University of the Free State (UFS)

The University of the Free State (UFS) boasts a rich history as one of South Africa’s oldest and most esteemed institutions of higher education. Established in Bloemfontein in 1904 as Grey University College, it began with just six students in the Humanities. Today, UFS is a multi-campus institution, with two diverse campuses in Bloemfontein and one in Qwaqwa, located in the scenic Eastern Free State, serving nearly 40,000 students across seven faculties. The university is also home to a growing number of international students and associates and is deeply engaged in contributing to its surrounding communities.

Over the past 120 years, UFS has consistently produced quality graduates who have made significant contributions across various sectors. The university’s commitment to holistic student support has enabled it to achieve some of the highest success rates in the country, with a focus on delivering graduates who are highly sought after in the global job market. UFS’s established network of industry partners and its close collaboration with the public and private sectors, combined with ongoing transformation and curriculum renewal, ensure the production of highly employable graduates.

UFS’s research efforts are led by dedicated scholars, including international leaders in their fields, whose work has significant industry and social impact and real-world applications.

Through engaged scholarship, UFS actively responds to societal needs, applying its academic and professional expertise with a clear public purpose and benefit.

Committed to providing an outstanding university experience for its students and staff, UFS is grounded in core values of Excellence, Innovation and Impact, Sustainability, Care, Social Justice, and Accountability. These values have enabled the university to remain relevant and resilient within the ever-changing and challenging landscape of national higher education.