The Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science celebrated its 68th anniversary in 2024, making it one of the oldest statistics departments in South Africa. It is situated on the Bloemfontein Campus.

Careers

Our graduates find employment in financial institutions, clinical research organisations, and other institutions that work intensely with numerical data. They usually take up high level behind-the-scenes positions such as actuary, analyst, data scientist, researcher, statistical programmer, or any other role in a company where a deep understanding of modelling and uncertainty is required.

Undergraduate Programmes
  • Mathematical Statistics based programmes, with majors in Climate Science, Econometrics, or Psychometrics (requires AP32, mathematics 70%, language 50%)
  • Actuarial Science - subject to strict selection (only top candidates need apply)
  • Applied Statistics based programmes, with majors in Economics or Psychology (requires AP32, mathematics 60%, language 50%)
Postgraduate Programmes
  • Actuarial Science (requires 4 ASSA exemptions or passes, excluding N111)
  • Applied Statistics (requires 65% average in second and third year main statistics modules and full first year mathematics at highest level)
  • Mathematical Statistics (requires 60% average in third year mathematical statistics)
  • Risk Analysis (requires 65% average in second and third year main statistics modules and full first year mathematics (highest level); or passes in all third year mathematical statistics modules)
Statistical Analysis
Actuarial Analysis
Study with us

Apply online

The Faculty Rule Book 2025 provides the most detailed information on our programmes.
For additional information see the Undergraduate Prospectus or Postgraduate Prospectus as appropriate.
Note that Actuarial Science is a selection course so early application is recommended. Also note that all our undergraduate and honours courses are full-time study programmes on the Bloemfontein campus.

Questions?

See our FAQ page which has the answers to the most common queries. It discusses data science, actuarial science, risk analysis, and our statistics programmes.

Consultation

The department may be approached with regard to statistical consultation on an ad hoc basis, with priority given to UFS personnel and students.

Contact Details

Programme Director (Academic Enquiries)
Jan Blomerus
E: blomerusjm@ufs.ac.za

General Enquiries
Elize Mathee
E: matheeme@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2299

Head of Department
Sean van der Merwe
E: vandermerwes@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 3770

Funding
The Moshal Scholarship Program offers comprehensive support to eligible students, including financial assistance, mentorship, career coaching, corporate parnters and access to a strong student and alumni community. This is offered to 1st and 2nd year students wanting to study or currently studying in the field of Computer Science, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science.

Prospective UFS students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply: Moshal Program Funding Opportunity
Apply online at: www.moshalprogram.org.za 



BLOEMFONTEIN CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

Elfrieda van den Berg (Marketing Manager)
T: +27 51 401 2531
E:vdberge@ufs.ac.za

QWAQWA CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

Dilahlwane Mohono (Faculty Officer)
T: +27 58 718 5284
E:naturalscienceqq@ufs.ac.za

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