Welcome to your first year at the UFS

Your one-stop guide to a smooth, supported start to the academic year.

Congratulations and welcome to the University of the Free State!

We are thrilled to have you join the Kovsie community – a space where learning, growth, and opportunity go hand in hand.

This page guides you through your 2026 registration and ensures that your first year starts smoothly.

Step-by-step Registration Guide

STEP 1

Prepare and review information

Visit the Registration page to explore all registration details, faculty rulebooks, and financial information.

STEP 2

Complete Your Online Registration Task

Log in to PeopleSoft to complete your registration and accept the terms and conditions.

Even if you haven’t yet made your first payment, submit your registration request online. Your registration will be finalised once all conditions are met.

STEP 3

Download Your Student Documents

Once registered, download your Proof of Registration and class timetable at Kovsielife Student Self-Service.

STEP 4

Get Your Student Card

Visit the Card Division on with your proof of registration to collect your UFS student card.

STEP 5

Access Blackboard and Study Materials

Wait 24 hours after registration for your modules to appear on Blackboard.

If you're registered for UFS1504 (mainstream) or UFS1512 (extended), you'll receive Blackboard training.

Note: For hard copy material, please contact Minolta on your campus.

Academic Preparation and Support

Mainstream students must sign up for the compulsory Academic Literacy placement test and register for the faculty-specific CAL module (exemptions based on test results), on PeopleSoft. Extended-programme students complete CAL without the test.

UFSS1504 (or UFSS1522 for extended students) is compulsory for all first-time students and a graduation requirement. Register for the modules on PeopleSoft.

Curriculum Advice and Academic Advising

Faculty advisers guide you through module selection, while academic advisers in the Centre for Teaching and Learning support your overall academic success.

WhatsApp Advising: +27 87 230 6470
Phone: +27 51 401 9111 (option 2)

Continue to Orientation

The Welcoming and Orientation Programme prepares you for academic and campus life at the University of the Free State. The programme introduces you to your community, support structures, and opportunities for growth.

Take your first step as a Kovsie!
Continue to the Orientation page to explore your 10 steps and start shaping your first-year experience at UFS.

Get Started

Fees and Funding

Regardless of your study level, please take note:

Your 2025 account balance must be zero before registration.
The first payment is due five (5) working days before registration.
NSFAS and fully funded students are exempt only if funding is confirmed and covers all study costs.
International students must pay the first payment regardless of funding.

Student Finance Financial Aid

Support hub

Blackboard

Access your modules, announcements, and online materials through Blackboard.

For assistance: ehelpdesk@ufs.ac.za | +27 51 401 9111 (option 5)

Student Finance

For all payment queries and proof of payment:

tuitionfees@ufs.ac.za | +27 51 401 9111 (option 3)

International Affairs

All international students must contact the Office for International Affairs before registering.

oiastudentadmin@ufs.ac.za | +27 51 401 9032

CUADS (Disability Support)

For academic or accessibility support:

cuads@ufs.ac.za | +27 51 401 9111 (option 7)

Student Counselling and Development (SCD)

Career guidance, mental health, and personal support services:

SCD@ufs.ac.za | +27 51 401 9111 (option 7)

Timetables

Access your official class timetable once your registration is finalised.

Timetables help you plan your lectures, tutorials, and assessments.

View timetables

Accommodation

Need a place to stay while you study? Explore UFS on-campus residences or approved off-campus housing options.

Contact the Housing and Residence Affairs Office for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Helpful downloads

Guides for First-year Students (FTEN)

Download detailed PDF guides if you’d like a printable version of the registration process, extra help, or more information about your academic status.

Step-by-step Registration Guide

A full walkthrough of the registration journey for first-year students – from preparing your documents to final confirmation of registration.

Download PDF

How to Request Help

Learn how to log a service request, who to contact, and what information to provide when you need assistance with registration.

Download PDF

Online Registration Manual

A screenshot-based guide to the online registration activity in PeopleSoft – including each step, common holds, and how to add or drop modules.

Download PDF

Academic Standing Explained

An overview of academic standing categories and what they mean for your ability to register, continue your studies, or submit an appeal.

Download PDF