Quick Summary
University of the Free State is a public founded in 1904, located in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Ranked #801-850 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 41242 students including 5.2% from outside South Africa. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Law, Development Studies, it maintains an acceptance rate of 35%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
The UFS offers a diverse and inclusive environment with world-class research facilities and a strong focus on community impact and social justice.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryLawDevelopment StudiesTheology
Founded1904
TypePublic
Total Students41242
Intl Students5.2%
Faculty Ratio26
CampusMulti-campus (Main, South, Qwaqwa)
Campus Size750 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsUniversitas Academic Hospital, Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital
AccreditationCouncil on Higher Education (CHE) South Africa
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-850
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#801-1000
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Honours, Masters, PhD
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Institute for Groundwater Studies, Centre for Development Support, Disaster Management Training and Education Centre
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Council on Higher Education (CHE) South Africa
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate35%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL79
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATRequired for MBA
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · September 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Ensure National Benchmark Test (NBT) is completed; focus on maintaining a high Academic Performance Score (APS) above 30.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in South African Rand
UG Tuition
R45,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Living Cost
R110,000/yr
per year · ZAR
PG Tuition
R58,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R155,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · ZAR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Honours, Masters, PhD programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Agriculture | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Accounting | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Education | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Theology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$14,000
Average Salary After Graduation
72%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementYes
Industry Connections
Strong links with agricultural sectorSouth African Reserve Bankand provincial health departments.
Notable Alumni
Bram Fischer, Hansie Cronjé, Wayde van Niekerk
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Shimla Park Rugby Stadium, Pellies Park, Olympic-size swimming pool, AstroTurf hockey fields
Student Clubs
Over 60 student-led organizations and cultural societies
Library Resources
Sasol Library, Frik Scott Medical Library, Neville Alexander Library
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Not Available