Experience our Virtual Wonderland!

By Ilze Bakkes and Cindé Greyling

The University of the Free State Student Recruitment Services team (SRS) recreated the way in which prospective students learn about and interact with the university. In these uncertain times, we have created more interaction opportunities than before, because the need for information, reassurance, and guidance has increased immensely.

‘Is the university open? Will the UFS be open next year? Can I still apply? Will there be space for me? What if my Grade 12 marks are late? I don’t know if studying is still possible … or worth it?’

These are the burning questions that most prospective students and their parents are struggling with. We care deeply about the well-being of all learners and have set out to create virtual platforms for engagement. Three highlights of our virtual landscape are our upcoming virtual open day, virtual question-and-answer sessions, and our brand-new chatbot. And YES! Application for 2021 is OPEN.

UFS OPEN DAY 2020

This year, we are doing our open day differently. No travelling, no mass gatherings, no close contact we were told. No problem! we replied. On 31 July 2020 we bring you the first UFS Virtual Open Day!

UFS VIRTUAL OPEN DAY: 31 JULY 2020

Join us in

8 Days 13 Hours 10 Min 36 Sec

for the first UFS Virtual Open Day

The COVID-19 pandemic is a harsh reality for South Africans. During our usual flu season, we are confronted with exceptionally cold weather and a novel virus this year. Staying healthy, staying calm, and staying at home is the best protection for everyone. That is why we are bringing the Kovsie vibe into the comfort and safety of homes anywhere.

The virtual open day will allow visitors to experience the UFS on all three campuses, i.e. the Bloemfontein Campus, South Campus, and Qwaqwa Campus. Magnificent 360º panorama photos allow a virtual walkthrough of the most prominent parts of each campus. Virtual visitors can also browse photo galleries and videos at leisure. They will be able to download brochures of their choice, have access to academic information, and activate the online application process.  

Besides having access to the UFS Prospectus and immediate application, visitors can enter the Exhibition Hall. There they will find, among others, Student Recruitment Services, Student Finance, Financial Aid, KovsieGear, NBTs, Student Academic Services, and Academic Advising.

In addition, information on KovsieLife — such as Career Services, Student Counselling and Development, CUADS, Housing and Residence Affairs, and KovsieSport can be accessed. Ultimately, the visitor will be able to experience all parts of student life that interest them. Being able to plot out their living, social, cultural, and sport lives will give them a taste of #OnlyAKovsieKnowsTheFeeling!

Virtual Q&A sessions: KOVSIE2B FRIDAYS@FIVE

One of the UFS’s distinct characteristics is our personal engagement with prospective students. Direct and personalised contact is especially important now. Since the virtual open day offers limited personal engagement, virtual Q&A sessions are scheduled as follows:

• Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences – 7 August at 17:00
• Faculty of Education – 14 August at 17:00
• Faculty of Health Sciences – 21 August at 17:00
• Faculty of Law – 28 August at 17:00
• Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences – 4 September at 17:00
• Faculty of the Humanities – 11 September at 17:00
• Faculty of Theology and Religion – 18 September at 17:00

Panellists from each faculty will be available during these virtual sessions to answer any question related to the faculty’s undergraduate programmes. Watch out for the ‘Sign up’ advertisements on Facebook and Instagram from the beginning of August.

Kovsie2BChatbot

At the UFS, we realise that these are exceptionally stressful times, especially for Grade 12 learners. Uncertainty and delayed responses can add to their already troubled state. Because we are a small team servicing a large population, it is not always possible to answer e-questions in real time. Therefore, we looked into technology to assist with this.

To make life easier, Student Recruitment Services has developed a chatbot (artificial intelligence) that will engage with prospective students through a question and answer interaction. If the chatbot is unable to answer a question, it will be escalated to a human handler. The chatbot responds immediately to questions. Kovsie2BChatbot will also be launched on 31 July 2020.

2021 Applications for undergraduate studies are now open

Keep in mind that there is limited space in each programme; to avoid disappointment, Grade 12 learners are advised to apply for 2021 undergraduate studies as soon as possible. Application to study at the University of the Free State is FREE.

View the 2021 Prospectus
Apply now

The University of the Free State invites all high school learners to visit the virtual open day from anywhere and anytime from 31 July to 30 September. 

For more information on the virtual open day, Kovsie2BChatbot, and the Kovsie2B Fridays@Five Q&A sessions, please contact ufsmarketing@ufs.ac.za or call +27 51 401 3000/9028/3384.