Background

The University of the Free State (UFS) has a proud history as one of the oldest, most respected institutions of higher education in South Africa. It opened its doors in Bloemfontein in<span "="" 16px;"=""> 1904 as the Grey University College, with six students in the Humanities. Today it is a multi-campus institution, with two diverse campuses in Bloemfontein and one in Qwaqwa in the scenic Eastern Free State, accommodating more than 40 000 students in its seven faculties, with an increasing number of international students and associates, and an ever-widening scope of active involvement in and contribution to its surrounding communities.

For the past 118 years, the UFS has been delivering quality graduates who have made their mark in various sectors. What sets the institution apart is its holistic student support initiatives, enabling it to achieve some of the highest success rates in the country. Delivering students who are in high demand in the global job market, remains a top priority. An established network of industry partners and close collaboration with the public and private sectors, as well as a continuous process of transformation and curriculum renewal, dovetail to produce highly employable graduates.

Vision
The UFS is a research-led, student-centred and regionally-engaged university that contributes to the development and social justice through the production of globally

Our Motto
(In Truth is the Light of Wisdom)
Our vision and mission help us to ‘keep our eye on the ball’. This is where we start when we make decisions, plan our future, and evaluate what we have done.

Goals

• Improve student success and well-being
• Renew and transform the curriculum
• Increase UFS contribution to local, regional and global knowledge
• Support development and social justice through engaged scholarship
• Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of governance and support systems
• Achieve financial sustainability
• Advance an institutional culture that demonstrates the values of the UFS