Tuition at the UFS is offered in both English and Afrikaans. The University therefore requires that students are proficient in one of the two languages before they register. An applicant, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level, must have demonstrated a certain level of proficiency in English or Afrikaans by taking the IELTS test (see below). This test is presented by the British Council and either the application thereof or the full report needs to accompany the application for admission. No student will be admitted without proof thereof.

Minimum admission requirements

Postgraduate

Postgraduate students must obtain 7 or more out of 10 on each of the subtests of the IELTS.
Students with a score of 6 out of 10 on any of the subtests of the IELTS will be required to conduct a language proficiency test at our counselling offices.

Based on this evaluation, it may be recommended that the prospective student either completes a six month English course at the English department, commencing before starting with studies. Once successfully completed, students can proceed with the intended course of study, or proceed with both English and intended course of study.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate students must obtain four (or more) out of 10 on each of the subjects of the IELTS. Students with a score of 4 or less out of 10 on any of the subtests of the IELTS will be required to conduct a language proficiency test at our counselling offices. Based on this evaluation, it may be recommended that the prospective student either completes a six month English course at the English department commencing before starting with studies. Once successfully completed, students can proceed with the intended course of study, or proceed with both English and intended course of study.

Students registering in terms of any exchange agreement are exempted from these requirements, provided that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) stipulates their proficiency in English.