UFS Faculty of Education

07/09/2026

Congratulations, Dr Cobus van Breda!

The Faculty of Education proudly congratulates Dr Cobus van Breda on being recognised as the 2026 NRF recipient for the Societal Impact Award.

This outstanding achievement recognises his exceptional contribution to research and its meaningful impact on society. We celebrate this remarkable milestone and commend Dr van Breda for his dedication, excellence, and commitment to advancing knowledge and making a difference.

Congratulations, Dr van Breda, on this well-deserved achievement!

05/09/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬!

In honour of National Su***de Prevention Awareness Month the Teaching and Learning Unit hosted a Mental Health Awareness Talk for first-entering students, aimed at raising awareness about mental well-being, promoting healthy coping strategies, and encouraging students to seek support when facing personal or academic challenges.

Starting university can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health.

✅ Check in on your friends.
✅Be kind to your mind.
✅Support one another.

Remember, it’s okay not to be okay and it’s okay to ask for help.

03/09/2026

Explore UFS Undergraduate Opportunities

Your future starts with a choice — make it one that opens doors.

Discover undergraduate study opportunities at the University of the Free State and find a qualification that matches your interests, ambitions and the future you want to build.

Explore your options. Choose your path. Take the next step.

Applications close: 30 September 2026
International student applications close: 31 August 2026

Apply here: https://shorturl.at/PKNAk

Your next chapter could start at UFS.

Your future has more than one path. Discover undergraduate opportunities at the University of the Free State and find the qualification that can take you where you want to go.

03/09/2026

𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄

The Faculty of Education at the University of the Free State is honoured to invite members of the academic community, education professionals, students and valued stakeholders to the Inaugural Lecture of Professor Thuthukile Jita.

The lecture will be delivered under the distinguished theme:

BEYOND THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: REIMAGINING CURRICULUM AND TEACHER EDUCATION FOR A DIGITAL SOUTH AFRICA

As digital transformation continues to reshape education, this inaugural lecture provides an important scholarly platform for interrogating the implications of digitalisation for curriculum development, teacher education and the future of teaching and learning in South Africa.

The lecture promises to stimulate critical dialogue on how education systems can respond meaningfully to the opportunities and challenges presented by an increasingly digital society, while advancing inclusive and contextually relevant approaches to education.

Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
Time: 17:30
Venue: Education Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus

𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏 𝐛𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 🔗 https://ufsweb.co/ProfTJita

30/08/2026

The Faculty of Education is incredibly proud of you, Mr Houston May.

Congratulations on this massive milestone and your appointment as Deputy Principal. Your achievement is a true reflection of your dedication and commitment to education. We wish you continued success in this exciting new chapter!

We are super proud to announce...

Newly Appointed Deputy Principal

Mr Houston May

Bloemfontein High School proudly congratulates Mr Houston May on his official appointment as Deputy Principal of the school.

Mr May matriculated from Bloemfontein High School in 2010 as the Dux Learner, already demonstrating the academic excellence and leadership qualities that would become hallmarks of his career.

In 2015, he returned to his alma mater and began his teaching career as an Afrikaans Home Language educator, teaching learners from Grades 8 to 12. His passion for education, commitment to learners and dedication to the school soon saw him take on greater leadership responsibilities.

In 2021, Mr May was promoted to Departmental Head of Afrikaans Home Language, further establishing himself as an accomplished educator and educational leader.

His academic journey is equally impressive. He obtained his B.Ed. (FET) Cum Laude from the University of the Free State in 2015, followed by a B.Ed. Honours in Education Management and Leadership Cum Laude in 2019. In 2021, he completed his Master’s degree in Education Management and Leadership at the University of the Free State.

Mister May is also a senior marker for Afrikaans Home Language during the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

In 2026, Mr May reached another significant milestone in his professional journey when he was officially appointed as Deputy Principal of Bloemfontein High School.

We are thrilled to welcome Mr May into this new chapter of leadership and have no doubt that his vision, academic excellence, passion for education and unwavering commitment to Bloemfontein High School will continue to inspire both staff and learners.

From Dux Learner to educator, Departmental Head and now Deputy Principal — a remarkable journey of excellence, leadership and dedication.

Congratulations, Mr May! We are immensely proud of you and look forward to all that lies ahead.
May your leadership continue to inspire, empower and make a lasting difference at Bloemfontein High School.

24/08/2026

Qwaqwa Campus Grade 10 Open Day

The Faculty of Education, in collaboration with Student Recruitment Services (SRS), recently welcomed Grade 10 learners to the UFS Qwaqwa Campus for an exciting and informative Open Day. The learners had the opportunity to explore the university environment, learn more about the wide range of study opportunities available, and gain valuable insight into preparing for their future academic journeys.

Thank you to all the learners, schools and teachers who contributed to making the day a success. We hope the experience inspired our future Kovsies to dream big and pursue their academic goals!

24/08/2026

Your 2027 UFS application does not have to wait.

Our Student Recruitment team is heading to Northern KwaZulu-Natal to help prospective students apply on site, ask questions and take the next step towards university.

📍 Dundee | 27 August
📍 Newcastle | 28 August
📍 Ladysmith | 29 August

Bring your Grade 11 final results and/or Grade 12 June results, together with a copy of your ID.

Attendance is free. RSVP at [email protected].

Come with your documents. Leave with your future in motion.

23/08/2026

To every learner, parent, teacher and school representative who spent the day with us, thank you for showing up, asking questions, engaging with our teams and making the day what it was.

We hope you leave the UFS QwaQwa Campus feeling encouraged, inspired and a little more certain about the possibilities that lie ahead.

To our Grade 10 learners, we wish you well as you continue with your school journey and begin making choices that will shape your future. Keep asking questions, keep working towards your goals and keep believing in what is possible.

It was a privilege to have you with us today. We hope to welcome many of you back to UFS in the years to come.

23/08/2026

Today at the UFS QwaQwa Campus was filled with questions, conversations, excitement and plenty of moments that made the future feel a little more real.

For many of the Grade 10 learners who joined us, today was a chance to explore, to ask the questions they have been carrying, to learn more about different study options and, perhaps, to picture themselves on a university campus one day.

The photos from today capture more than an Open Day. They capture young people beginning to think seriously about where their choices could take them.

And sometimes, that is where it all starts

18/08/2026

In Episode 4 of the Lekgotla Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Wahl, who, at the time of recording, was the Director of Student Life at the University of the Free State and is now an Associate Professor in Curriculum Studies and Higher Education.

Prof. Wahl reflects on his journey, the challenges that shaped him, and the realities facing male students today. The conversation explores leadership, resilience, healthy masculinity and how young men can show up differently for themselves and others.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4s0Yzr6yzEc

Listen in, learn, laugh, and grow with us.

In Episode 4 of the Lekgotla Podcast, we sit down with Prof Wahl, who, at the time of recording, was Director of Student Life at the University of the Free State and is now Associate Professor in Curriculum Studies and Higher Education.

Prof Wahl reflects on his journey, the challenges that shaped him and the realities facing male students today. The conversation explores leadership, resilience, healthy masculinity and how young men can show up differently for themselves and others.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4s0Yzr6yzEc

Listen in, learn, laugh and grow with us.