Options For UFS Student Accommodation

Student residential life is very important at the University of the Free State. If you’re a student or looking to study at UFS and seeking accommodation, there are many spaces available for you to choose from. 

As a part of campus life at UFS, it can be found that residences play a huge role. At UFS, residences have long and respected traditions. UFS has assisted students with finding on campus accommodation and accredited off campus accommodation to ensure student safety. UFS has a vision to foster dynamic, diverse, and safe student living and learning environments and believe that as a committed, passionate team, they aim to provide excellent and affordable living and learning environments for holistic student development.

A student having accommodation of a good standard is beneficial to the student’s academics as well as the institution. UFS offers junior and senior residences for men and women with many facilities available to ensure students are comfortable and sustained to further promote academic excellence. Students also have the option of occupying off campus accommodation and UFS has done procedures to ensure that the students will be safe if they choose to do so.

Juniors Residences for Women:  Akasia, Emily Hobhouse, Kestell, Madelief, NJ van der Merwe, Roosmaryn, Soetdoring, Vergeet-My-Nie, Wag-’n-Bietjie, Welwitschia, Harmony. 

Junior Residences for Men: Abraham Fischer, Armentum, Beyers Naudé, Karee, Khayalami, Tswelopele, Villa Bravado. 

Co-Ed Junior Residences: ConLaurês, Outeniqua. 

Senior Residences for Men: Boomplaas, Karee Annex. 

Senior Residences for Women: Madelief Annex, Welwitschia Annex. 

Co-Ed Senior Residences: Kiepersol, Marula, Reitz Mia Casa, Kovsie Inn, Pres Steyn Flats, Pres Steyn Units, Student Flats. 

Accredited Off-Campus Accommodation: Arabella, Amelia, Bertian, Big P, Brelyance, Double Shot Investment, Gae Dot Com​​​​​​​, Heimat.

Applications Forms and Policies For Residences

DigsConnect is also a good avenue for students to take when they are searching for accommodation. They make finding accommodation easier for students as their website is tailored for students.

There are also always options such as Gumtree, Junkmail ads, property websites and Facebook where advertisements for property can be found. 


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.