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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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Latest News from the Office for International Affairs

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

UFS Qwaqwa Hosts First Erasmus+ Staff Cohort from VSB Technical University of Ostrava

The Directorate for International Partnerships and Relations at the Qwaqwa campus, together with the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, is proudly hosting the first cohort of staff from VSB Technical University of Ostrava under the Erasmus+ Inter-Institutional Agreement (Key Action 1). Read more.

24-28 November 2025

Erasmus+ Information Session Advances Global Engagement at UFS Qwaqwa

The Directorate for International Partnerships and Relations at the Qwaqwa campus hosted an Erasmus+ information session at the Academy for Multilingualism. The session was facilitated by Bulelwa Moikwatlhai, Assistant Director at Directorate for International Partnerships and Relations. The presenter was Huba Boshoff, an Erasmus+ Technical Expert. Read more.

20 November 2025

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

Directorate for International Partnerships and Relations Hosts Department of Home Affairs Director for Immigration Engagement

Directorate for International Partnerships and Relations hosted Mr Mbhele, Director of Corporate Accounts at the Department of Home Affairs, for a series of engagements today. He met with students, postdoctoral fellows, and key university stakeholders, offering clear and valuable insights into immigration processes and procedures. His sessions were highly informative and strengthened our collective understanding of the requirements that guide international mobility. Read more.

21 November 2025

Upcoming Events

Conference name

Dates

Venue

Main theme

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
2026

9-10 Jul 2026

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

International networks, rankings, partnerships; Africa focus.

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
Glasgow 2026

8–11 Sep 2026

Glasgow, Scotland, UK

European international education, partnerships and transformation.

SANORD conference
Windhoek 2026

21-25 Sept 2026

University of Namibia (UNAM)
Windhoek Campus

Reimagining Knowledge for Shared Development.

TBC

28 Sept - 2 Oct 2026

Senegal

African contexts, climate action, and education.

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