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: 2022-2025

2025 International Footprint
Latest News from the Office for International Affairs

peter-taylor

ARU partnerships driving landscape restoration and boosting livelihoods

What does it take to restore a landscape, strengthen communities, and protect biodiversity at the same time? In the Maloti-Drakensberg, researchers, conservation partners, and local communities are working together to do exactly that. Read more.

23 June 2026



Strengthening UFS and Technical University of Ostrava Collaboration through Erasmus+ Engagement

Strengthening Erasmus+ Collaboration: UFS Welcomes Ostrava Delegation to Qwaqwa Campus

Prof. Rapantová Nada and Prof. Martina are visiting the University of the Free State to advance the growing partnership between the UFS and the Technical University of Ostrava and to explore expanded academic collaboration through Erasmus+ exchanges. Ostrava is recognised for its strengths in engineering, safety sciences, and applied research. Read more.

1 December 2025



Bulelwa

People who Lead Change

In the everyday rhythm of a university, change rarely happens through policy alone. It happens in conversations, in how people are treated when things are uncertain, and in the small decisions that either build trust or break it. For Bulelwa Moikwatlhai, Assistant Director in the Directorate for International Partnerships and Relations, those moments of care are what make leadership and innovation possible.
Read more.



Advancing English Language Partnerships to Enhance Global Competencies at UFS

Advancing English Language Partnerships to Enhance Global Competencies at UFS

On the 1st of December 2025, the Office for International Affairs hosted a productive engagement with our colleague from the US Embassy in Pretoria, Ms Gena Rhoades, the new Regional English Language officer, during her visit to the University of the Free State. The discussion opened avenues for collaboration that align directly with Vision 130.
Read more.

1 December 2025



Upcoming Events


Conference name

Dates

Venue

Main theme

ICED


ICED 2026
(Educational Developers)
Please note: the link is currently inactive


24–26 Jun 2026


 Salamanca, Spain


Educational development with international focus. 

QS Africa Forum



9-10 Jul 2026




Addis Ababa, Ethiopia




International networks, rankings, partnerships; Africa focus.

IEASA

IEASA
Annual Conference 2026 


25-28 Aug 2026

 


International Convention Centre (ICC), East London
South Africa


Rewriting the Internationalisation Agenda: Internationalisation through a Global South lens.


EAIE



EAIE
Glasgow 2026




 8–11 Sep 2026




Glasgow, Scotland, UK 



 European international education, partnerships and transformation.


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SANORD conference
Windhoek 2026



21-25 Sept 2026



University of Namibia (UNAM)
Windhoek Campus



Reimagining Knowledge for Shared Development.


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TBC



28 Sept - 2 Oct 2026



Senegal



African contexts, climate action, and education.

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