University of Free State Admission Entry Requirements 2025/2026
Prospective students may apply to any of the University of Free State (UFS) undergraduates, postgraduate, masters, diploma, doctorate, bachelors, pre-masters, distance learning, International, Ph.D. programs (Courses) at any time and be admitted subject to fulfilling all UFS admission entry requirements for the 2025/2026 academic year.
UFS UNDERGRADUATE REQUIREMENTS
There are specific matric exemption requirements that you must meet if you want to study at any South African university. If you completed school in or after 2008, and have a National Senior Certificate (NSC), you need the following to apply for admission to a Bachelor’s degree at any South African university: Four (4) of the seven (7) subjects included in your NSC subject package must be from the designated subjects listed below, with a minimum mark of 4 (50%) in each of these four (4) subjects: Designated list of school subjects:
| Accounting | Information Technology |
| Agricultural Sciences | Life Sciences (Biology/Physiology) |
| Business Studies | Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy |
| Consumer Studies | Music |
| Dramatic Arts | Three languages (one of these must be the language of teaching and learning at a higher-education institution and two other recognised language subjects) |
| Economics | |
| Engineering Graphics and Design | |
| Geography | Physical Sciences/Natural Sciences |
| History | Religion Studies |
| Visual Arts |
| NSC Level | UFS AP |
| 7 (90%-100%) | 8 |
| 7 (80%-89%) | 7 |
| 6 (70%-79%) | 6 |
| 5 (60%-69%) | 5 |
| 4 (50%-59%) | 4 |
| 3 (40%-49%) | 3 |
| 2 (30%-39%) | 2 |
| 1 (0%-29%) | – |
| To calculate your AP, you can use the following example: | |
| For five (5) academic subjects, you must obtain a level 5 (60%) | 5 x 5 = 25 |
| For one (1) further academic subject, you must obtain a level 4 (50%) | 1 x 4 = 4 |
| For Life Orientation, a level of 5 (60%) or higher to score 1 point | 1 x 1 = 1 |
| UFS overall AP score | = 30 |
Note that your achievement level in Life Orientation is excluded from the calculation of your AP score for the allocation of a merit bursary in your first year of study. See the section on Financial Aid (Bursaries and Loans). Are you a Top Achiever?
If you have an AP score of 35 and above, you are a Top Achiever and qualify for a conditional admission offer linked to a merit bursary of a corresponding value to your AP score. This excludes admission to select programs. Another benefit of being a Top Achiever is that you will be invited to an early-bird registration, subject to meeting all the minimum requirements for the intended program of study with your final Grade 12 results.
UFS POSTGRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTPostgraduate Diplomas Requirements
- An appropriate Bachelor’s degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree OR
- Attained a level of competence
- Some Schools/College may accept and Advanced Diploma for entry into a Postgraduate Diploma if HEQF (Higher Education Qualification Framework) requirements are met.
Duration
- A minimum of at least two consecutive semesters. Except with permission of Senate all modules shall be completed at the University.
Curriculum
- The curriculum will contain advanced reflection, practice and research methods in the area of specialization and may include a sustained research project in accordance with College rules approved by Senate.
Bachelor of Honours Degrees Requirements
- An appropriate Bachelor’s degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree OR
- Attained a level of competence
Duration
- A minimum of at least two consecutive semesters. Except with permission of Senate all modules shall be completed at the University.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the Honours degree shall include a prescribed research project as one of the modules wich shall account for a minimum of 25% of the credits for the degree. Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research Requirements
- A relevant prerequisite degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree OR
- Attained a level of competence
Duration Coursework
- A minimum of two consecutive semesters (full time) or 4 consecutive semesters (part time) before the degree may be conferred.
- With permission and in terms of College regulations, periods of attendance at graduate level at another institution or in another College may be accepted. (Consult with relevant School).
Research
- A minimum of two consecutive semesters (full time) or 4 consecutive semesters (part time) before the degree may be conferred.
Research
- Candidates shall be required to pursue an appropriate programme of research on a subject on a subject falling within the scope of the studies presented at the University. Students must also adhere to possible other conditions prescribed by Colleges/Schools.
Doctor of philosophy or supervised Doctor degrees by research
Requirements
- A relevant prerequisite degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree
Duration
- A minimum of four consecutive semesters (full time) or eight consecutive semester (part time) before the degree may be conferred.
Curriculum
- Students will be required to pursue an approved programme of research on a subject falling within the scope of studies at the University. Such a programme shall make a distinct contribution to the knowledge or understanding of the subject and afford evidence of originality shown either by the discovery of new facts and by the exercise of independent critical power. Students must also adhere to other possible conditions prescribed by Colleges/Schools.
For more information and inquiries about the University of Free State admission entry requirements 2025/2026, visit the institution’s official website.
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