Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

Celebrating April graduations

08 April 2024 | Story VALENTINO NDABA | Photo SUPPLIED

UFS Graduation April 2024 — The University of the Free State celebrated autumn graduation season from 12-20 April 2024.

As the autumn season unfolded, the University of the Free State (UFS) eagerly anticipated the commencement of its graduation ceremonies, a time to celebrate the academic achievements of its esteemed students. The ceremonies, scheduled from 12-20 April 2024, honoured the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2023, across the Qwaqwa and Bloemfontein campuses.

Undergraduate and postgraduate achievements

The graduating class represented a diverse array of disciplines, showcasing the university’s commitment to fostering excellence across various fields. In total, 5 442 undergraduate qualifications and 2 345 postgraduate qualifications were conferred, reflecting the dedication and perseverance of both students and faculty members.

Honouring distinguished individuals

The graduation ceremonies also recognised the contributions of distinguished individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Among them were Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and Prof Salim Abdool Karim who received honorary degrees from the UFS on 12 and 18 April 2024, respectively.

Archbishop Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town and President of the South African Council of Churches, was recognised for his outstanding contributions to theology, social justice, and education activism. Prof Karim, renowned for his groundbreaking research in AIDS and COVID-19, was honoured for his exceptional work in medical virology.

Nurturing excellence and social impact

The graduation ceremonies not only symbolised the culmination of academic journeys but also underscored the UFS Vision 130 commitment to academic excellence, societal impact, and the cultivation of future leaders. The university continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of South Africa and beyond.

As the graduating class of 2023 embarks on new endeavours, they carry with them the values instilled by their alma mater, poised to make meaningful contributions to society.

WATCH: April 2024 Graduation Ceremonies.

News Archive

Drama students awarded National Arts Council bursaries

2016-05-04

The National Arts Council (NAC) has awarded R100 000 to 10 Drama students at the University of the Free State (UFS). Eight years after its establishment in 2005, the NAC has partnered our university in funding academically-deserving students needing assistance with tuition. To date, our undergraduate students have benefitted from more than R800 000.

Prof Nico Luwes, Head of the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts, who applies to the NAC at the end of each year on behalf of students, welcomes the funds: “Quite a lot of our students would not have been able to complete their studies without assistance from the bursary scheme.”

As a result of this financial injection, South African schools also gain. “Some students then enrol for a higher education diploma, and they then teach Arts and Culture at schools. Hence, there is a whole new generation of Arts and Culture teachers who are now entering the school system,” said Prof Luwes.

Mbuyiselo Nqodi, a second-year BA Drama and Theatre Arts student, would not have been able to enrol at the university in 2015, had it not been for the NAC. “Without the bursary, I would not have been admitted into the university. It helped a lot because R10 000 can go a long way.”

Pursuing its mandate to support and develop South Africa’s arts, culture and heritage sector, the NAC awarded 117 bursaries to arts students and tertiary institutions for the year. A total of R5 million has been allocated for 2016, a 10% increase on the previous financial year.

According to the NAC Chief Executive Officer, Rosemary Mangope, one of the aims of the NAC is to provide support to students who will contribute to the arts and culture industry in a meaningful and sustainable manner.

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept