University of the Free State (UFS) Accommodation / Residence
ACCOMMODATION
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).
A variety of accommodation options are offered by the university, i.e. on-campus and off-campus accommodation situated in the surrounding residential areas. On-campus accommodation is not guaranteed when an applicant is accepted as a student. The application form for campus accommodation is attached to the application form for admission. Please ensure that the form is completed correctly to avoid delays.
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.