Welcome, Postgraduate Students

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

Welcome to the University of the Free State, where we are committed to advancing your research and professional growth. Whether you’re starting your honours, postgraduate diploma, master’s, or doctoral degree, this page outlines everything you need to register for the 2026 academic year.

Before you register

Registration Guidelines

Curriculum Advice

Before registering, contact your faculty for academic and curriculum advice.

Visit the Faculty List to find your faculty’s contact details.

Registration Periods

  • Honours and PGDip:
    • First semester: 2 January – 6 February 2026 (unless communicated otherwise by your faculty)
    • Second semester: 13 – 17 July 2026
  • Master’s and Doctoral (returning):
    • First semester/year programmes: 2 January – 31 March 2026
    • Second semester: 13 July – 30 September 2026
  • First-time research Master’s & Doctoral: Register anytime during the year via your faculty.

What to do next

Registration in Four Easy Steps

STEP 1

Start Your Registration Process

Visit www.ufs.ac.za/register to access your official registration guide and important resources.

Review the requirements before you begin.

STEP 2

Complete Your Registration Task

Log into PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and follow your guided registration steps.

Select the correct campus, qualification, and modules.

STEP 3

Download Student Documentation

Download your Proof of Registration and find your timetable via Kovsielife Student Self-Service.

STEP 4

Confirm Your Modules or Research Registration

Check that your modules appear on Blackboard within 24 hours.

Research students must confirm registration with their supervisor or faculty.

Need help? Contact the Blackboard Helpdesk at ehelpdesk@ufs.ac.za.

Students sitting together on campus

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

Postgraduate students

Funding and Support

The Centre for Graduate Support offers partial tuition funding for qualifying postgraduate students.

Application closing date: 30 November 2026

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.

Helpful downloads

Guides for Postgraduate Students     

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 postgraduate 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

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