UFS residence application 2024 – UFS accommodation application 2024
What are my options?
A variety of accommodation options exist, both on the campuses and in the residential areas surrounding the university. Accommodation is not guaranteed when an applicant is accepted as a student.
On-campus Residences
The UFS has only single-sex residences which cater for senior and junior students in single or double rooms, with shared bathrooms. Senior students may also qualify for on-campus apartments. Rooms in residences are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, and curtains and are equipped with central heating and Internet access. Residences for women have access control.
Off-campus Accommodation
Off-campus accommodation could take the form of an apartment or house shared by a group of students, full board with a famil,y or a garden cottage. Students living off campus are divided into so-called city residences to afford them the same opportunities to become involved in sport and cultural activities on campus. https://www.ufs.ac.za/residences/housing-and-residence-affairs/off-campus-accommodation/conditionally-accredited-service-providers provides wonderful resources regarding UFS-accredited off-campus accommodation.
What are the costs?
The cost of accommodation is as follows:
- Junior residences range from R2 000 to R3 000 per month (excluding meals);
- Senior residence ranges from R2 360 to R3 620 per month (excluding meals);
- Kovsie Inn ranges from R3 600 – R4 800 (including breakfast).
For more information, please consult the UFS website and navigate as follows:
- In your browser, enter www.ufs.ac.za
- Click on the Students tab
- Click on Residences
- Select Female or Male residences
- Complete applicable form and submit
LIVING ON CAMPUS
On-campus accommodation is difficult to come by unless students reserve rooms. Single-sex residences cater for senior and junior students and offer single or double rooms with shared bathrooms, or apartments (senior students only). Rooms in residences are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, curtains, and linen. All residences have access control. The cost of accommodation in a campus residence varies between R1 800 and R3 180 per month (excluding meals). Visit https://www.ufs.ac.za/residences for more information.
Some residences have communal kitchens, although students could also make use of two dining halls offering three meals per day on a meal account payment system, or a variety of cafeterias.
ADVANTAGES OF LIVING ON CAMPUS
- No travel expenses: You do not need a car or have to commute by bus or taxi to campus.
- You do not have to buy furniture.
- There are always other people around, so you can interact with different students.
- You are within walking distance of shopping malls.
An annual international administration levy is payable by all international students. This fee is additional to the annual registration fee payable by all students at the UFS; it is non-refundable and expires at 31 December of each year.
International students from SADC countries pay the same tuition fees as South African students. However, students from non-SADC countries will pay 50% more per module on their tuition fees.
All international students (those who are not South African citizens or who do not have permanent residence status in South Africa) are required to pay the full tuition fee for the academic year prior to registration.
International students will not be registered for programmes if fees are not paid in full (or have evidence of sponsorship). Accommodation fees in UFS residences are also payable prior to registration.
Payment dates
- January: first payment – the fee must reflect in the student’s account five (5) days prior to registration
- 31 March: second payment – pay all first-semester fees
- 30 June: third and final payment – settle tuition-fees account in full
The required fees must be paid into and reflect in the student’s account at least five (5) work days prior to registration. A student’s registration will only become official once all the required fees have been paid, courses and personal particulars for the year at the UFS have been confirmed, and an official invoice/proof of registration has been issued.
Undergraduate student fees vary according to subjects enrolled for in a given year, while postgraduate students pay a set fee.
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Does University of the Free State have student accommodation?
What is an off campus residence?
Do you need to find somewhere to live at UFS?
It can be a bit challenging to find accommodation as a UFS student, since things may work quite differently here than in your home country. You don’t have to worry! You can count on us for assistance.
UFS can help you access a range of long and short term housing opportunities to suit different budgets. Some of your options include private rentals, student hostels, residential colleges, student apartments, and homestays.
UFS’s accommodation website is a good place to access all sorts of information about accomodation options. This is your next stop when you’ve finished reading this page!
You will be able to:
- Explore different housing options
- Find long term accommodation
- Browse our rental database
- and more!
How to apply for residence at UFS University of the Free State
If you’re interested in applying for residence at the University of the Free State (UFS), you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Check if you’re eligible: Before you start your application, make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for UFS’s residences. Typically, applicants need to be registered students with the university, and they must have paid their fees in full.
- Choose a residence: UFS offers several residence options, including apartments, flats, and single and double rooms. Check the UFS website for a list of residences and their locations, as well as their amenities and costs.
- Apply online: Once you’ve chosen a residence, you can apply online by visiting the UFS website and selecting “Residences” from the main menu. Follow the prompts to complete your application and submit any required documents, such as proof of registration and payment.
