A research-led, student-centered and regionally-engaged university that produces globally competitive graduates and knowledge. Picture a friendly, hip and happening university campus, nestled right in the heart of the Free State capital, Bloemfontein; a university that has produced some of the country’s top thinkers and academics; a university that continues to stand out as a beacon of academic ex
cellence. Of course, this is the University of the Free State, or UFS, one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in South Africa. To our students, staff, alumni, and friends, we are known as Kovsies. Besides our Bloemfontein Campus, we also have a beautiful campus in the rural sandstone mountains of Qwaqwa in the Eastern Free State, and a smaller Open and Distance Learning Campus in Bloemfontein. On these three campuses, a multicultural and diverse student population of more than 30 000 students are educated in English and Afrikaans across seven faculties, connected not only to the rest of the continent but also to the world. Feel free to come take a stroll on campus and experience our way of life, where academic culture, critical scientific reflection, relevant scientific education, pure and applied research, community service, and the development of the total student as part of our academic culture are the building blocks in the creation of tomorrow’s leaders. Many cultural and sporting events make this an exciting place to be, as does our awesome student centre and the special events hosted by all our residences.
