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Important information regarding 2018 UFS tuition fees for first-time entrants
The recent announcement from President Jacob Zuma regarding fee-free higher education for new, first-year South African undergraduate students from poor and working class families in 2018 refers. While the University of the Free State (UFS) welcomes the initiative by the government to support the above category of students, South African universities remain fee-paying institutions for all other students. This bursary scheme will be phased in over a period of five years, starting in 2018.
The following information is important for students and parents to note:
- It is important to note that new, first-year South African undergraduate students refer to students who will register at a tertiary institution for the first time in 2018. This includes students coming from TVET colleges, who were supported through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and who meet the NSFAS criteria
- New first-year undergraduate South African students from poor and working class households where the combined family income does not exceed R350 000 per annum, will be supported through government grants, administered by NSFAS, for their full cost of study
- The definition of ‘full cost of study’ includes tuition fees, prescribed study material, books, meals where applicable, private and university accommodation, and transport
- Students who were offered funding from another funder, but which funding does not cover the full cost of study, may be eligible for top-up funding through NSFAS if they applied and meet the academic and financial eligibility requirements. Double funding will not be allowed
- Recipients of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants will automatically qualify for NSFAS funding. All other students, no matter which school they attended, should have applied for this funding on the NSFAS website
- If you have applied to NSFAS, please await confirmation of the outcome of your application. You can track your application status on the NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za)
- Applicants who are NSFAS recipients will not have to pay a registration prepayment for 2018
- The UFS Financial Aid Office will communicate with NSFAS recipients via SMS as soon as they can register
- NSFAS is closed for applications for 2018. Late applications will not be considered
- Students who did not apply to NSFAS for 2018 studies in 2017, and who are admitted to the UFS, may apply directly to the Financial Aid Office – their information will be forwarded to NSFAS for further consideration
- Applicants coming from homes where the combined household income is more than R350 000 but less than R600 000, are eligible to apply for gap funding to cover the 8% increase on tuition and residence fees; students will need to apply for this gap funding. More information as well as the application form will soon be made available on the UFS website (https://www.ufs.ac.za/kovsielife/unlisted-pages/bursaries/financial-aid)
- A first payment of R6 870 for non-residence students and R12 980 for students staying in UFS residences is payable before registration
- NSFAS recipients will automatically qualify for gap funding and do not have to apply for it
- Applicants from homes where the combined household income exceeds R600 000, will be expected to pay a first payment of R6 870 before registration for non-residence students and R12 980 for students staying in UFS residences
- Students must take note that all students who are not funded through, for example NSFAS, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), etc., will need to find their own funding for 2018
International Applicants
- International students are required to make the following payments five (5) working days prior to registration:
- International Students (SADC)
Residential R29 080
Non-residential R19 360
- International Students (NSADC)
Residential R43 160
Non-residential R28 160
- International students must pay all fees for the second semester in advance before registration can take place
- South African and international SADC students pay the same fee per module. International non-SADC (NSADC) students pay the actual module price + 50%
- An additional administrative levy for all international students is included in the amounts quoted above. The International Admin Levy is not refundable
- All fees are Rand (ZAR) denominated
- Please contact the Office for International Affairs for more details at:
T: +27 51 401 3219/2501/3403/9436
F: +27 51 401 9185
E: internationalenquiries@ufs.ac.za
Postgraduate Applicants
- Postgraduate students may consult the Postgraduate School for any queries regarding first payments prior to registration. Please see the UFS website for contact details on:
https://www.ufs.ac.za/postgraduate
The Fees Yearbook 2018 is available online on the UFS website.
For queries, please contact the relevant offices during working hours:
- Tuition Fees
Undergraduate students (Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses):
+27 51 401 3003
+27 51 401 2806
Postgraduate students (Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses):
T: +27 51 401 9537
F: +27 51 401 3579
E: tuitionfees@ufs.ac.za
- Housing and Residence Affairs
+27 51 401 3455
+27 51 401 3562
- Financial Aid
Undergraduate students:
Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 3741
Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5061
I trust you will find this in order and wish you all the best with your studies during 2018.
Regards,
Chris Liebenberg
Senior Director: Finance
Kovsies blossom with potential
2010-02-04
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Pictured with Prof Jansen are, from the left: Marike Botha, Sibusiso Tshabalala, Cumine de Villiers, Portia Lehasa and Meyer Joubert.
Photo: Hannes Pieterse |
The Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), Prof. Jonathan Jansen, recently made closer acquaintance with five top Grade 12 achievers who are currently first-year students at the UFS.
The five students all achieved exceptional results in their final exams.
Cumine de Villiers from the Volkskool Secondary School in Potchefstroom obtained seven distinctions. She is an MBChB I student and resides in Roosmaryn Residence on the Main Campus. People are her passion, which makes a career as a doctor ideal for her. “I can help people physically, as well as emotionally. And save lives!” Her advice to learners is to work hard from Grade 11 already. According to her a balanced life is also very important: “The more you do, the better you can do.” One of her goals is to learn Sesotho while she is studying.
Marike Botha attended Potchefstroom Gymnasium. She obtained seven distinctions. She is also studying MBChB I and plans to become a paediatric surgeon. “I know one is going to lose patients, but one will also save lives.”
She resides in Roosmaryn Residence and plans to enjoy her student life to the full: “I am going to attend everything! Every dance, rugby match and serenade – there are some things in life that one can only experience once, and one’s first year is one of those.” According to her, the Grade 12 work is not that difficult; it is only a lot. She advises matriculants to always to their best and never to leave anything till later.
Sibusiso Tshabalala from HTS Welkom obtained three distinctions. He is studying BCom Law. He chose that degree because it perfectly integrates law and commerce. “In that way I am keeping my career options open”. He chose Kovsies for the opportunity to be part of one of the best Faculties of Law in South Africa. He resides in JBM Hertzog Residence. His advice to matriculants is to fully make use of every opportunity. “There will be setbacks – it is not supposed to be easy. All of that makes you a stronger person. Strive after your own goals – don’t measure them against others’ goals.”
Portia Lehasa from Eunice High School obtained five distinctions. She is studying BA Accounting and resides in Roosmaryn Residence. She chose Kovsies in order to be part of the transformation.
“Transformation leads to growth – and growth is essential for all persons.” She chose accounting because she enjoys challenges. “It is also a skill that will enable me to empower the economic status of South Africa.”
She also wants to become involved in everything on campus and make a difference. “You are going to see me a lot – I am going to change the world!” She also has some advice for matriculants: “It is very important to have a goal. In that way one still has something to strive for. It helps incredibly.”
Meyer Joubert attended the Ferdinand Postma Secondary School in Potchefstroom. He obtained seven distinctions. He is an MBChB I student and resides in Abraham Fischer Residence. “One’s life only becomes meaningful once one does something for someone else; that is why I want to become a doctor. By means of medicine one can make a difference to someone else’s life.” He plans to become the best doctor possible. According to him learners can take it leisurely up to Grade 10. “The requirements for many fields of study, like medicine, already apply from Grade 10. Therefore it is important to start to focus and work hard from then onwards. However, don’t only study! Balance is very important; therefore participate in sports, cultural activities and, of course, socialise.”
Prof. Jansen was, rightly so, impressed by all the talent that have settled at Kovsies this year: “This is only the beginning. With so much potential Kovsies can blossom!”
Media Release:
Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt@ufs.ac.za
4 February 2010