How do I apply for residence at UFS?

To become a resident, you need to:

• Complete the application form for admission as soon as possible.
• Make sure that you complete the forms correctly to avoid delays.
• Keep your breakage deposit ready in case you are selected for placement in a residence (refer to the placement procedure on the application form).
• Take note of the academic admission criteria for residences. Make sure that your admission point meets the criteria.
• Indicate your involvement/achievement in leadership, culture, and sport.

Residence Accommodation: Junior/Senior Residences

The accommodation agreement that you entered into with the UFS will, subject to other stipulations or regulations as approved by the Council from time to time, be binding for the full accommodation period. You, or your parent/guardian, or both, are responsible for the full accommodation fee for the accommodation period.

Accommodation at the UFS will become your second home, and life in a student residence at the UFS can be a very exciting and rewarding experience. If you are accepted into one of our residences, you will benefit from a completely new world of friendships that can last for a lifetime. There are many people from different language, racial, and cultural backgrounds on campus. Living and learning in this diverse environment can give you a definite advantage over many other jobseekers once you graduate, and this will help you later in life.

Our residences are very popular, with a waiting list for applicants. Therefore, you should apply as soon as possible if you want to secure a place.

The leadership in residence communities consists of a Residence Head, Prime, Residence Committee, and Peer Mentors. This leadership team creates a residence environment where every student feels welcome and inspired. All residence communities are driven by a set of shared values, which mediates a culture of mutual accountability.

First-year students are supported in their transition to higher education by means of a Peer Mentor system in residences. Each first-year student is allocated to a Peer Mentor who facilitates individual conversation as well as conversations in small group format with students.

On-campus Residences

The UFS has only single-sex residences which cater for senior and junior students in single or double rooms, with shared bathrooms. Senior students may also qualify for on-campus apartments. Rooms in residences are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, and curtains and are equipped with central heating and Internet access. Residences for women have access control.

Off-campus Accommodation

Off-campus accommodation could take the form of an apartment or house shared by a group of students, full board with a famil,y or a garden cottage. Students living off campus are divided into so-called city residences to afford them the same opportunities to become involved in sport and cultural activities on campus. https://www.ufs.ac.za/residences/housing-and-residence-affairs/off-campus-accommodation/conditionally-accredited-service-providers provides wonderful resources regarding UFS-accredited off-campus accommodation.

What are the costs?

The cost of accommodation is as follows:

• Junior residences range from R2 000 to R3 000 per month (excluding meals);
• Senior residence ranges from R2 360 to R3 620 per month (excluding meals);
• Kovsie Inn ranges from R3 600 – R4 800 (including breakfast).

A variety of accommodation options are offered by the university, i.e. on-campus and off-campus accommodation situated in the surrounding residential areas. On-campus accommodation is not guaranteed when an applicant is accepted as a student. The application form for campus accommodation is attached to the application form for admission. Please ensure that the form is completed correctly to avoid delays. 
For more information, please consult the UFS website and navigate as follows: 

1. In your browser, enter www.ufs.ac.za
2. Click on the Students tab
3. Click on Residences
4. Select Female or Male residences
5. Complete applicable form and submit 

LIVING ON CAMPUS

On-campus accommodation is difficult to come by unless students reserve rooms. Single-sex residences cater for senior and junior students and offer single or double rooms with shared bathrooms, or apartments (senior students only). Rooms in residences are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, curtains, and linen. All residences have access control. The cost of accommodation in a campus residence varies between R1 800 and R3 180 per month (excluding meals). Visit https://www.ufs.ac.za/residences for more information. 

Some residences have communal kitchens, although students could also make use of two dining halls offering three meals per day on a meal account payment system, or a variety of cafeterias. 

ADVANTAGES OF LIVING ON CAMPUS

• No travel expenses: You do not need a car or have to commute by bus or taxi to campus. 
• You do not have to buy furniture. 
• There are always other people around, so you can interact with different students. 
• You are within walking distance of shopping malls.

An annual international administration levy is payable by all international students. This fee is additional to the annual registration fee payable by all students at the UFS; it is non-refundable and expires at 31 December of each year.

International students from SADC countries pay the same tuition fees as South African students. However, students from non-SADC countries will pay 50% more per module on their tuition fees.
All international students (those who are not South African citizens or who do not have permanent residence status in South Africa) are required to pay the full tuition fee for the academic year prior to registration.

International students will not be registered for programmes if fees are not paid in full (or have evidence of sponsorship). Accommodation fees in UFS residences are also payable prior to registration.

Payment dates

• January: first payment – the fee must reflect in the student’s account five (5) days prior to registration
• 31 March: second payment – pay all first-semester fees
• 30 June: third and final payment – settle tuition-fees account in full

The required fees must be paid into and reflect in the student’s account at least five (5) work days prior to registration. A student’s registration will only become official once all the required fees have been paid, courses and personal particulars for the year at the UFS have been confirmed, and an official invoice/proof of registration has been issued.

Undergraduate student fees vary according to subjects enrolled for in a given year, while postgraduate students pay a set fee.