UFS is a top-performing institute with a track record that puts it on the South African educational map.
It has been here for years and has seen tens of people graduate from the institution, ready to get into the South African workforce or create jobs for themselves and employment for others.
The application window is fast closing for many institutions in South Africa, and applicants who might be interested in UFS might be asking the question is UFS still open for 2025 applications?
Get the answer to that question and more when you read our article on UFS Higher Certificate Courses.
This article will also talk about the requirements you must meet to be able to get into UFS and so much more.
Table of contents
- About The University of The FreeState (UFS)
- What you need to know about UFS Higher Certificate Courses
- Is UFS open for Higher Certificate courses for 2025?
- UFS Higher Certificate Courses Now Open for 2025
- Higher Certificate courses offered by the University of the Free State
- What are the UFS Higher Certificate Courses 2025 Requirements?
- Does NSFAS Fund a Higher Certificate at UFS?
- How to Apply for UFS
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
- Read Also
About The University of The FreeState (UFS)
As one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in South Africa, the University of the Free State (UFS) has a long and illustrious history. When it first started as the Grey University College in Bloemfontein in 1904, it had six humanities students.
With two diverse campuses in Bloemfontein and one in Qwaqwa in the picturesque Eastern Free State, it is now a multi-campus institution that can accommodate nearly 40,000 students across its seven faculties.
It also has a growing number of international students and associates, as well as an expanding range of active involvement and contribution to its surrounding communities.
The UFS has produced high-calibre alumni who have left their mark in a variety of fields for the past 120 years. The institution’s comprehensive student assistance programs are what make it unique and have helped it attain some of the greatest success rates in the nation.
One of the key priorities is to keep producing students who are in high demand in the global labor market. A well-established network of industry partners, close collaboration with the public and commercial sectors, and an ongoing process of curriculum renewal and reform facilitate the production of highly employable graduates.
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What you need to know about UFS Higher Certificate Courses
The Higher Certificate programs offered by the University of the Free State are designed to give students the fundamental information and abilities they need to pursue higher education or entry-level work.
A valid National Senior Certificate or an equivalent credential with the required subject combinations and accomplishment levels is one of the prerequisites.
Their Admission Point score, which must be at least 18, measures a student’s overall academic performance. To guarantee they can interact with the course material, applicants must also possess at least a level 3 (40%) proficiency in the language of instruction.
Certain disciplines or greater proficiency in particular subjects may be prerequisites for some programs. For specific information on each, it is preferable to visit the UFS website or get in touch with their admissions office.
Is UFS open for Higher Certificate courses for 2025?
Applications for the Higher Certificate study programs offered by the University of the Free State (UFS) for the 2025 academic year are currently being accepted. These programs are intended to assist students who do not currently fulfil the prerequisites for admission to UFS’s bachelor’s degree programs.
UFS Higher Certificate Courses Now Open for 2025
Below are some of the courses that would be available as a higher certificate course in UFS IN 2025. These courses cover various disciplines and can be accessed by anyone willing to fulfil the requirements.
Advanced Diploma in Management and Economics in Commerce
Study Route:
Points of Admission (AP): 18
Level 3 (40%) proficiency in English is required.
Requirement for Mathematics: Level 2 (30%)
Option for Administration Route Study:
Points of Admission (AP): 18
Level 3 (40%) proficiency in English is required.
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Advanced Humanities Certificate
Combinations of Communication Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology are available as program options:
Psychology and Communication Science
Sociology and Communication Science
Sociology and Psychology
Anthropology and Communication Science
General Requirements for Admission:
Modules for Every Higher Certificate
Mainstream University Modules for the Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences (Commerce Route):
- Overview of Human Resource Management
- Overview of Individual Disparities
- Skills for General Management
Modules for Business Functions Development
- Capabilities and Abilities for Continuous Education
- Course on General English Literacy
- Literacy in Mathematics
- Points of Admission (AP): 18
- Level 3 (40%) proficiency in English is required.
Advanced Diploma in Management and Economics (Administration Path)
Core University Courses
Overview of Human Resource Management
Overview of Individual Disparities
Skills for General Management
Theories of Public Administration and Management
Modules for Development
Capabilities and Abilities for Continuous Education
English General Language Course Mathematical Literacy Advanced Humanities Certificate Core University Modules:
Psychology and Communication Studies
Sociology and Communication Studies
Sociology and Psychology
Anthropology and Communication Studies
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Higher Certificate courses offered by the University of the Free State
Below is a list of the higher certificate courses offered by the University of the Freestate – UFS.
- Higher Certificate in Music Performance
- Higher Certificate in Theology
- Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences (Commerce route study option)
- Higher Certificate in Humanities: Communication Science and Sociology
- Higher Certificate in Humanities: Psychology and Sociology
- Higher Certificate in Humanities: Communication Science and Anthropology
- Higher Certificate in Humanities: Political Science and Psychology
- Higher Certificate in Humanities: Political Science and Sociology
What are the UFS Higher Certificate Courses 2025 Requirements?
Candidates who are interested in UFS higher certificate courses must acquaint themselves with UFS higher certificate courses requirements and fulfil the following prerequisites to be admitted to the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Higher Certificate programs for 2025:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) or comparable: Candidates must possess a valid NSC or an equivalent credential that meets the requirements for the Higher Certificate program in terms of subject combinations and accomplishment levels.
