University of the Free State Tuition Fee 2026

By | March 6, 2024

University of the Free State Tuition Fee 2026

Download 2026 Fees Yearbook

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All correspondence regarding postgraduate student finances must be addressed to:
The Senior Director of Finance
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
BLOEMFONTEIN
9300

For detailed financial information, visit www.ufs.ac.za and follow the links: Student-Tuition Fees.
Your student/ID number must always be mentioned in all correspondence with the University.

Important contact details:
Tuition Fees (postgraduate students):
Honours students:
T: +27 51 401 3003/2806 F: +27 51 401 3579
Master’s and doctoral students:
T: +27 51 401 9537 F: +27 51 401 3579
E: tuitionfees@ufs.ac.za

Payments prior to registration:

  • Must be paid five (5) working days prior to registration taking place during January-February 2026.
  • Students will not be able to register until these amounts reflect as credits on their tuition fee accounts.
  • Account balances for 2016 must be zero.
  • Should the tuition fees for the second semester be less than the amounts required, the full amount is payable.
  • International students must pay all fees for the second semester in advance before registration can take place.

For the payment prior to registration visit www.ufs.ac.za and follow the links Student-Tuition Fees-Payments prior to registration.

For the average costs for postgraduate programmes can be obtained onlinehttp://kovsielife.ufs.ac.za/quote/quote.aspx

Contact details for payments prior to registration:
Honours students: T: +27 51 401 3003/2806 F: +27 51 401 3579 E: tuitionfees@ufs.ac.za
Master’s and doctoral students: T: +27 51 401 9537 F: +27 51 401 3579 E: tuitionfees@ufs.ac.za

Students receiving financial aid (South African students only)

  • In cases where financial aid (bursary/loans) is received and covers all fees for the academic year, the amount payable in advance will be reduced by the amount of the financial aid.
  • In cases where the financial aid (bursary/loan) awarded to a student does not cover all the fees for the year, the prepayment as indicated above remains payable five (5) working days prior to registration.
  • Proof of bursaries/loans must be faxed to +27 51 401 3579 or emailed to tuitionfees@ufs.ac.za five (5) working days prior to registration.
  • The original proof of bursary/loan must be presented upon registration.
  • The amount payable in advance must be reflected as a credit balance on the student’s tuition fees account before the student will be allowed to continue with registration.
  • The attention of bursary holders is drawn to the fact that it is their responsibility to ensure that the bursary donors make payments timely and in accordance with university regulations.
  • Bursars have to provide their sponsors with details of their accounts.
  • If a sponsor does not pay a student’s account on time, interest will be charged and debited to the account, and the student will be responsible for the payment of such interest.
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Payment dates

Tuition and residence fees are calculated per semester. All fees must be paid as follows, regardless of whether or not an account was received. (It is the responsibility of the student to supply the university with his/her correct contact details and to make enquiries should he/she not receive an account.)

South African Students:

  • The prepayment as indicated must be paid five (5) days prior to registration
  • All fees for the first semester are payable on/before 31 March
  • The tuition fee account must be settled in full by 31 August

International Students:

  • The prepayment as indicated on www.ufs.ac.za must be paid five (5) days prior to registration
  • All fees for the first semester are payable on/before 31 March
  • The tuition fee account must be settled in full by 30 June

All other fees are payable not later than the end of the month, following the month in which the transaction took place, as indicated on the account statement, unless specifically stipulated otherwise in the regulations.

UFS Self-help Service

  • Students can gain access to their personal tuition fees account via the UFS Self-help Service
  • Visit www.ufs.ac.za, and follow the links: Students-Tuition Fees-My Account
  • Your username is your student number. The initial password is provided by UFS Information and Communication Technology Services (ICT). Should you have trouble logging in contact ICT Services on studentdesk@ufs.ac.za or +27 51 401 2442
  • For security reasons, students are advised to change their passwords as soon as possible

If payments are not made by the due dates:

  • Interest at the prime bank rate as charged by ABSA Bank +2% will be levied on all accounts in arrears;
  • All academic records will be withheld; and
  • International students with outstanding fees on 1 July will not be allowed to continue with their second-semester studies

Banking details

Bank name: ABSA Bank
Name of account: University of the Free State
Branch code: 630734
Account number: 1570 151 688
Swift code for international transfers: ABSAZAJJ
Reference number: 100 directly followed by student number for tuition fees and/or on-campus accommodation.

  • Electronic Fund Transfers– Register the University as beneficiary. Use the ABSA banking details above mentioned paragraph.
  • Facility for Online Credit Card Payments– See www.ufs.ac.za, and follow the links: Students- Tuition Fees – Online Credit Card Payments.
  • Cashiers: Thakaneng Bridge on the Bloemfontein Campus
    Monday to Friday: 08:30-14:30
  • Post Office: Any branch
    Reference number: Student numbers only
  • SAMBA Card Payments can be made at the cashiers on the Thakaneng Bridge on the Bloemfontein Campus
  • NB: Send your proof of payment to: F: +27 51 401 3579 or E: tuitionfees@ufs.ac.za

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Programme Prices

  • The cost per programme is the average cost per year
  • Tuition fees are charged per module
  • Programme prices vary according to the modules registered for
  • Average prices quoted are for SA and SADC students
  • International non-SADC students pay the actual module price + 50 per cent

 


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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.