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19 April 2018

The University of the Free State invites all Grade 12 learners and their parents to the UFS Open Days. On the Bloemfontein Campus, the Open Day will be held on 12 May 2018, and on the Qwaqwa Campus, Phuthaditjhaba on 26 May 2018.
 
The programme for both Open Days has been streamlined to allow for more time in the faculties in order to gather the necessary academic information. Therefore, there will not be a collective welcoming programme on either campus; however, the academic programme for the respective faculties can be visited DIRECTLY from 09:00. All exhibitions are open from 09:00 till 15:00.

BLOEMFONTEIN CAMPUS OPEN DAY – 12 MAY 2018:


Programme

1. Academic programme in the respective faculties: There will be two welcoming and information sessions by the Dean of each faculty. 

a. Session 1: 09:00–10:00
b. Session 2: 11:00–12:00
c. The venue for each faculty is:
i. Economic and Management Sciences: EMS Auditorium
ii. Education: New Education Auditorium
iii. Health Sciences: Francois Retief Building
iv. Natural and Agricultural Sciences: Callie Human Centre
v. Law: Equitas Building
vi. The Humanities: Odeion
vii. Theology and Religion: Theology Building, Room 21

2. Administrative services in the H van der Merwe Scholtz Hall: Bring your Grade 11 results and a copy of your ID should you wish to apply for 2019 undergraduate studies during the Open Day.
a. Online and hard-copy applications
b. Admissions 
c. General Enquiries
d. UFS Marketing
e. Centre for Teaching and Learning
f. Financial Aid
g. Tuition Fees
h. Housing and Residence Affairs
i. National Benchmark Tests
j. University Access Programmes
k. KovsieGear merchandise 
l. Library and Information Services

3. Student Life programme in front of the Main Building
a. Kovsie2B Social Media
b. Student Life Colleges and Residence Communities exhibitions
c. Arts and Culture
d. Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS)
e. Counselling and Development
f. Gender and Sexual Equity Office
g. KovsieSport
h. Student Media
i. Student Wellness and Social Support

4. Student Associations exhibitions at the Thakaneng Bridge
a. Academic associations
b. Charity-based student associations
c. Cultural-based student associations
d. Political associations
e. Religious associations

MEET AND GREET WITH THE RECTOR AND VICE-CHANCELLOR: 

Professor Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, invites teachers, principals, and parents to engage with him from 12:00 till 14:00, Bloemfontein Campus. If you would like to make use of this opportunity, RSVP by 9 May 2018 to greylinl@ufs.ac.za or bakkese@ufs.ac.za

 

QWAQWA CAMPUS OPEN DAY – 26 MAY 2018:

1. Academic programme in the respective faculties: There will be two welcoming and information sessions by the Assistant Dean of each faculty. 
a. Session 1: 09:00–10:00
b. Session 2: 11:00–12:00
2. Administrative services in the Rolihlahla Mandela Hall: Bring your Grade 11 results and a copy of your ID should you wish to apply for 2019 undergraduate studies during the Open Day.
3. Student Life programme and Student Associations exhibitions. 

MEET AND GREET WITH THE RECTOR AND VICE-CHANCELLOR: 
Professor Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, invites teachers, principals, and parents to engage with him from 12:00 till 14:00, Qwaqwa Campus. If you would like to make use of this opportunity, RSVP by 23 May 2018 to greylinl@ufs.ac.za or bakkese@ufs.ac.za

GENERAL
Unfortunately no food parcels will be provided to learners. Open Day programmes will be distributed at all entrances on both campuses.
If you require any further information about the Open Days you can contact 051 401 3384/9028. 

2019 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Keep in mind that there are limited spaces in each programme and to avoid disappointment, you are advised to apply as soon as possible. Application to study at the University of the Free State is free. If you want to apply now, click here

News Archive

It takes a village to raise a child
2016-06-13

Description: Valentino_Student Bursary Fund Campaign Tags: Valentino_Student Bursary Fund Campaign

Valentino Ndaba
Photo: Sonia Small

(Click on CC for subtitles)

Video
Student Bursary Fund Campaign booklet (pdf)
Donate
Student Bursary Fund Campaign launched: #FundAFuture and make a difference
Motho ke motho ka batho. A person is a person through others

Want to make a difference in the world? Here is how

South Africa has one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. Take the ribbon of golden beaches sweeping along the shores of KwaZulu-Natal, for instance. But just beyond the kiteboards dappling the ocean and fields of swaying sugarcane lies one of the largest informal settlements in the province: Amaoti. A place where barefoot children are skipping alongside poverty, and violent crime incinerates hope.

Nonetheless, that place could not keep Valentino Ndaba from graduating at the University of the Free State (UFS), and setting her sails for post-graduate studies.

A village
It takes a village to raise a child. This African proverb ripples across Valentino’s life story. “My gran always used to say education is your eternal bread. She still says it to this day. She has always instilled in me the importance of education,” Valentino smiles. Her grandmother has been but one of several champions in Valentino’s life.

Maalthee Dayaram – a teacher at Brookdale Secondary School that Valentino attended – noticed a budding talent in the young girl’s writing. With dedicated attention and ceaseless encouragement, Mrs Dayaram helped pave the way for this young writer. “You might be talented and have potential, but having someone actually believe in you and tell you that you have potential makes such a difference,” Valentino says. “I fell in love with writing, and had an idea that writing might be my future.” Dire economic circumstances threatened to snuff out any sparks of hope from that fragile future, though.

Aided by Lungisani Indlela (a non-profit organisation that provides children in the Amaoti area with school fees, uniforms, shoes, etc), Valentino clung to faith in the power of education. With unwavering single-mindedness, she consistently earned top grades.

Description: Valentino Ndaba 2 Tags: Valentino Ndaba 2

Photo: Sonia Small

Not if, but when
“Dreaming of my future, my gran would always say to me, ‘when you go to university’ or ‘when you have graduated’, this and that will follow.” Her gran’s words proved to be prophetic. As the final matric results were published in early January 2012, Valentino received a phone call that would change her life irrevocably.

That call came from the well-known South African humanitarian, Tich Smith. “Would you be willing to go to university in another province?” Smith asked. Never having travelled beyond her immediate surroundings, Valentino’s brave answer was: “Yes.”

A few days later, she walked onto the Bloemfontein Campus of the UFS.

Changing futures

Valentino proceeded to obtain a BA degree in Media Studies and Journalism in 2014. She has now set her sights on an honours degree, and envisions pursuing a Master’s degree in creative writing overseas.

“Without the support I received, I would have been stuck without a future,” she says. “University has shaped me into a better version of myself. I’ve grown intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.”

You can bring about the same change for other students in need. By contributing to the UFS Student Bursary Fund Campaign, you can change the future not only of individuals, but of communities and of our country as well.

The impact of your financial support reaches far beyond its monetary value. It pulls families from poverty. It sends forth experts and visionaries into the world. It sets in motion a culture of giving.

Visit our Giving page for ways to contribute.

 

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