Welcome to the University of the Free State (UFS)
Welcome to the UFS! It is exciting that you have chosen to study here, and we trust that you will have an academically fulfilling experience at our university.
RESEARCH-LED
UFS is a research-led, student-centred and regionally engaged university that contributes to development and social justice through the production of globally competitive graduates and knowledge.
INTERNATIONALISATION
Internationalisation is very important to our university. The UFS provides an excellent experience to international students. Dedicated support is provided by the Office for International Affairs, which serves as the first port of call for all international students at the UFS. We have developed a range of Internationalisation-at-home activities, including our Umoja Buddy Programme, which integrates local and international students.
DIVERSITY
We value the contribution of our international students to intellectual diversity at the UFS. We value the contribution that our international students make to intellectual diversity at our university, and we actively promote opportunities to engage with local students from the UFS. The intellectual cross- fertilisation between students from different backgrounds provides opportunities for the acquisition of international and intercultural competencies by all students, and results in enhanced employability of our graduates.
2021 INTERNATIONAL EVENTS AND PROJECTS
2021 International Cultural Diversity Festival
On the 17 September 2021, the Office for International Affairs hosted its annual International Cultural Diversity Festival, themed Embracing Diversity in Virtual Spaces. The celebration incorporated contributions in the form of thought pieces, melodic infusions from our very own Qwaqwa Coral Choir and South Campus Choir, poetry pieces portraying different ethnicities, and dance. As part of the activities, the office held an intellectual engagement that touched on practising cultural sensitivity; how to incorporate diversity, honour, respect, and your cultural background; social media communication with people of diverse cultures; the psychology of human behaviour and cross-cultural networking in virtual spaces; as well as how the UFS strives to embrace diversity in virtual spaces. The panel consisted of Prof Katherine Wimpenny, Dr Grey Magaiza, Ms Reabetswe Mabine, and Mrs Bulelwa Moikwatlhai. The discussion largely highlighted cultural humility, unity, honour, and respect, speaking to our heritage and pride.
2021 UFS Virtual Africa Month Welcome Message, by Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Petersen.
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS AND PROJECTS