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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

Nine Kovsie students awarded NAC bursaries
2015-02-19

The UFS is proud to announce that nine of our Drama and Theatre Arts undergraduate students have been awarded National Arts Council (NAC) bursaries for their studies in 2015.

From the left in the photograph, these students are:

• Mbuyiselo Nqodi (first year)
• Marike Jonker (second year)
• Monique de Klerk (second year)
• Aldine van der Merwe (third year)
• Kado Cloete (third year)
• Rondo Mpiti (third year)
• Magnus McPhail (third year)
• Olivia Wyngaard (third year)
• Marica Laing (second year)

This year the amount awarded for the NAC busaries is R70 000.

Since 2005, the NAC has given bursaries to the UFS for the last 10 years. The amount varies from year to year.

“The number of undergraduate students who benefit varies depending on the amount allocated each year,” said Prof Nico Luwes, Head of the Drama and Theatre Arts Department at the UFS.

“Some years, the NAC prescribes how many students will be awarded a bursary and provides a profile of gender and academic prerequisites. Other years, such as the present one, there is no prescription and the UFS was able to cater for the applications submitted, and the number of students who will benefit, within the amount awarded. Normally, it is divided between successful candidates.”

The criteria according to which NAC bursaries are awarded to students every year include academic merit and, of course, their financial situation.”

“The full information of applicants from the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts is checked by the selection committee – all permanent members of staff in the department. The names are then sent to the NAC for approval.
UFS Finances ensures further that the bursary money is paid into the student’s class fees account. During the year and at the end, I report to the NAC on the progress shown by bursary holders. This, in turn, contributes to the excellent co-operation with the NAC so that the following year’s application is then generally successful,” says Luwes.

Bursary monies cover mainly registration and class fees for some or all modules, depending on the amount awarded.

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

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