About
The University of the Free State (UFS) is a research-led South African institution known for its diverse academic offerings and strong commitment to community engagement and social justice. It excels particularly in Health Sciences, Law, Agriculture, and Economic and Management Sciences. International students benefit from a welcoming, multicultural environment supported by a dedicated International Office, which assists with admissions, visas, and integration, offering various exchange and English-taught programs. A distinctive characteristic is its deep-rooted commitment to addressing societal challenges, exemplified by its Qwaqwa Campus's focus on rural development and community upliftment.
Background
The University of the Free State (Afrikaans: Universiteit van die Vrystaat; Sesotho: Yunivesithi ya Freistata) is a multi-campus public university in Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State and the judicial capital of South Africa. It was first established as an institution of higher learning in 1904 as a tertiary section of Grey College. It was declared an independent Afrikaans-language university in 1950 and the name was changed to the University of the Orange Free State. The university has two satellite campuses. Initially a whites-only precinct, the university was fully de-segregated in 1996. The first black university vice-chancellor was appointed in 2010.
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Quick facts
Nearby universities
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- American International School of Cape Town · Cape Town
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- Rhodes University · Makhanda
- University of the Western Cape · Bellville, Cape Town
- Vaal University of Technology · Vanderbijlpark
- Walter Sisulu University for Technology and Science · Mthatha
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SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.