Notice Board
NSFAS Private Accommodation Allowance Increased for 2025 – Qwaqwa Campus
Received from the UFS Financial Aid Office
Dear UFS Student,
We are pleased to inform you that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has approved the deviation request for an increase in the private accommodation allowance. This adjustment reflects a 4% increase on the 2024 rates, effective for the 2025 academic year. Please see the breakdown below:
| Private Accommodation Breakdown |
2024 |
2025 (4% Increase) |
| Rent |
14 729 |
15 318 |
| Transport |
8 094 |
8 418 |
| Data |
2 220 |
2 309 |
| Water and electricity |
8 827 |
9 180 |
| Total |
33 870 |
35 225 |
The deadline to submit and complete your private accommodation application is 31 May 2025. Students are encouraged to submit all required documents as soon as possible to avoid delays in payment.
Please note that applications approved by the 25th of any given month will be paid by the 7th of the following month. For example, if your application is approved by 25 May, payment will be processed by 7 June.
We appreciate your prompt attention and cooperation in this regard.
Kindly note that the above-mentioned message is only applicable to Qwaqwa students funded by NSFAS.
2025 Final Main Mid-Year Exam Timetable
Received from Student Academic ServicesThe 2025 Final Main Mid-year examination timetable has been published and is now available on the UFS website.
Access the official timetable here:
http://www.ufs.ac.za/adhoc-pages/quick-links/official-timetables
Get your personal exam timetable via Student Self-Service:
http://www.ufs.ac.za/kovsielife/student-self-service
Best of luck to all our students – your hard work and dedication will surely pay off!
NSFAS Allowance Payment
Dear UFS Student
The University of the Free State (UFS) Financial Aid Office would like to advise students funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) that May 2025 allowances for books, meals, and transport will be disbursed by 30 April 2025. Payments for private accommodation will be processed by 7 May 2025.
UFS Financial Aid
Interim NSFAS payments for affected students
Please note that due to recent changes in students’ NSFAS statuses, the UFS will make interim allowance payments to students who received NSFAS funding allocations after the April allowances have been paid. The payment for books and meals will be done by 15 April 2025. An interim payment will also be made to landlords where applications were approved by 7 April for payment to be made by 17 April 2025.
DRAFT 2025 Main Mid-Year Examination Timetable Now Available
The draft version of the 2025 Main Mid-Year Examination Timetable has been published and is available on the
UFS website.
Important Information for Students:
• Personal examination timetables will only be made available after the final timetable is released on
23 April 2025.
• Venue changes may still occur until the final timetable is published.
Any requests must be submitted in writing to your faculty teaching and learning manager (TLM) or faculty teaching representative (FTR) before
11 April 2025 at 12:00.
Urgent Update on Online Application System
We wish to inform you of a technical challenge that has affected the performance of our Online Application portal since its opening on 1 April 2025. In close collaboration with our ICT department, the Directorate of the Registrar is actively working to address these issues to restore optimal functionality.
We understand the importance of this system for our prospective applicants and are committed to resolving the challenges swiftly. Your patience and understanding during this period is greatly appreciated.
Should you receive queries regarding this matter, please advise stakeholders that our team is fully engaged in rectifying the situation; we are optimistic about a timely resolution.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Director: Student Recruitment Services
GPS@UFS: Digital Skills and Competencies
Many students recently pledged at Senior Orientation to become digitally literate in 2025. Make sure you upskill yourself with the digital skills that employers are looking for!
To the future entrepreneurs – you cannot go wrong by becoming more tech savvy in order to give yourself the best possible start.
Watch the video to see how to access the UFS Digital Skills and Competencies learning pathway and use this recess period for upskilling!
Click here to watch the video.
‘What Students Should Know …’
The Student Leadership Development Office invites students to the series of talks on ‘What Students Should Know …’ Talk 2 is themed The 6R Revolution to Reduce Environmental Impact!
Presenters:
Dr Anita Venter
Lenosa Mahapang
Gernus Terblanche
Date: 10 April 2025
Time: 16:00-18:00
Venue: Equitas Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus
To attend the event, students can click here to RSVP before 8 April 2025.
NSFAS officials to visit Bloemfontein Campus
Please note that officials from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will be at the George du Toit Building on the Bloemfontein Campus from Tuesday, 1 April to Friday, 4 April from 09:00 to 16:00 to assist with any NSFAS-related issues.
This will provide students facing challenges with their NSFAS funding, allowances, or other related issues the opportunity to receive direct assistance. Information regarding NSFAS support for other campuses will be communicated soon.
Invitation: The Abe Bailey Travel Tour: Information Sharing Session
You are hereby invited to an Information Sharing Session. This will be an informal meeting to share information about the Travel Tour and the Application Process. Time will be allocated for questions at the end.