- Wait for a response: After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for a response from UFS. Depending on the availability of space in your preferred residence, you may be offered a place immediately, or you may be placed on a waiting list.
- Accept the offer: If you’re offered a place in a UFS residence, you’ll need to accept the offer and pay any required fees or deposits. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before accepting the offer.
- Move in: Once you’ve accepted the offer and paid any fees, you’ll be able to move into your UFS residence. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of your residence, and enjoy your new home!
University of the Free State UFS Accommodation – See Details Below:
Student Hostels
- your own fully furnished single, lockable bedroom
- shared kitchens, recreation areas, bathrooms and laundry
- electricity, gas and water consumption are normally included in the rent; internet access may be included
- some student hostels offer short term stays, subject to availability
- close to public transport
- bonds equivalent to two weeks’ rent usually apply; advance rent is normally limited to one week
Here is more information about Rooming House regulations.
This student accommodation map will help you locate the student hostels.
Alexandra Lodge (formerly Bradford Lodge)
Close to the City. Wheelchair access for some rooms. Short term rates available. Watson Street, Rose Park
Elm Tree Lodge
Ensuite bathrooms in all rooms. Short term rates available. Gladstone Street, Fullarton
Gosse International Student Residence
Wireless internet available. Bed linen included. Short term rates available. Highgate Street, Fullarton
Highgate Lodge
Wheelchair access for some rooms. Short term rates available. Cheltenham Street, Highgate
Semaphore House
Mostly self-contained units with a bathroom and kitchen. Walk to the beach. Short term rates available. Semaphore Road, Semaphore
Shared LivingSA
Managed, furnished share-houses in various locations. Utilities, internet, and gardener included.
Student Rooms
Managed, furnished share-houses in various locations, including at Paradise (serviced by the free UniSA bus to Magill and Mawson Lakes). Most utilities, internet, cleaner, and gardener included.
Torrens Valley International Residence
Open to local and international students. Close to major shopping centers and O-Bahn to City. Direct bus to Magill. Bed linen included. Wheelchair access for some rooms. Short term rates available. Smart Road, Modbury
UNIShare
Choose from two locations: Mawson Lakes and Pooraka for easy access to Mawson Lakes or City.
Useful services and resources
UniSafe Security Escort
UniSA Campus Connector Bus Service
Public transport
Google maps
NSFAS accredited accommodation for Unisa students
Your NSFAS application will not be considered if you
- received NSFAS funding in 2022*.
- have already completed an undergraduate degree or diploma.
- are not a South African citizen.
- need funding for a Short Learning Certificate or Programme or a postgraduate qualification.
*Students who have completed a higher certificate and will be starting a degree/diploma qualification in 2023 must re-apply for NSFAS funding.
2023 registration
Please visit the Unisa registration website for the registration dates: www.unisa.ac.za/register
- Returning NSFAS students who were funded in 2022 but have not yet completed their qualification: Please ensure that you are temporarily registered during Unisa’s registration period while waiting for NSFAS funding confirmation for the 2023 academic year.
- Returning NSFAS students who received funding in 2022, have been declined for funding in 2023 but have appealed the decision: Please pay the minimum registration fee while you wait for the NSFAS appeal decision, if you chose to do so.
- First-time NSFAS applicants: Please ensure that you are temporarily registered during Unisa’s registration period while waiting for NSFAS funding confirmation. If your NSFAS application is declined or delayed by the time the registration period closes, you will be expected to find alternative funding before your registration will be activated.
If your NSFAS application is provisionally approved, you do not need to pay the minimum registration fee. Your registration will be automatically activated based on NSFAS funding confirmation received by Unisa.
2023 appeals
Appeals for new and continuing students will be open from 20 January 2023 to 20 February 2023.
All students are required to appeal directly to NSFAS via the myNSFAS portal.
Visit www.nsfas.org.za for appeal supporting documents.
Refunds
- All NSFAS-funded students who pay the minimum registration amount to activate their registration will be refunded.
- A refund will only be processed once NSFAS has confirmed successful processing of registration data to Unisa.
- An application for a refund is not necessary.
NSFAS bursaries (Funza Lushaka, Department of Military Veterans, and Department of Justice [TRC])
- Students funded under these bursaries must renew their funding with their funders during their applicable application dates.
- Students are encouraged to visit their funders’ webpages for application dates.
Funza Lushaka: www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.zaDepartment of Military Veterans (DMV): www.dmv.gov.za
Department of Justice (TRC): www.justice.gov.za
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