History
- From a humble start in 1904, the UFS became a well-known institution, boasting 164 NRF-accredited researchers and 2 521 staff members.
- Our students can participate in 22 different sport disciplines and study from 671 182 library books, including 14 000 ebooks.
- Our ever-expanding facilities and knowledge base present many opportunities for scholars to impact locally and globally.
Education
- Since 1904, the UFS has grown steadily as an internationally recognised university, with scholars who continue to influence global growth.
- Today, we have several international partnerships and a growing number of international students gracing our campuses. This all contribute to a rich, diverse body of knowledge and skills.
Research
- The next stage in the evolution of universities has been the ‘entrepreneurial university’, with universities partaking in the creation of a business future, and issues such as venture creation, incubation, and risk management becoming important.The fourth stage, in which some are already participating, but which for many remains a ‘future stage’, is the ‘knowledge platform university’.
- This type of university sees its responsibility to build the knowledge markets and platforms of the knowledge society.
- And so the university and parts of the university form partnerships to establish research consortia and research platforms, industry clusters and platforms, and creative commons and open-source platforms.
University of the Free State Key Statistics & Highlights
- #974 Ranking
- 24 Scholarships
- 1,251 Academic Staff
- 29,919 Students
- 1,562 Students (int'l)
University of the Free State Overview
University of the Free State Scholarships
University of the Free State Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to University of the Free State. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
24 May 2026
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
22 Jun 2026
Lawyers of Tomorrow Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Nov 2026
Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Nov 2026
Financial Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
Creative BioMart Scholarship Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
BOC Sciences Chemistry Scholarship Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
University of the Free State Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 15.5% South Africa
Top 28.6% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
974
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 62 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 875 | 912 | 974 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
1001
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1001 | 1001 | 1001 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
1001
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 801 | - | 1001 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Housing services
- A variety of accommodation options exist, both on the campuses and in the residential areas surrounding the university. Accommodation is not guaranteed when an applicant is accepted as a student.
- The UFS has only single-sex residences which cater for senior and junior students in single or double rooms, with shared bathrooms.
- Senior students may also qualify for on-campus apartments. Rooms in residences are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, and curtains and are equipped with central heating and Internet access. Residences for women have access control.
Library services
- Sasol Library
- Frik Scott Library (in the Medical Faculty)
- Music Library (in the Odeion School of Music)
- Neville Alexander (South Campus) Library
- Computer Laboratory – Thakaneng Bridge
Campus life
- The University of the Free State (UFS) receives visitors on a daily basis throughout the year. The Bloemfontein campus of the university is easily accessible from all parts of the city.
- The vibrant Qwaqwa Campus in the picturesque Eastern Free State serves a rapidly growing number of rural students from the immediate area and surrounding provinces.
- Our South Campus provides alternative access to higher education for promising students who did not obtain the required marks in their final school examinations. Several programmes are in place that off er students the opportunity to access higher education.
Sports facilities
- With 22 sporting codes to choose from, the UFS is an important incubator for participants in team and individual sports. We have produced more than 80 national athletes, of which 15 were world champions and/or participated in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. More than 100 Springbok and sevens rugby players studied with us, and UFS netball delivered three national captains and a total of 20 Proteas.
- We have also been the national university tennis champions for twelve years running.
Student clubs
- The Social Work Student Association (SWSA) is a student body representing registered social work students. The SWSA exist, in its own right and according to the rules, regulations and Constitution of the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) and the Department of Social Work of the University of the Free State (UFS), even in the event of changes to its membership or executive committee members”.
- The primary aim of the SWSA is to guide students of the Department of Social Work towards excellence by improving their educational standards and promoting the moral and ethical code of the profession.
Accreditation
- Council on Higher Education (CHE)
- Central and East European Management Development Association
- International Accreditation (CEEMAN IQA)
University of the Free State Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
South Africa Country
Bloemfontein City
University of the Free State Student Reviews & Awards
4.4
Based on 23 reviews
- 5 Star 14 Reviews
- 4 Star 4 Reviews
- 3 Star 5 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.5
- Quality of Student Life 4.4
- Career Development 4.3
my journey --wow
My journey at the University of the Free State has been a powerful blend of science and art, where my studies in Optometry intersect with my passion for poetry. Balancing these worlds has been challenging but deeply rewarding. The Optometry program is rigorous, demanding precision and dedication, but the mentorship and support I�ve received have made all the difference. Working in well-equipped labs and applying theory to real patient cases has sharpened my skills and fueled my desire to help others. At the same time, the university�s creative community has embraced my love for poetry, providing spaces to share my work and refine my voice. Publishing poems in the university�s literary magazine and placing among the top finalists in a creative writing competition were milestones that affirmed my artistic journey. UFS has taught me resilience, balance, and the beauty of pursuing multiple passions. Late nights spent switching between clinical notes and poetry drafts are proof of my determination to excel in both worlds. It�s a place where talent is nurtured, whether it�s in science, art, or anything in between. The encouragement from peers and mentors alike has been instrumental in my growth, allowing me to thrive academically while also pursuing creative expression. As I look forward to the future, I feel equipped not just with knowledge but with the confidence to embrace all aspects of who I am. The University of the Free State has given me the courage to see the world through multiple lenses, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Excellent service
Easy to link up with the lab that had my research interests
Zimkhith’s Journey in LLB
I like that we do get people to assist us here. I wish I could get study material that can help me improve in my marks thing to use while studying. I would say it is still hard for me as a freshman .
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?