Graduation is the highlight on the university calendar, and even though we are not together for this prestigious event, the University of the Free State (UFS) would like to acknowledge and commemorate our graduates’ prestigious accomplishments.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense disruption in many aspects of our lives, both in South Africa and abroad. Higher education institutions throughout the world were not exempt from the effects of the deadly virus. In South Africa in particular, most institutions were forced to suspend academic programmes and quickly found themselves transitioning academic activities from the classroom to online learning platforms. This has subsequently impacted the presentation of graduation ceremonies throughout the sector.

Given the prevailing situation induced by COVID-19 and the uncertainties associated with the pandemic, the UFS will convene virtual graduation ceremonies from 6 to 9 October 2020 as an alternative to the traditional ceremonies. The ceremonies will be broadcast at 10:00 on each of these days.

During these four days, a total of 6 497 qualifications will be conferred upon students across the university’s three campuses in the faculties of Economic and Management Sciences (1 113); Education (1 618); Health Sciences (305); the Humanities (1 103); Law (719); Natural and Agricultural Sciences (1 520); and Theology and Religion (119).

Qualifications will be awarded in the form of higher and advanced certificates; national professional, advanced, and postgraduate diplomas; bachelor’s degrees; postgraduate certificates; bachelor honours degrees; and master’s and doctoral degrees.

The UFS is looking forward to honouring our graduates at the virtual graduation ceremonies and would like them to virtually celebrate their milestones and successes with loved ones. The university invites all graduates to join us in celebrating the virtual graduations. See information below for details on how to join in the celebration.

All the best to the 2020 graduands, we virtually celebrate your milestones and success with you and your loved ones.

Information on graduation attire  |  Broadcast schedule of graduation ceremonies

Enquiries: studentadmin@ufs.ac.za | +27 51 401 9666