Nursing at (UFS) University of Free State

Nursing at (UFS) University of Free State

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) School of Nursing remains at the forefront of nursing education with their innovative simulation, teaching, and learning facilities. The school also houses the Academy for Continuing Nursing Education which presents Short Learning Programmes.

University of Free State Courses

Undergraduate Programme

RULES FOR THE DEGREE BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCES IN NURSING BSocSci (Nursing) Credits: 584 Study code 2320

INFORMATION

The BSocSci (Nursing) degree is a four-year integrated programme which, with the cooperation of a number of service departments and health care institutions, enables the student upon completion to register as a Nurse (General, Psychiatric and Community Health) and a Midwife with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION

The National Benchmarking Tests (NBTs) are compulsory for all prospective first year students (Rule A3.9). If the requirements of the NBTs have not been met or the results of the tests cannot be submitted, registration for the applicable language development module is automatic. Prospective students are subjected to selection due to the high demands of the nursing profession and limited clinical training facilities. The School of Nursing, UFS reserves the right to request or obtain information in order to carry out the selection process. Selection takes place according to the selection policy of the School of Nursing. In terms of General Rule A3.1 prospective students who passed the grade 12 examination from 2008 or later must be in possession of the following to apply for admission to BSocSci (Nursing): A National Senior Certificate1 allowing admission to Bachelor’s study that has been issued by the Matriculation Board with an Admission Point (AP) of at least 30 is required. Appropriate subject combination and achievement levels as indicated are required:

Subject Achievement level Afrikaans  OR English – 4 (50%) AND Mathematics 3 (40%) OR Mathematics Literacy – 6 (70%) AND Life Sciences – 5 (60%) OR Physical Sciences – 4 (50%)

Prospective students who passed the grade 12 examination prior to 2008 can be admitted according to the rules as published in the 2027 University of the Free State Rule Book.

Fully completed selection forms are subjected to a selection process. Provisionally selected students must pay a deposit on a specified date. The deposit will be subtracted from class fees. If a student cancels before 31 December of the year before the intended year of study, 25% of the deposit will be refunded. Thereafter no money is refundable. The School of Nursing reserves the right to request or to obtain information in order to ascertain whether students are physically and psychologically equipped to meet the demands of the programme, before admission or during training. Selection is also applied in this regard.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Prior learning is recognized by means of:

 portfolio submissions;

 tests and/or;

 examinations and/or;

 clinical skills tests and/or;

 objective structured clinical evaluation; and

 other relevant methods as determined by the Head of the School.

University of Free State Nursing Application

HOW TO APPLY ONLINE

Visit our online application webpage. You can apply using any device.

Proceed through the easy steps and submit your electronic application. Upload copies of the following in PDF or JPEG format when you apply for undergraduate studies:

  • Your ID or passport
  • Your parent’s ID or passport if you are younger than 18 years
  • National Senior Certificate, if you have already matriculated
  • Your Grade 11 final results with the school’s stamp
  • Grade 12 June results with the school’s stamp
  • Your academic record, only if you are a current student at another institution of higher learning
  • USAf accreditation from the examination board for South African universities, only if you are an international student. Apply to mb.usaf.ac.za for conditional exemption, foreign conditional exemption, or mature age conditional exemption.

Contacts Us

Postal Address:
University of the Free State
School of Nursing (99)
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein
Park West
9300
Free State
South Africa

Physical Address:
University of the Free State
School of Nursing
205 Nelson Mandela Drive
Park West
Idalia Loots Building
South Africa

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

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.
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  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.

 

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