If you are not the coordinator for this program, please forward the invitation to the relevant persons within your Institution.
2025 Travel Tour Objectives
2025 Conditions of Award
2025 Personal Information Sheet
Abe Bailey Trust Application Form
Abe Bailey Trust Travel Programme
The meeting details and link are hereunder.
Date: Wednesday, 16 April 2025
Time: 11:00 – 12:30
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 397 005 374 938
Passcode: D2Tg7qa2
Important Notice: Use Correct Channels for Financial Aid and NSFAS Enquiries
Students are requested not to send financial aid or NSFAS enquiries to staff members’ work emails. To ensure that your queries are addressed efficiently, please use the following designated contact details:
Financial aid:
Telephone: +27 51 401 9111 (option 3)
Bloemfontein Campus:
South Campus:
Qwaqwa Campus:
NSFAS:
Email:
Website:
Using the correct channels helps us respond to your queries more effectively. Thank you for your cooperation!
Update: Financial concessions made by the UFS – 10 February 2025
On 12 February 2025, disruption of academic activities occurred on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS); this followed the disruptions that occurred on 11 February 2025. On the Qwaqwa Campus, attempts to disrupt academic activities also occurred on 12 February 2024.
A memorandum of demands from the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) was handed over to the university management on 11 February 2025, to which management responded; these demands are related to registration and funding.
Financial concessions have been granted to students on two occasions so far this year to enable them to register. On 10 February 2025, the university granted follow-up concessions.
On the Bloemfontein Campus, 15 students were arrested on 12 February 2025 for transgression of the interdict; internal disciplinary processes are being instituted. The university’s Protection Services has activated its protest management security escalation plan in accordance with the UFS Protest Management Policy; the situation on the campuses is being closely monitored.
All classes are continuing as normal, and no classes have been suspended.
Link to the updated financial concessions made by the UFS:
Financial Concessions for UFS Students 10 February 2025
Update: Financial concessions made by the UFS – 10 February 2025
Since January 2025, the University of the Free State (UFS) has made a number of financial concessions to enable students to register for the 2025 academic year.
The university’s Financial Working Group (FWG), which includes representatives from the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC), meets regularly to determine how it can best assist students, taking into consideration the financial constraints of the university.
It is important that students take note of the updated financial concessions, as on 10 February 2025.
Link to the updated financial concessions made by the UFS:
Financial Concessions for UFS Students 10 February 2025
Update: Financial concessions made by the UFS – 30 January 2025
The University of the Free State (UFS) is in continuous engagement with the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to resolve outstanding matters. The university’s Financial Working Group (FWG), which includes representatives of the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC), meets regularly to determine how it can best assist students, taking into consideration the financial constraints of the university.
It is important to note that the concessions below will enable 96% of NSFAS-funded students and 91% of returning self-paying South African students to register for the 2025 academic year.
Here is an update on the financial concessions made by the UFS:
Financial Concessions for UFS Students_31 January 2025
Financial concessions made by the UFS – 27 January 2025
The University of the Free State (UFS) is in continuous engagement with the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to resolve outstanding matters. The university’s Financial Working Group (FWG), which includes representatives of the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC), meets regularly to determine how it can best assist students, taking into consideration the financial constraints of the university.
The UFS wishes to confirm that financial concessions have been made to enable students to register for the 2025 academic year.
It is important to note that the concessions below will enable 96% of NSFAS-funded students and 85% of returning self-paying South African students to register for the 2025 academic year.
Financial Concessions for UFS Students 27 January 2025
Fraud and Misrepresentation
The University of the Free State (UFS) takes note of fraudulent medical certificates submitted by students during examinations or assessments. The UFS’ stance is zero tolerance to fraud and misrepresentation. Students who engage in such misconducts will be disciplined accordingly and the appropriate sanction will be imposed.
Announcement of passing: Four UFS students
The management of the University of the Free State is saddened by the death of four students in the past month. The details of the students who have passed away are as follows:
1. Nondumiso Happiness Majola
Faculty of The Humanities, Qwaqwa Campus
Degree: Bachelor of Community Development (first year in 2023)
2. Delani Maseko
Faculty of The Humanities, Qwaqwa Campus
Degree: Bachelor of Community Development (first year in 2023)
3. Nokubonga Mthembu
Faculty of Education, Qwaqwa Campus
Degree: Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching with specialisation in isiZulu Home Language
4. Zolile Nandise
Faculty of The Humanities, Bloemfontein Campus
Degree: Bachelor of Arts Extended Curriculum Programme (first year in the programme, three years at the university)
.
The university management extends its condolences to the families and friends of the students during this difficult time.
Urgent call to students who have not yet onboarded with eZaga in order to receive NSFAS allowances
The University of the Free State (UFS) would like to confirm that a large number of UFS-registered students who are funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and who were excluded from payment, have received their allowances on Friday 4 August 2023.
