Internationalisation at UFS
The University of the Free State is an internationally engaged university, producing globally competitive graduates and knowledge. We take a comprehensive internationalisation approach, infusing international and intercultural dimensions into every aspect of the institution. International engagements lead to research collaboration, learning and teaching initiatives, internationalised community engagement through staff and student mobility and well as virtual engagements. Comprehensive internationalisation at the UFS ensures that all UFS students and staff benefit from internationalisation and contribute as global citizens to address the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Fair, mutually beneficial global engagements result in knowledge co-creation and global recognition for ideas emanating from the UFS.
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The UFS international footprint
Latest News from the Office for International Affairs
A legacy of care and compliance: Honouring Jeanne Niemann’s service to international students at the UFSAfter more than two decades of dedicated service, Jeanne Niemann’s retirement from the University of the Free State (UFS) marks the close of a significant chapter in the university’s internationalisation story.
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10 July 2025 | Story Mbali Moiketsi
Eighth Annual Africa Day CommemorationThe Internationalisation @ Home portfolio under the Office for International Affairs hosted the eighth Annual Africa Day commemoration on 22 May 2025 in the Albert Wessels Auditorium on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. This year’s celebration focused on Africa’s Future in Higher Education and Global Impact.
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22 May 2025 | Story Lusanda Madikane
Using global partnerships to combat local issues: University of San Diego’s visit to the University of the Free State
On 6 June 2025, the University of the Free State Centre for Environmental Management hosted a symposium with a delegation from the University of San Diego (USD), consisting of students and staff members.
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6 June 2025 | Story: Lekiti Ranstsane
Redefining the future of international student policiesSeithati Ramonaheng, who supports International Students Administration, Immigration, and Medical Aid in the University of the Free State (UFS) Office for International Affairs, was recently invited to attend the International Students Policy Review Symposium hosted by the Vaal University of Technology.
Read more07 April 2025 | Story Leonie Bolleurs
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Dates: 13-15 August 2025
Host university: Aarhus University, DenmarkTheme: Knowledge economies in a changing world.
Call for proposals |
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 | International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA)
Dates: 26 – 29 August 2025
Venue: Protea Hotel Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Closest Airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
Call for proposals |
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Dates: 9-12 September 2025
Venue: Gothenburg, Sweden
Theme: Currents in Education: Navigating Change in Languages, Cultures, and Communities |
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Dates: 29 September- 2 October 2025
Host University: International University of Rabat, and Al Akhawayn University- Rabat, Morocco.
Theme: Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development - MONDIACULT.
Call for proposals |
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Dates: 15-17 October 2025Host University: Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Heraklion, Crete, Greece |