University of Free State (UFS) Available Courses

If you’re planning to study at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2026, it’s time to start exploring your options. UFS is one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected universities, offering a wide range of courses across its seven faculties. 

About University of Free State (UFS)

The University of the Free State (UFS) is one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected institutions of higher learning. Established in 1904, UFS has grown from a small tertiary education institution into a vibrant, multi-campus university known for academic excellence, diversity, and community involvement.

The University of the Free State has three campuses:

Bloemfontein Campus – the main campus and home to most faculties.

QwaQwa Campus – located in the scenic eastern Free State, ideal for humanities, education, and natural sciences.

South Campus – focuses on distance and access programmes, including Higher Certificates.

Full list of UFS undergraduate courses available for 2026

UFS offers a wide selection of undergraduate qualifications, including Higher Certificates, Diplomas, and Bachelor’s Degrees. Here’s a breakdown by faculty:

1. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Available Courses:

• BCom (Accounting)
• BCom (Economics)
• BCom (General Management)
• BCom (Marketing)
• BCom (Investment Management and Banking)
• BCom (Law)
• BAdmin (Public Management and Governance)

2. Faculty of Education Available Courses:

• BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching)
• BEd (Intermediate Phase Teaching)
• BEd (Senior Phase and FET Teaching)

Admission tip: You’ll need a minimum APS of around 30+ and should meet language and subject-specific requirements depending on your chosen phase and subjects.

3. Faculty of Health Sciences Available Courses:

• MBChB (Medicine)
• Bachelor of Nursing
• BSc in Dietetics
• BSc in Occupational Therapy
• BSc in Physiotherapy
• B Optometry
• Bachelor of Radiation Sciences
• Bachelor of Biokinetics

Note: Most of these programmes require high marks in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. Medicine, in particular, has limited spaces and uses the NBT (National Benchmark Test) and selection interviews.

4. Faculty of Law Available Courses:

• LLB (4 years)
• BCom (Law) – offered in collaboration with the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
• BA (Law) – combining humanities and legal studies

Career options: Lawyer, legal advisor, prosecutor, advocate, legal researcher.

5. Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Available Courses:

• BSc (Biological Sciences)
• BSc (Chemistry)
• BSc (Physics)
• BSc (Mathematical Statistics)
• BSc (Geology)
• BSc (Actuarial Science)
• BScAgric (Agricultural Economics, Soil Science, Animal Science, etc.)

Requirements: Most BSc degrees require a minimum of level 5 in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

6. Faculty of the Humanities Available Courses:

• Higher Certificate in Music 
• Diploma in Music
• BA (General)
• BA in Drama and Theatre Arts
• BA in Fine Arts
• BA in Communication Science
• BA in Psychology
• BA in Governance and Political Transformation
• BA in Journalism
• BSocSci

Bonus: UFS also offers extended curriculum programmes (ECPs) to help students who don’t fully meet the requirements.

7. Faculty of Theology and Religion Available Courses:

• BDiv (Bachelor of Divinity)

Career prospects: Ministry, church leadership, community development, and counselling.

Accommodation & Student Life

UFS offers both on-campus and off-campus housing options. Residences are safe, well-maintained, and come with study support, mentoring, and social activities. You will also enjoy:

• Student leadership and societies
• Cultural festivals and sports
• Academic support centres
• Mental health and wellness services

Final Thoughts

The University of the Free State provides opportunities for every kind of learner — from high achievers aiming for medicine or law, to students using Higher Certificates to bridge into degree studies.

No matter your passion, there’s a place for you at UFS in 2026. Start exploring your options today, get your documents ready, and apply as early as possible.