(Make sure that you have your student number and other relevant information ready when you send enquiries.)
We are embracing technology at the UFS in 2021 by introducing an online-ONLY registration process for first-year, senior, and postgraduate students.
Online registration allows us to uphold the current lockdown regulations and to keep our students and staff safe. Therefore:
- NO registration will take place on our campuses. Due to COVID-19 regulations and protocols, our registration process is online.
- NO walk-in applicants will be allowed on our campuses because the university has reached its admissions capacity for 2021.
- ONLY students requested by the respective faculties to return may access the campus. Students will be informed by their faculty if they are required to return during the first semester.
READ: Letter to Students from Prof Francis Petersen: Update on the 2021 Academic Programme (15 January 2021)
Click on the '+' sign to view information below
It is important to note that the online registration process excludes students in the Faculty of Health Sciences and the South Campus and sub-region students (Access). Students in the Faculty of Health Sciences will receive communication from the faculty.
The South Campus Access office will send students a pre-populated DV4 form to complete and sign. Please note that you must have accepted the offer to study before you can receive this form. Visit the South Campus website for the South Campus registration steps.
For more information about the online registration process, view the registration toolkit documents available on this page.
Due to the national lockdown regulations and the capacity of the university’s infrastructure to adhere to physical distancing protocols, the institution is following a minimalistic approach by limiting the number of students who will be returning to the campuses.
During the first semester, the university will continue with an online/blended learning and teaching approach for first-year and senior undergraduate students. This means that some classes will be online, some in contact or face-to-face mode, and others a combination of contact and online.
In general, ALL students in the faculties of Health Sciences and Natural and Agricultural Sciences will return to the campuses (including first-year students), with the understanding that travelling across provincial borders will continue. In some other faculties, only students in identified modules will return to the campuses. Students are encouraged to plan accordingly in terms of accommodation.
If you are required to return to the campuses during the semester, you will be contacted by the faculty and provided with a campus access permit. You will be expected to undergo a screening process every time you enter the campuses. Information on the screening process will be provided upon receipt of your campus access permit.
Only students in possession of a valid campus access permit will be allowed to enter the campuses.
If you have NOT been contacted to return, you will be supported through remote multimodal teaching, learning, academic advising, and assessment until you are informed by your faculty that you can return to campus.
We look forward to welcoming you to Kovsies in 2021!
Important dates:
Registration and Orientation
11 January - 5 February 2021: Registration and orientation for senior undergraduate and honours students in the Faculty of Health Sciences (according to the different programmes)
18 January 2021: Online registration for postgraduate and diploma students in the Faculty of Health Sciences
1 March 2021: Registration and orientation of first-year students in the Faculty of Health Sciences
8-26 February 2021: Online registration and orientation: Senior and postgraduate students (all other faculties)
1-13 March 2021: Online registration and orientation: First-year students (all other faculties)
First Term
11 January 2021: Start of the first term for senior undergraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, according to the schedule of different programmes.
1 March 2021: Start of the first term for first-year undergraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences
1 March 2021: Start of first term for senior students
15 March 2021: Start of first term for first-year students (all other faculties)
International Students
Being an international student can be a delightful or dreadful experience — depending on your preparation and support. Our International Affairs Office offers specialised administrative support to ease international students into their new environment and beyond.
Password Self-service
We value your personal information and have put numerous security measures in place to ensure that your information remains safe. One such measure is sound password protocol. Access the self-service website to manage or reset your password.
You can also contact +27 51 401 2000 for assistance.
Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support
All three our campuses are highly accessible in terms of mobility and learning support. Get in touch via the CUADS website to find out how we can enhance your learning and/or living experience at the UFS.
Finance
Financial Aid | Student Finance
We like to keep you informed and up to date on financial aspects. Visit our finance information page for registration fees, first payments, payment dates, who to contact, what financial support is available, and much more.
Academic Advising
Central Advising | Curriculum Advising
Academic advising focuses on your educational experience and seeks to help you best plan and manage your educational journey. Find out about your curriculum (majors and minors) under Curriculum Advising, and if you are still exploring, connect with Central Advising.
Housing and Residence
Are you placed in one of our residence? We are delighted to welcome you to our UFS residence community. Housing and Residence Affairs offers a variety of on-campus and accredited off-campus accommodation.
Blackboard
Central Blackboard | Blackboard: Open and Distance e-Learning
Blackboard is an online learning platform where you will find resources, activities, and assessments for your enrolled modules. Spend some time navigating the platform and checking in at least once per day for new messages and updates.
Timetables
Official Timetables l Student self-service
You will be able to generate a personalised timetable for the modules that you are enrolled for. If there are any clashes, you may have to opt for an evening (remote or face2face) class in one of your modules.
Orientation
First-year Orientation | Senior Orientation
Familiarise yourself with our processes and procedures to ensure a smooth transition to tertiary studies and progress throughout your programme. We will continuously update you on any changes to the different delivery modes and requirements.
Computer Literacy Skills for First-year Students
Work through this computer literacy skills content to learn the basic computer skills you need to be a successful university student at the UFS. There is content specific to studying at the UFS – so if you can, use the time before you start your academic year to work through this training package.
GlobalProtect App
The UFS is proud to present GlobalProtect, a VPN portal that links you to learning resources for free while off-campus. It hosts zero-rated resources, which means that you can access these websites through the GlobalProtect platform and are exempted from data fees when accessing them. The app is available for Android, iPhone, tablet, or laptop. Learn more about the app on the GlobalProtect webpage.
COVID-19 Information and Campus Access
For COVID-19-related information, including COVID-19 quick tips, news and opinions, campus communication on this topic, screening and access to campus, please visit our COVID-19 webpage
Campuses and General Information
Campus Maps l UFS Campuses | About the UFS | Connect with us | Calendar
Take a virtual walk through our campuses and get easy access to important information you may need. While we operate as one university, each of our well-equipped campuses boasts a unique character shaped by its history and natural environment.