS advises prospective students to use its Student Finance quotation system. The university explains that the system generates a quotation based on the modules you intend to take and that module codes are required to produce a quotation.

This is particularly useful because the published programme figures are averages rather than guaranteed final accounts.

Are UFS Fees the Same for Every Course?

No.

Different programmes can have substantially different estimated costs.

For example, the 2027 prospectus lists an estimated R41,270 for the four-year BSocSc programme and R82,450 for MB ChB.

This demonstrates why prospective students should search for the fee associated with their specific UFS programme, rather than relying on a single university-wide tuition figure.

How to Budget for UFS Fees in 2028

If you are planning to enrol at UFS in 2028, the following approach can help.

Step 1: Identify your programme

Choose the exact qualification you want to study.

Step 2: Check the latest UFS fee estimate

Use the university’s official fee information rather than estimates from social media or unofficial websites.

Step 3: Generate a quotation

Use your programme’s module information to obtain a more specific estimate.

Step 4: Add accommodation

If you plan to live on campus, include residence fees in your budget.

Step 5: Add living expenses

Budget separately for food, transport, books, data and personal expenses.

Step 6: Investigate funding

Check NSFAS, bursaries, scholarships and other funding opportunities early.

Step 7: Keep an emergency fund

Unexpected academic or personal expenses can arise during the year.

UFS Fees 2028: What Prospective Students Should Remember

The most important facts about University of the Free State fees for 2028 are:

• The official 2028 fee schedule has not yet been published.
• UFS tuition is generally charged according to the modules registered.
• Published programme costs are estimates and can change.
• Different programmes have different estimated annual costs.
• Accommodation is separate from tuition.
• Food, textbooks, study materials, transport and data are additional expenses.
• International students have additional financial requirements.
• Non-SADC international students pay 50% more per module than South African and SADC students, according to current UFS policy.
• NSFAS-funded students should ensure their funding is confirmed.
• Students should use the UFS Student Finance quotation system for a more accurate estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions About UFS Fees 2028

How much are UFS fees for 2028?

The official UFS 2028 fees have not yet been released. Based on the latest official 2027 estimates, undergraduate programme costs range from roughly R41,000 to more than R82,000 per year for the examples published by UFS. These figures are estimates, not confirmed 2028 fees.

How much is UFS tuition per year?

There is no single annual tuition fee. The amount depends on your programme and modules. UFS’s 2027 estimated programme costs provide a useful planning range, but the actual account is determined by the modules registered.

Does UFS include accommodation in tuition?

No. UFS’s estimated programme prices exclude accommodation, food, textbooks, study materials, travelling and other living expenses.

Are UFS fees the same for international students?

Not necessarily. SADC international students currently pay the same tuition fees as South African students, while non-SADC international students pay 50% more per module. International students also have additional payment and administration requirements.

Can NSFAS pay UFS tuition fees?

Eligible students may receive NSFAS funding subject to applicable rules. UFS states that students with confirmed NSFAS or full funding can be exempt from certain upfront payment requirements where the funding covers the relevant study costs.

When will the UFS 2028 fees be released?

UFS has not yet published its final 2028 fee schedule. Prospective students should monitor the official UFS website and Student Finance pages for the 2028 fee announcement.

Take home for UFS Fees

The University of the Free State fees for 2028 will depend on your programme, registered modules and student category. While it is too early to provide a definitive 2028 tuition table, UFS’s latest official estimates provide a useful starting point for financial planning.

The university’s 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus shows that estimated annual programme costs can vary considerably, from programmes costing around R41,000 to professional programmes costing more than R80,000.

For the most accurate information, students should rely on UFS’s official Student Finance information and generate a quotation based on their intended modules. This is more reliable than treating an estimated programme price as a guaranteed tuition bill.

If you are preparing for UFS admission in 2028, start budgeting early. Consider not only tuition, but also accommodation, food, textbooks, study materials, transportation and other living expenses. International students should additionally account for the applicable administration levy and international fee rules.

For authoritative updates, prospective students should regularly check the official UFS Prospective Students page and UFS Undergraduate Prospectus page. The university’s online application portal also provides current application information.