UFS - 2027 intake

UFS application 2027: dates, AP score and prospectus

Applying to the University of the Free State is free. General programmes close 30 September 2026, but health sciences closed back on 31 May - the earliest deadline of any SA university.

Updated 22 July 2026 ·By GoCareers
Apply free at UFS
Applications open
1 April 2026
General closing
30 September 2026
Health sciences
31 May 2026 (closed)
Application fee
Free
Scoring
AP score (UFS own system)
Campuses
Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa, South

Who can apply

  • South African citizens, permanent residents and international applicants
  • NSC or IEB equivalent with the endorsement required by your programme
  • UFS calculates its own AP score - not the same as APS elsewhere
  • Selection programmes (health sciences) have additional criteria and much earlier deadlines
  • International undergraduate applications close 31 August 2026
  • Transferring students fall under the 30 September deadline

What you'll need

  • Certified copy of your SA ID (or passport for international applicants)
  • Certified copy of your latest Grade 11 or Grade 12 results
  • Certified copy of your matric certificate if you have already completed school
  • Proof of payment of the application fee where one applies
  • Sworn translation of any document not in English
  • Supporting documents for specific programmes (portfolio, medical report) where required

Step by step

  1. Apply free on the UFS portal

    Go to apply.ufs.ac.za. UFS states plainly: "Application to the UFS is free." Track progress afterwards at myapplication.ufs.ac.za.
    Tip: Because it costs nothing, UFS is a sensible second or third application even if it is not your first choice.

  2. Find your programme's actual deadline

    UFS publishes four different closing dates depending on the programme. Do not assume 30 September applies to you - check the selection information page for your specific qualification.

  3. Understand the AP score

    UFS uses an Admission Point (AP) score, its own system. A score calculated for UP or Wits does not transfer. Use the AP score link on the UFS application portal.

  4. Download the 2027 prospectus

    The UFS 2027 undergraduate prospectus PDF is published on ufs.ac.za under the prospective students section, with per-programme requirements.

  5. Beware the wrong PDF

    An older UFS opening/closing dates PDF still ranks well in search results but contains 2025 intake dates. Always check the year on any PDF before trusting a date.

The four different UFS closing dates

UFS is unusual in publishing four distinct deadlines. Getting this wrong is the single most common reason applications fail here.

DeadlineProgrammes
31 May 2026MBChB, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Radiation Science, Biokinetics, Dietetics, Sport Coaching
31 July 2026Nursing, Social Work, Architecture
31 August 2026International undergraduate applications
30 September 2026Transferring students and all other programmes

Three campuses

UFS operates across Bloemfontein (main), Qwaqwa and the South Campus, with additional sub-regions for access programmes. Programme availability differs by campus.

Contact

Undergraduate applications: applications@ufs.ac.za · WhatsApp 087 240 6370 · 051 401 3000

General student administration: studentadmin@ufs.ac.za · 051 401 9111

International: oiastudentadmin@ufs.ac.za

Frequently asked questions

When do UFS applications close for 2027?
30 September 2026 for most programmes. But health sciences closed 31 May 2026, nursing/social work/architecture closed 31 July 2026, and international applications close 31 August 2026.
Is it free to apply to UFS?
Yes. UFS states "Application to the UFS is free" - there is no application fee.
What is the UFS AP score?
UFS uses its own Admission Point (AP) score rather than the APS used by universities like UP and Wits. A score calculated elsewhere does not transfer - use the AP score tool on the UFS application portal.
When did UFS 2027 applications open?
1 April 2026.
Can I still apply to UFS for medicine in 2027?
No. MBChB and the allied health programmes closed on 31 May 2026, the earliest deadline in the country. The next opportunity is the 2028 cycle.
Where can I get the UFS 2027 prospectus?
The UFS 2027 undergraduate prospectus PDF is on ufs.ac.za under the prospective students section. Be careful with search results - an older PDF with 2025 dates still ranks highly.
How many campuses does UFS have?
Three main campuses: Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa and South Campus, plus sub-regions for access programmes.
How do I check my UFS application status?
Through the self-service portal at myapplication.ufs.ac.za, or contact applications@ufs.ac.za.

Related guides

University applications 2027

Every SA university's verified 2027 opening and closing dates.

APS score calculator

Work out your score before you apply.

NSFAS application

Funding runs on its own deadline - apply alongside.

SA universities: all 26

Full list of public universities and how they differ.

Last updated 22 July 2026. We review and refresh this guide regularly — if something here is out of date, let us know.