UFS Courses and Requirements

Below are the UFS Courses and Requirements. The University of the Free State has a total of seven (7) faculties.

  • Faculty of Theology and ReligionFaculty of Natural and Agricultural SciencesFaculty of LawFaculty of The Humanities HomeFaculty of Health Sciences HomeFaculty of EducationFaculty of Economic and Management Sciences
  • University of the Free State CoursesFACULTY OF ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
  • Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences: BComHigher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences: BAdminBachelor of CommerceBachelor of Commerce with specialisation in Investment Management and BankingBachelor of Commerce with specialisation in EconomicsBachelor of Commerce with specialisation in MarketingBachelor of Commerce with specialisation in EntrepreneurialManagementBachelor of Commerce with specialisation in Human Resource ManagementBachelor of Commerce in LawBachelor of Commerce extended curriculum programmeBachelor of AdministrationBachelor of Administration extended curriculum programmeBachelor of AccountingBachelor of Commerce in Accounting
  • FACULTY OF EDUCATION
  • Bachelor of Education degree (offered in pre-school/foundation, intermediate, and FET phases)
  • FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES HOME
  • Bachelor of Science in Dietetics BC846000Bachelor of Occupational Therapy BC843100Bachelor of Optometry 8313Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy BC842000Bachelor of BiokineticsBachelor of Medicine andBachelor of Surgery (Programme for Professional Medicine) MBChB 5 yrsBachelor of Medical Science with specialisation in Radiation Sciences BMedSc with 3 yrsBachelor or Social Sciences in Nursing [BSocSci (Nursing)]
  •  FACULTY OF THE HUMANITIES HOME
  • Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Social SciencesHigher Certificate in HumanitiesBachelor of ArtsBachelor of Arts (Extended Curriculum Programme)Bachelor of Arts in Language PracticeBachelor of Arts in Drama and Theatre ArtsBachelor of Arts in Fine ArtsBachelor of MusicBachelor of Arts in MusicDipoma in MusicHigher Certificate in Music PerformanceBachelor of Arts in Integrated Organisational CommunicationBachelor of Arts in JournalismBachelor of Arts in Communication StudiesBachelor of Arts in Governance and Political TransformationBachelor of Social ScienceBachelor of Social Science (Extended Curriculum Programme)Bachelor of Social Work
  • FACULTY OF LAW
  • Bachelor of Laws 4 years LLBBachelor of Law with specialisation in Financial Planning Law (Financial Planning Law)Advanced Diploma in Estate and Trust Administration
  • FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
  • Centre for MicroscopyCentre for Environmental ManagementChemistryComputer Science and InformaticsConsumer ScienceDisaster Management Training and Education CentreGeneticsGeographyGeologyInstitute for Groundwater Studies (IGS)Mathematics and Applied MathematicsMathematical Statistics and Actuarial ScienceMicrobial, Biochemical and Food BiotechnologyPhysicsPlant SciencesZoology and EntomologyAgricultural EconomicsAnimal, Wildlife and Grassland SciencesCentre for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development and ExtensionSoil, Crop and Climate SciencesArchitectureQuantity Surveying and Construction ManagementUrban and Regional Planning
  • UFS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSThe management of the University Of Free State otherwise known as UFS has released the requirements for everyone seeking admission into the University. In that case, Any Student applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, Diploma, and Masters Program must meet the requirements.For degree studies at the University of the Free State, we expect that:
  • You have an NSC or NCV with an endorsement that allows entrance to degree studies (Bachelor’s degree) or an equivalent qualification.You meet all the minimum admission requirements for the programme you intend to study. Meeting the minimum admission requirements for your chosen/intended programme of study does not guarantee admission, as limited spaces are available in each programme.You have a minimum level of 4 (50%) in the chosen UFS language of instruction: English or Afrikaans (only applicable to certain programmes).You must pass certain school subjects with a minimum level of achievement in order to take a certain university module. For example, you must get a mark of 70% for Mathematics in Grade 12 if you plan to study BSc majoring in Physics with Engineering subjects. Please refer to the section on the faculty-specific admission requirements, which also includes the respective compulsory subjects and achievement levels required per programme.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.