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Nelson Mandela Rd, Bloemfontein, South Africa

From the centre of South Africa beats the heart of the University of the Free State (UFS), born from the soil of Bloemfontein – the City of Roses.

The university, its staff, students and alumni are not only transforming lives in the surrounding communities and the Free State province, but its reach stretches across the country, the continent of Africa and abroad.

The UFS was established in 1904 as the Grey University College with 6 students. Today we pride ourselves on having more than 33 000 students thriving across three campuses.In 2003 the university brought the Qwaqwa Campus – situated in the picturesque Eastern Free State – and in 2004 the South Campus –nestled in the hills overlooking the vibrant city of Bloemfontein – into its fold.

Quick facts

• 33 000 students
• over 4 000 faculty and support staff
• 7 faculties
• 100+ departments
• 3 campuses
• 50 satellite campuses
• We are 110 years old Global footprint

As part of the mission to become ‘a university recognised across the world for excellence in academic achievement and in human reconciliation’, our university, its staff, students and alumni play a pivotal role in the central parts of South Africa, the country as a whole, the region, Africa and abroad.

Over 2 000 students from across the African continent and around the world find a home here on campus, representing 40 countries. These students are attracted by the vast variety of programmes in seven faculties for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Some of these are programmes where the UFS takes a leading role in Africa.

The university’s extensive and growing relationships and agreements with universities and institutions overseas assist in the UFS becoming a global player in academic research and leadership.

Numerous academics travel abroad annually to share research and gain valuable interaction within the industry. Not only does the university intend to be a leader among the universities in South Africa, but also recognised as one of the top universities in the world.