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11 May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities to embrace technology and find alternative ways to campus-based classes. Like most other institutions in the country, the University of the Free State (UFS) is following an online/blended learning and teaching approach during the 2021 academic year. This means that most students will spend their time online, therefore owning or having regular access to a laptop has become a necessity.

To ensure students have access to digital devices, the UFS is offering registered students the opportunity to purchase a laptop at affordable rates. Students can apply to purchase a device in order to access online platforms, obtain learning material, and engage with lecturers. The laptops will be provided interest-free through various payment options and will become the property of the student.

Who can apply for a laptop?

The offer is open to all registered students. The UFS has made provision for 3 000 laptops, and devices will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the make, model, and cost of available devices? 

Option 1:

Make: Hewlett Packard
Model: HP 250 G7 
Style: Laptop

Price:  R5 040,34 (VAT inclusive)


Option 2:
Make: Asus
Model: X540NA-C45B0T

Price:  R5 247,97 (VAT inclusive)

The laptops are enabled with Microsoft 365 software and a step-by-step manual to help you with the personal configuration once you receive the device. 


What are the payment options?
The student must agree to the payment terms as defined by the UFS. 
The payment options are as follows: 

A. Final-year students (students who will be completing their qualifications in 2021): 

► Option 1:  Two payments – one in May 2021 and a second payment in October 2021
► Option 2:  Six payments – from May 2021 to October 2021
► Option 3: Once-off cash payment

B. New and other returning students with bursaries

► Option 1: Two payments – one in May 2021 and a second payment in October 2021 
► Option 2:  Equal payments until November 2021
► Option 3: Once-off cash payment


C. New and other returning students without bursaries (with the exclusion of final-year students)

► Option 1: Three payments – one in May 2021, a second payment in October 2021, and a final payment in March 2022 
► Option 2:  Twelve equal payments – from May 2021 to April 2022
► Option 3: Once-off cash payment
How will I receive the laptop?
 
Students will have the option of collecting a laptop from the Bloemfontein or Qwaqwa Campuses, or to collect it from a courier. We will communicate the logistics of this individually to students. 

Students who opt for courier services will be charged an additional cost of R162,71. 


When can I order a laptop?

Applications are currently open. 

To apply for a laptop, click HERE and make sure that the digital form is fully completed before submitting it via the SUBMIT button.  

Enquiries: 

Enquiries about technical support regarding the issuing of the laptops, delivery, and courier services can be directed to:  Studentdesk@ufs.ac.za | +27 51 401 2000.
 

News Archive

Young Communication student publishes second book
2014-09-03

Most people get to 90 and never publish a book. Some people at 19 have not even read a book.
But 19-year-old BA Communication student at Kovsies, Grace Nthebe, has already published two books, only in this year...

Grace writes poetry and her first book is called Reflections by Grace.

“It is a personal book and it was only by the grace of God that I could do this reflection,” says Grace.

“Reflections take a look at four aspects of myself:

- Me as a beginner in my life;
- Being a believer of love;
- Looking at critical conditions in life;
- And then finally, taking a look at myself as an African woman.”

Grace became fascinated with poetry in Grade 10. She developed as a poet more and more when she was in Grade 11 and started relying on her writing as a means to express the unexpressed.

“A friend of mine took a look at my writing and asked why I don’t have it published?”

“That was not easy, but I covered everything smoothly and took my time with it.”

More recently, Grace’s second book called Tribute to Love was also published.

“This is more of a motivational book,” she says.

“Young women often have to pretend to be ‘okay’ when going through tough times like a break-up. In Tribute to Love I go through ten basic steps to recover fully after a break-up.”

“A lot of times recovery starts with forgiveness and if you have social support, it eventually ends with learning to let go and being willing to love again. Relationships and break-ups are often phases every person goes through, but it is important to go through it in the right way…”

Grace’s books are self published by Quick Fox and available online at amazon.com

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