University of the Free State

About us

Location Bloemfontein, South Africa Funding Type Public
No of Students 38999 Establishment HE Institution / College
Founded In 1904 Estimated Cost of Living 15000 ZAR
Address P O Box 339

Vision
The UFS is a research-led, student-centred and regionally-engaged university that contributes to development and social justice through the production of globally competitive graduates and knowledge.
Goals

The university will pursue this vision through its goals:

  • Improve student success and well-being
  • Renew and transform the curriculum
  • Increase UFS contribution to local, regional and global knowledge
  • Support development and social justice through engaged scholarship
  • Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of governance and support systems
  • Achieve financial sustainability
  • Advance an institutional culture that demonstrates the values of the UFS

Our motto

IN VERITATE SAPIENTIAE LUX
(In Truth is the Light of Wisdom)

Why?

115 years old (1904-2019)
7 faculties
40 491 total students
31 135 Undergradate students
7 486 Postgraduate students
1 870 International students
2 521 permanent staff members
59 satellite campuses
157 renovated buildings (2012-2017)
12 new buildings (2012-2017)
1 200 works of art
114 departments

164 NRF-rated researchers (4 outstanding outcomes)
1 P-rated scientist
A-rated scientists
5 tier-1 SARChI research chairs (internationally recognised researchers)
1 SANRAL Research Chair
52 international collaboration agreements/Memoranda of Understanding 
1 584 collaborating institutions
2 751 co-authored publications from 2013-2018
240 postgraduate research degrees on average conferred per year
100.45% research output increase since 2010