The University of the Free State (UFS) hosted its annual Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday 16 October 2024 at its Bloemfontein Campus. The event is designed to connect students with international opportunities and broaden their academic horizons.
The fair brought together key international partners, including the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Fulbright US Student Program, the Southern African–Nordic Centre (SANORD), Campus France, and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), to showcase a variety of study, research, and exchange programmes open to UFS students. The event, which took place at the Conlaurês Gazelle residence, attracted a large turnout of students and staff eager to explore opportunities to study and conduct research abroad.
Staff of the UFS Office for International Affairs (OIA), which organised the event, said they were excited to have such a diverse representation of global education networks. The goal of the fair was not only to inform students and staff about scholarship and exchange opportunities, but also to inspire them to pursue international experiences that align with the university's vision of cultivating globally competitive graduates. The participating organisations each offer unique pathways for UFS students to enhance their academic and professional development abroad.
DAAD representatives shared details about their wide array of scholarship programmes for students, researchers, and graduates wishing to study in Germany. The DAAD EPOS programme offers scholarships for development-related postgraduate courses, providing professionals from developing countries with advanced education to foster sustainable development. The Helmut Schmidt Programme, also funded by DAAD, focuses on promoting good governance and public policy, offering scholarships for future leaders in politics, law, economics, and administration.
The Fulbright Programme, one of the world’s most prestigious educational exchange initiatives, offered information on scholarships for South African students to study in the United States. The Fulbright Foreign Student Programme provides international students with opportunities to study, research, and exchange ideas in the USA, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and academic excellence. Education USA offers guidance and support to students looking to pursue higher education in the USA, helping them navigate the application process and meet eligibility requirements.
The Fulbright Community College Initiative Programme (CCIP) provides opportunities for students from developing countries to attend US community colleges for one academic year. Participants gain professional skills, enhanced leadership abilities, and deepen their understanding of US society and culture, while also sharing their cultures with American students and communities.
SANORD presented exciting opportunities for UFS students to collaborate with Nordic universities through academic exchanges that focus on joint research initiatives and knowledge-sharing between Southern African and Nordic countries. The SANORD Brian O'Connell Scholarship offers funding for postgraduate students and staff from member institutions in the Global South to pursue academic and research opportunities, fostering international collaboration and capacity building within the SANORD network.
For students dreaming of studying in France, Campus France was on hand to explain scholarships, the application processes for French institutions, and the benefits of experiencing French culture and language. Many students expressed interest in enrolling in master’s programmes in the arts, social sciences, and business administration. Campus France offers a range of master's opportunities through various scholarship programmes, such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme. The programmes are designed to support high-achieving students and encourage international academic exchange.
DHET provided invaluable information on locally and internationally funded study programmes, including the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP) aimed at developing South African academics and professionals. Erasmus+ offers a wide range of opportunities for students to study, train, or gain work experience abroad at European universities and partner institutions. Through Erasmus+ master’s and exchange programmes, students can enhance their academic and professional skills while experiencing different cultures. The programme also provides financial support to make studying in Europe more accessible.
Prof Nompumelelo Zondi, a Fulbright Scholar and Vice-Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies in the UFS Faculty of the Humanities, emphasised the transformative power of opportunities like those presented at the Study Abroad Fair. She encouraged students to embrace these chances wholeheartedly, noting that international study and exchange programmes have the potential to not only enhance their academic journeys but also shape their personal and professional lives in ways they may not have imagined. "These opportunities can open doors to new perspectives, global networks, and experiences that can truly change your life," she said.
Building on this, Prof Johan Coetzee, Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and Finance at the UFS Business School and Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, urged students to take bold steps in pursuing these opportunities. "Don't be afraid to put yourself out there," he said, "There are countless incredible opportunities available that can broaden your horizons both academically and culturally. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone and seizing the possibilities that will expand your worldview and future prospects." Prof Coetzee highlighted the long-term value of international exposure, which can significantly enrich one’s educational experience and career potential.
The Study Abroad Fair aligns with the UFS’s commitment to promoting internationalisation as part of its strategic plan. Through partnerships with global institutions, the UFS aims to provide students and staff with international exposure that enriches their academic experience and enhances their research capabilities. The OIA encourages students who missed the fair to visit their offices for more information on study abroad opportunities.
Mbali Moiketsi, Manager of International Scholarships at the OIA, emphasised the importance of global education in developing well-rounded, globally competitive students. “This fair gives our students a unique opportunity to not only learn about international scholarships but also engage directly with the representatives of these prestigious institutions. It’s about opening doors to future possibilities and encouraging our students to think beyond the borders of South Africa,” she said.
For more information on study abroad opportunities, students and staff are encouraged to contact the UFS OIA at moiketsimv@ufs.ac.za / studyabroad@ufs.ac.za or visit the UFS Office for International Affairs on either the Bloemfontein Campus (Theology Building, second floor) or the Qwaqwa Campus (Intsika Building, second floor).