First-year Orientation

Kovsie Week 2026

Kovsie Week is a dedicated orientation programme to help first-year students find their feet, connect with key services, and prepare for a successful year at the University of the Free State (UFS).

What you need to know

What is Kovsie Week?

A dedicated week featuring exhibitions by key university departments, aimed at further orientating first-year students, preparing them for their academic journey, and promoting their overall well-being and success.

Who should attend?

All registered UFS first-year students across the Bloemfontein, South, and Qwaqwa Campuses are encouraged to attend Kovsie Week activities on their respective campus.

When is it?

Kovsie Week takes place from 9 – 13 February 2026, across all three University of the Free State campuses.

Kovsie Week Programme by Campus

Select your campus to view the detailed Kovsie Week schedule. Programmes may be updated as details are finalised, so please check back regularly.

Bloemfontein Campus Programme

Venue: Rag Farm

Date	Time	Theme
Day 1 9 February 2026	09:00 – 12:00	Academic Support and Excellence
Day 2 10 February 2026	13:00 – 15:00	Health and Wellness
Day 3 11 February 2026	13:00 – 15:00	Safety and Security
Day 4 12 February 2026	13:00 – 15:00	First-year Community Festival
Day 5 13 February 2026	13:00 – 15:00	Student Life
Day 6 14 February 2026	13:00 – 15:00	Interfaith Festival Event

Note: Programme items are subject to change. Final details will be communicated via official UFS channels.

South Campus Programme

Venue: Madiba Arena

Date	Time	Theme
Day 1 9 February 2026	13:00 – 15:00	Academic Support and Excellence Campus Meet and Greet
Day 2 10 February 2026	09:00 – 11:00	Health and Wellness
Day 3 11 February 2026	09:00 – 11:00	Safety and Security
Day 4 12 February 2026	09:00 – 11:00	First-year Community Festival
Day 5 13 February 2026	09:00 – 11:00	Student Life

Note: Programme items are subject to change. Final details will be communicated via official UFS channels.

Qwaqwa Campus Programme

Venue: Amphitheatre

Date	Time	Theme
Day 1 9 February 2026	13:00 – 14:00	Opening ceremony
Day 2 10 February 2026	13:00 – 14:00	Support Services Exhibitions
Day 3 11 February 2026	13:00 – 14:00	Student Structures Exhibitions
Day 4 12 February 2026	13:00 – 14:00	Arts and Culture Performances
Day 5 13 February 2026	13:00 – 14:00	Kovsie Song Battle

Note: Programme items are subject to change. Final details will be communicated via official UFS channels.