The UFS is aware that a small number of students have not yet onboarded successfully with eZaga to receive their NSFAS allowances. These students are requested to do so urgently, as they will not be able to receive any allowances until they have done so.
On a sectoral level, the university would also like to confirm that a statement has been issued by Universities South Africa (USAf) in which NSFAS and the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation are, among others, requested to urgently resolve the matter of the direct payment of allowances to students. The UFS fully supports the statement and is hopeful that an amicable and urgent solution to the matter can be found.
NSFAS and eZaga on-campus support
Dear Student,
We welcome you back to our campuses for the start of the second semester of 2023. We would like to bring the following important information to your attention.
Direct payments
To our NSFAS-funded students, we acknowledge and empathise with your concern about the challenges posed by the direct payment of allowances and the potential impact of non-payment on your academic activities. Rest assured, as a caring university we are doing everything possible and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to the new process, rendering the necessary support as required.
We are pleased to inform you that the majority (17 031) of NSFAS-funded students have been successfully onboarded to ensure the allowance payment to students. Although we have made headway in our efforts to ensure that students are onboarded successfully, a few students have not been successfully onboarded due to insufficient information. Students are therefore urged to please update the necessary information with eZaga.
Meeting with Minister and NSFAS
In our efforts and commitment to support students’ transition to the new process, a meeting will be held during the week between the vice-chancellors (VCs) of universities, the Minister of Higher Education Science and Innovation, and the CEO and Chair of the NSFAS Board on, among others, the issue of direct payments; the outcome will be communicated soon.
eZaga on-campus support
The university is working closely with eZaga staff, who will also be available on our campuses to assist students who have not been onboarded. Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with eZaga for immediate assistance at the following venues:
Bloemfontein Campus:
George du Toit Building
Ground floor
Room S011
Qwaqwa Campus:
Gazelle CMFKK (Charlotte Maxeke and Fulufhelo Residence)
South Campus:
Student Affairs Building (part of admin building)
Ground floor
Office number 209
Unfunded students
We are aware of several students who are unfunded, and the matter is being addressed urgently with NSFAS. Students who have the option to appeal must please submit their appeals as soon as possible.
Outstanding information
Several students also had the opportunity to obtain funding but did not submit the necessary information on the required NSFAS portal. These students are urged to ensure that all the outstanding information is submitted as required by NSFAS.
Qwaqwa private accommodation
The proposal submitted by the CRSC to NSFAS for an increase in the private accommodation allowance for Qwaqwa students was approved.
Below is a breakdown of the Qwaqwa campus private accommodation allowance per annum over a period of 10 months subject to the student being registered for a funded qualification for the full year:
Rental amount (maximum) | 12,850 | Landlord |
Transport | 4,300 | Qwaqwa Taxi Association |
Transport | 3,418 | Student |
Data | 2,000 | Student |
Water and electricity | 7,952 | Student |
Students on the Qwaqwa Campus are encouraged to continue submitting applications for private accommodation before the closing date of 31 August 2023 to avoid further delay in the disbursement of their allowances.
For any questions and queries, please contact the Financial Aid Office
Bloemfontein Campus -
finaidenquiriesbfn@ufs.ac.zaQwaqwa Campus -
finaidqwa@ufs.ac.zaSouth Campus -
finaidenquiriessouth@ufs.ac.zaContact number: +27 51 401 9111 (
Option 3 - Finance)
The university remains committed to the success and well-being of our students and will ensure that your academic activities are not inconvenienced.
Potential Kovsie Leaders he Student Leadership Development Office invites you to attend the Pre-election Training series.
Be prepared!
Venue
Bloemfontein Campus – ConLaurês Gazellie
South and Qwaqwa campuses – join virtually
For more information, please see the attached poster.
RSVP by 18 July 2023, before midnight!
Concessions made relating to Higher Education Certificate students wrongly rejected by NSFAS
UFS students who were registered for the Higher Certificate in 2022 should note the following:
- Higher Certificate students who were registered for this programme in 2022 and who were rejected by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) due to the N+ period being exceeded or due to qualification obtained and who have reapplied to NSFAS for 2023 funding, will be allowed to register provisionally without payment.
- These students must first visit the Financial Aid offices on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses to confirm the above in writing, before going to Student Finance. The above concession was agreed upon during a meeting of the UFS Financial Workgroup on 13 February 2023.
The above concession was agreed upon during a meeting of the UFS Financial Workgroup on 13 February 2023.
Attention all 2023 UFS students, attention!
The University of the Free State is excited to welcome you in 2023. Curriculum advice and registration will run from 3 to 17 February 2023 for first-year students, and from 30 January to 17 February 2023 for senior students.
Visit www.ufs.ac.za/register for more information from your specific faculty.
#UFS2023Registration