The University of the Free State (UFS) welcomed prospective students, parents, and teachers to its Bloemfontein Campus for the annual Kovsie Open Day, an event designed to help potential students explore their future academic possibilities and experience life at the university firsthand.

Hosted across the Bloemfontein Campus, the Open Day gave attendees the opportunity to engage directly with faculties, support services, and current students, while gaining valuable insight into academic programmes, applications, accommodation, financial support, and student life.

Welcoming guests to the campus, Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, described the day as “more than an opportunity to explore a campus”, but rather “an invitation to imagine your future, to discover your potential, and to see what becomes possible when talent meets opportunity.”

Prof Klopper reaffirmed the university’s commitment to being “an innovative research-led, student-centred, and regionally engaged university,” adding that the University of the Free State aims to produce graduates and knowledge that make a meaningful difference in society.

Creating a sense of belonging

According to Nomonde Mbadi, Director of Student and Recruitment Services, the Open Day serves as an important platform for prospective students and their families to gain clarity and confidence about higher education choices. “The main purpose of the Open Day is to give prospective students and their families a real sense of what it means to be part of the Kovsie community,” she said.

Mbadi explained that the event allows pupils to explore academic programmes, engage with faculties, and receive practical guidance on applications, admission requirements, funding, accommodation, and student life.

She added that one of the defining features of the UFS Open Day is the university’s emphasis on both academic excellence and personal connection. “We do not only provide information; we create an experience where learners can imagine themselves as future Kovsies,” she said.

The event also left a strong impression on many prospective students attending the Open Day. Karabo Mofokeng said the experience changed his perception of the university. 

“Many people told me negative things about the UFS, but after seeing it for myself, I felt motivated,” he said.

Mofokeng, who hopes to pursue studies related to commercial farming and agriculture, added that the Open Day gave him a better understanding of the opportunities available at the university.

Supporting informed decisions

Faculty sessions took place throughout the day, with representatives from Education, Health Sciences, Law, Economic and Management Sciences, Theology and Religion, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Humanities engaging with prospective students.

Support divisions, including Student Recruitment Services, KovsieSport, the Centre for Teaching and Learning, the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS), Student Counselling and Development, Residence Life, and Student Financial Services, were also available to assist attendees.