Internationalisation @ Home (I@H) is the University of the Free State's (UFS) one-stop resource for international students. We are here to help you make the most of your time at the UFS – from arrival to departure. We offer support, guidance, and a vibrant community to help you thrive. We also provide essential information, helpful resources, and friendly support to ensure a smooth transition to your new academic home. The university aims to achieve this by promoting and organising intersectional celebrations of cultural diversity. 

Internationalisation @ Home aims to: 

Enhance the Informal Curriculum
Foster intercultural engagement through informal learning opportunities for UFS students and advocate for the integration of diverse cultures. 

Strengthen Stakeholder Relations
Build sustainable partnerships with like-minded stakeholders to support our internationalisation efforts and forge relationships with international institutions to improve our cross-cultural exchange programmes. 

Organise Intercultural Activities
Design and implement activities that infuse campus life with an intercultural dimension, such as interdivisional celebrations of cultural diversity, including the celebration of Africa Day, Heritage Day, International Cultural Diversity, and national days relevant to university community members.

Cost-Effective Global Exposure
Provide students with enriching international experiences without requiring physical exchange programmes.

 Student Engagement 
Organise cultural events, promote local activities, and offer diverse social experiences through our Umoja Buddy Programme. 

Cultural Exchange and Community Engagement
Organise knowledge-sharing initiatives where international students and the local community learn from each other, as the UFS actively supports the social integration of local and international students and organises structured programmes to advance this.

Are you interested in applying for a semester or a year at the UFS?
The University of the Free State offers an exchange programme to our partner and non-partner institutions, with the opportunity to study or intern for a semester or two. All exchange students will join the standing full-degree courses based on selected modules that meet their credit requirements and course alignment.

Has your home university nominated you? 
Students are nominated by their home university, and nominated students will be sent to Internationalisation @ Home. A nomination confirmation email will be sent to the coordinator of your home university once the faculty has accepted the nomination. 

Have an unforgettable international experience with us 
The UFS strives to be an institution where diverse people feel a sense of common purpose and belonging and where the symbols, spaces, systems, and daily practices all reflect a commitment to openness and engagement. We respond to the needs of the local community while participating in global knowledge production. The UFS aims to continue to grow and extend its influence and impact locally, regionally, and globally.

Information on available courses and modules can be found in the UFS Prospectus 2025

Coordinator: Bhekumusa Zikhali
T: +27 51 401 2879