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22 January 2025 | Story Charlene Stanley | Photo Supplied
University of the Free State - Main Gate
The THE rankings are known to guide potential students to identify the best institutions for their chosen field of study, allowing them to compare different universities based on the strength of their academic offerings in specific study fields.

The recently published Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025 shows that the University of the Free State (UFS) is ranked among the top 1 000 global higher learning institutions in its nine evaluated subjects, with most subject areas showing improved results from those recorded in 2024. 

The annually published THE World University Rankings by Subject is a highly regarded, trusted global benchmark for academic excellence in specific disciplines. Its methodology is designed to evaluate universities by employing a range of performance indicators categorised under five core pillars, namely Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, Industry, and International Outlook. 

Under Teaching, factors such as reputation, student-to-staff ratio, doctorate-to-bachelor ratio, and institutional income are considered. The Research pillar focuses on aspects such as productivity, citation impact, and influence. Among the other considerations are the income generated from industry partnerships and patents, as well as the number of international students, staff, and co-authored publications.

The methodology is carefully adjusted for each subject, ensuring fairness and accuracy by considering field-specific research cultures and publication practices.

The complete list of UFS subject rankings is as follows:

Law: 301+  *
Arts and Humanities: 501-600 # 
Education Studies: 501-600  #
Psychology: 501-600  #
Life Sciences: 601-800  #
Social Sciences: 601-800 #
Medical and Health: 801-1 000  #

Physical Sciences: 801-1 000 #

*The “+” label indicates that there is no upper limit and is used in instances where the THE does not provide exact ranks for universities beyond this position, therefore grouping institutions together to avoid overly fine distinctions at lower ranking tiers. (Eg. 801+ indicates 801st or lower.)

# The range label (eg. 801-1000), indicates that a university is ranked somewhere within this narrower range, (eg. between 801st  and 1000th. )

For more detail, visit: www.timeshighereducation.com

The THE rankings are known to guide potential students to identify the best institutions for their chosen field of study, allowing them to compare different universities based on the strength of their academic offerings in specific study fields. It also often paves the way for research collaboration, as companies are more likely to partner with highly ranked institutions in a specific sector for research and development projects. Furthermore, strong subject rankings enhance the international reputation of universities and enable comprehensive comparison in particular disciplines.

“This type of global benchmarking is extremely valuable in enhancing the international reputation of the UFS, enabling us to ultimately recruit and attract the most talented students and staff from our region and from across the globe. This aligns with our institutional strategy contained in Vision 130, whereby we aim to grow and extend our impact and influence locally, regionally, and globally,” says Prof Anthea Rhoda, acting UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal. “Valuable knowledge and insights are also garnered during each evaluation process, allowing us to remain a globally competitive force in higher education, and to take the UFS to even greater heights in the years to come.”

Click to view document Click to view UFS Times Higher Subject Scores

News Archive

UFS registration process is proceeding well
2011-01-11

Ms Belinda Venter and her daughter, Stacey Venter, second year student in Consumer Sciences, registering online with the help of Donovan Nell, student assistant and currently a third-year student in Computer Sciences at the UFS.
- Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

The university implemented an online registrations process for senior students this year. “We are one of the first universities in the country where students can do the entire registration process online themselves. The advantage of this new turn in the registration process at the university is that students can register from the comfort of their homes or even from any place in the world,” says Prof. Niel Viljoen, Vice-Rector: Operations at the UFS.

Senior students who experienced problems during the registration programme from 1 November 2010 to 4 January 2011, have the opportunity to, within a programme, address these problems as from 5-12 January 2011. During this period UFS staff members will be available to assist students to register electronically.

However, senior students can still register online after 12 January until 28 January 2011.

The registration process of first-time entering first-year students is also proceeding well. Although a large number of applications for late registration have been received, it can be handled without difficulty.

First-year students are welcomed by Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS, on Friday, 14 January and Saturday 15 January 2011 at 09:00 in the Callie Human Centre.

From 17- 21 January 2011, first-year students will receive academic advice at the Callie Human Centre, where after they will be referred for self-registration. These processes will take place according to the scheduled timetable, which appears in the Kovsie Guide. The Kovsie Guide was sent to first-year students, and is also available on the UFS webpage (www.ufs.ac.za/register2011).

The registration process for the Qwaqwa Campus is from 17-21 January 2011 for first-time entering first-year students and from 17-28 January 2011 for senior students.

According to personnel at the registration help desk, the following problems are reported the most frequently:

  • Forgotten or expired passwords: Students are requested to contact 051 401 2442 to report this problem.
  • Outstanding registration fees, which lead to the specific student’s account being blocked: Students are requested to contact 051 401 2806 for help in this regard.
  • If information regarding module codes is required, the relevant faculty can be visited for academic advice.


Classes on the Main and Qwaqwa Campuses will start on Monday, 24 January 2011.

 

Media Release
11 January 2011
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (actg)
Tel: 051  401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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