18 is the minimum Admission Point (AP) score that applicants must get. - Language proficiency: at least a 3 (40%) in the language of teaching, which is typically Afrikaans or English.
- Certain program requirements: Additional criteria, such as specific topics or success levels in particular subjects, may apply to some Higher Certificate programs.
Does NSFAS Fund a Higher Certificate at UFS?
Yes, UFS’s Higher Certificate programs are funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). For qualified South African students, NSFAS offers financial aid to help with tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs of higher education. T
However, to get NSFAS financing for a UFS Higher Certificate, students need to:
Fulfill Academic and Financial Requirements: Students must exhibit both financial need and academic promise. Typically, this entails possessing a current National Senior Certificate (NSC) or a comparable credential.
Apply During the Allotted Times: NSFAS grant applications must be made during the official application windows, which are released once a year.
Provide Necessary Documentation: Candidates must submit a certified copy of their identification, proof of income, and academic records, among other documentation.
For many students, NSFAS support is essential because it lowers college costs, allowing them to pursue Higher Certificate programs and advance their academic and career objectives. Prospective students can visit the NSFAS website or contact the UFS financial aid office for more specific information.
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How to Apply for UFS
Please check our Admissions Requirements page for comprehensive details on the minimal APS requirements for each program. Before applying, we advise all potential students to carefully read over these prerequisites.
- Before applying, please meet the minimal entrance requirements by consulting the 2025 Undergraduate Prospectus by clicking HERE.
- An outside service provider will validate the South African ID information.
- You agree to this verification process before continuing.
- Each potential student must fill out the online application.
- After submitting and processing your online application, you will be assigned a student number, and a reference number.
- Getting a student number, a reference number does not mean that the University of the Free State has accepted you yet.
- Applications will be handled using the most recent results when applicants rewrite Grade 12 courses.
- Your application must include your combined results if you have taken Grade 12 more than once.
- Apply online by clicking HERE or emailing applications@usaf.ac.za.
UFS Application Details
- By choosing “National Senior Certificate” from the Results Detail page of the online application process, candidates writing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) through the IEB or SACAI examining organizations can apply online.
- Candidates taking the Cambridge International Examination can apply online by choosing “Cambridge” from the Results Details page of the online application process.
- Candidates who are enrolled in Grade 12 are asked to submit copies of their final Grade 11 or Grade 12 June reports that have been stamped by the school.
- When applying, applicants transferring from another university or postsecondary institution must disclose their prior coursework and attach a copy of their official transcript and academic record, along with their degree or diploma certificate (if applicable) and certificate of conduct.
- The University of the Free State does not accept the General Education Development (GED) exam for admission to any undergraduate program.
- Candidates who have earned their GED are recommended to enrol in and finish a grade 12 NSC, IEB, SACAI, or its international equivalent to pursue an undergraduate degree.
- The South African Universities Examination Board (USAF) must accredit candidates who did not finish the /NSC/IEB.
- For conditional exemption, foreign conditional exemption, or mature age conditional exemption, apply online by clicking HERE or emailing applications@usaf.ac.za.
How to Apply for UFS Postgraduate Programs
All postgraduate programs are selection programs. To view the 2025 Postgraduate Prospectus, click HERE.
- An external service provider will validate the South African ID information. You agree to this verification process before continuing.
- In certain cases, students pursuing honours, master’s, and doctoral degrees must pre-register or apply directly to the department.
- Please see the relevant faculty and departmental details to find out if you need to pre-register or apply immediately.
- For more details, go to the websites of the faculty and the relevant department.
- Each potential student must fill out the online application.
- After submitting and processing your online application, you will be assigned a student number, and a reference number.
UFS Postgraduate Application Details
- Getting a student number, also known as a reference number, does not mean that the University of the Free State has accepted you yet.
- When your application is reviewed by the appropriate faculty, admission is a different procedure.
- Please check the relevant faculty/department website to verify any further evidence that could be needed, such as the departmental application form, CV, motivation, reports, dissertation/thesis proposal, etc., before submitting your online application and uploading/emailing documents.
- For more details, go to the websites of the faculty and the relevant department.
- All postgraduate applicants, including those transferring from another university or tertiary institution, must upload their official transcripts and full academic records, as well as their certificates of conduct and degrees.
- If you have an international or foreign degree, you must also upload your SAQA certificate.
- Undergraduate degrees are categorized as advanced diplomas. However, because of the prior research required, it is handled (administratively) as a postgraduate qualification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they do
application form filled out and signed (per directions). certified English-language copies of pertinent academic records, transcripts, and data. a certified passport copy. USAf/SAQA certification.
Application form filled out and signed (per directions). certified English-language copies of pertinent academic records, transcripts, and data. a certified passport copy. USAf/SAQA certification.
To be registered at the UFS, you must possess a valid, adequate, and accurate visa. According to the South African Immigration Act, you must be a member of a medical assistance program that is registered by the Medical Schemes Act 1998 of South Africa
Conclusion
UFS higher certificate courses offer are tailored to help students reach their desired goals.
UFS remains a top-performing institution with some of the most flexible courses along with a payment plan that makes room for your financial capability.
So if you are ready to kick-start your application process, ensure you meet all the requirements listed in the prospectus.
References
- Study at UFS – https://www.ufs.ac.za
- UFS Higher Certificate Courses for 2025 – schoolhive.co.za