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13 August 2019 | Story Lacea Loader | Photo Sonia Small
Student Success
The UFS is committed to student success through its own initiative.
In its endeavour to assist and support academically deserving students, taking into account the current economic climate in South Africa, the University of the Free State (UFS) has been able to maintain its approach to student success from its own initiative and in cooperation with external sources or partners. 
 
In addition, the university’s tuition fees remain on average 20% less than those of comparative universities.
 
“More than 70% of all registered undergraduate and postgraduate students at the UFS are receiving some kind of financial support – whether from the university or via external sources or partners, or from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). In fact, financial support to students is one of the main expenses of the university,” says Mr Chris Liebenberg, Senior Director: Finance at the UFS. 
 
According to Mr Liebenberg, undergraduate bursaries to the value of R63 million and postgraduate bursaries to the value of R77 million have been allocated for 2019. These bursaries are funded by the UFS, as well as by external sources or partners and are awarded on merit, which includes academic, sport, and cultural performance. It excludes bursaries that students receive from NSFAS. 
 
“The university is able to provide this support to deserving students due to its stringent application of financial governance and discipline and within a framework of financial sustainability. It is a principle that the university management strongly believes in and will continue to apply,” says Mr Liebenberg. 

News Archive

Former CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation receives an honorary doctorate from the UFS
2015-07-08

Dr John Samuel.
Photo: Johan Roux

“Having spent the most of my life in public service, it is a great pleasure to receive recognition from the University of the Free State (UFS) for the work that I have done,” Dr John Samuel said in his acceptance speech at this year’s Winter Graduation, where an honorary degree was conferred on him.

The renowned educationalist’s remarkable merit was recognised by the Faculty of Education in the Thursday 2 July 2015 graduation ceremony. Dr Samuel was awarded the honorary doctorate for his enormous role as a national and international strategist in the education system.

The early 1960s proved to be a prelude to Dr Samuel’s lifelong journey as a teacher, policy analyst, administrator, and advisor. In addition to South Africa, he has served with compassion in various countries including Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, and the USA.

In the dawn of South Africa’s democracy, Dr Samuel served as Head of the Education desk, developing new policies for the field of education and training. One of his many pivotal achievements has been serving the Nelson Mandela Foundation as Chief Executive Officer. Furthermore, South African’s Department of Education has reaped the benefit of appointing him as the Deputy Director-General.

From 1998 to 2000, Dr Samuel was the Senior Programme Director of the WK Kellogg Foundation in the USA.

The Chief Executive Chairman of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls inspired graduates with warm words. “Graduation is a special time for everyone. It is now the time to convert what we have learnt into useful action. We need every pair of hands to help and inspire, and instill hope,” he said.

Rewarding the active role of a national and global leader in education symbolises the university’s commitment to public service, academic excellence, and transformation.


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