University of the Free State has officially announced the application timelines for the 2027 academic year. Prospective undergraduate and honours students are encouraged to apply early, as some programmes close well before the final deadline.
UFS Applications for 2027: Important Dates
Undergraduate and Honours Applications Open: 1 April 2026
Final Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Important: Several high-demand programmes have earlier closing dates. Applicants are strongly advised to submit applications as early as possible.
Undergraduate Programme Closing Dates
Closing Date: 31 May 2026
The following programmes close early:
- MB ChB
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Physiotherapy
- Radiation Science
- Biokinetics
- Dietetics
- Sports Coaching
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Architecture
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
- International undergraduate applications
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Transferring students from other tertiary institutions
- All other selection and non-selection undergraduate programmes
Who Should Apply?
Applications for 2027 are open to:
- First-time undergraduate applicants
- Honours degree applicants
- International students
- Students transferring from other universities or colleges
All applicants must ensure they meet programme-specific admission requirements.
How to Apply to UFS for 2027
All applications must be submitted online via the official University of the Free State application portal.
Click here to apply for University of the Free State (UFS) 2027 studies
Applicants should carefully complete all required sections and upload supporting documents where applicable.
Important Application Tips
- Apply before the specific programme closing date
- Ensure that all personal and academic information is accurate
- Monitor your application status regularly on the portal
- Some programmes may require additional selection processes
Don’t Miss the 2027 Intake
The University of the Free State is one of South Africa’s leading institutions, offering a wide range of academic programmes across multiple faculties. With applications opening on 1 April 2026, early submission significantly improves your chances—especially for competitive health and architecture programmes.