How to Apply to the University of Fort Hare for 2027
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Want to study at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) in 2027? Then it's time to act: UFH's 2027 undergraduate applications close on 31 October 2026, and so do NSFAS applications.
Fort Hare is one of South Africa's most historic universities, with campuses in Alice, East London and Bhisho in the Eastern Cape. In this guide, we explain what you need to qualify, which documents to prepare, how to apply online step by step and how to fund your studies.
UFH 2027 applications at a glance
Applications opened: 1 May 2026
Undergraduate closing date: 31 October 2026
Honours and Master's closing date: 31 October 2026
PhD closing date: 31 March 2027
Application fee: R120 (non-refundable)
How to apply: online, through UFH's Apply page
Campuses: Alice, East London and Bhisho
Last updated: 23 October 2026. All dates and requirements were checked against the University of Fort Hare's official website.
UFH 2027 Key Dates and Fee
What | Date |
|---|---|
Applications opened | 1 May 2026 |
Undergraduate applications close | 31 October 2026 |
Honours and Master's applications close | 31 October 2026 |
NSFAS 2027 applications close | 31 October 2026 |
PhD applications close | 31 March 2027 |
Source: UFH undergraduate applications
The application fee is R120, and it's non-refundable. You pay it online through PayGate before you start your application, and you'll upload the proof of payment as one of your documents.
Do NSFAS at the same time. NSFAS applications close on the same day as UFH's, and they won't reopen in January 2027.
Before You Apply: Check That You Qualify
UFH's minimum requirements for a bachelor's degree
English (Home Language or First Additional Language) at level 4 (50%+)
Four subjects at level 4 or higher, plus one more subject at level 2 (30%+)
Life Orientation at level 4 or higher
An APS of at least 26, depending on the programme
Faculties can set higher requirements for specific programmes.
How UFH counts Life Orientation: unlike many universities, UFH includes Life Orientation in your APS, but it's capped at level 4. So even if you get 90% for LO, it only adds 4 points. UFH has an APS calculator on its Admission page to help you work out your score.
Minimum APS for popular UFH programmes (2027)
Subject requirements are NSC levels: level 3 = 40%+, level 4 = 50%+, level 5 = 60%+.
Programme | Minimum APS | Key subject requirements |
|---|---|---|
BA Extended | 26 | English 4; another language 4 |
BAdmin | 26 with Maths, or 28 with Maths Lit | English 4; Maths 2 or Maths Lit 4 |
BA | 27 | English 4; another language 4 |
Bachelor of Social Work | 27 | English 4; another language 4 |
BCom Extended | 27 | English 4; Maths 3 |
BCom | 28 | English 4; Maths 4 |
BCom Accounting Extended | 28 | English 4; Maths 4 |
BEd Foundation Phase | 28 with Maths, or 29 with Maths Lit | English 4; Maths 4 or Maths Lit 5; isiXhosa or Afrikaans 4 |
BSc | 28 | English 4; Maths 4; Physical Sciences 4 |
BSc Agriculture | 28 | English 4; Maths 4; Physical Sciences 4 |
Bachelor of Nursing | 28 with Maths, or 29 with Maths Lit | English 4; Physical Sciences 4; Life Sciences 4 |
LLB | 30 | English 4; Maths 3 or Maths Lit 4 |
BCom Accounting | 32 | English 5; Maths 5 |
Source: UFH Undergraduate Study Guide 2027. Check the guide for the full requirements of each programme.
Missing the APS by a little? UFH's extended programmes (such as BA Extended, BCom Extended and BSc Extended) have slightly lower requirements and take one extra year. They aren't open to international applicants.
Selection is based on merit, so meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee a place.
Know your campus. UFH has three campuses: Alice (the main campus), East London and Bhisho. Your programme decides where you study, so check the study guide.
Documents You Need to Apply to UFH
UFH asks you to upload each document as a separate PDF. You'll need a valid email address and access to a scanner (a scanner app on your phone works too). Have these ready:
Proof of payment of the R120 application fee
A certified copy of your ID
A certified copy of your National Senior Certificate, or your certified Grade 12 mid-year (June) results if you're in matric now
A signed guardian consent form if you're under 18 (you can download it from UFH's undergraduate application page)
Proof of your residential address, if you're applying for university accommodation
How to Apply to UFH Online: Step by Step
Check that you qualify. Use the APS calculator and the minimum requirements on UFH's Admission page, and the 2027 study guide for your programme's requirements.
Make sure you have a valid email address. UFH uses it to contact you, so use one you check every day.
Pay the R120 application fee. Pay online through PayGate and save your proof of payment.
Scan your documents. Save each one as a separate PDF.
Start your online application. Go to UFH's undergraduate application page and click through to the online application portal.
Create your account and fill in your details. Enter your personal and academic details, and choose your programme.
Upload your documents and submit. Check that every document is attached before you submit.
Applying with your June results? That's fine. Your admission may be conditional until UFH receives your final matric results.
Need help? Contact the UFH Admissions Office at admissions@ufh.ac.za, or call the Alice campus on 040 602 2281 or the East London campus on 043 704 7266.
What Happens After You Apply
Check your status regularly. Log in to the UFH online application portal to see updates on your application. If something is missing, or you have trouble with the portal, contact the Admissions Office.
Final admission depends on your final results. If you applied with your June results, UFH may give you a conditional offer that depends on your final National Senior Certificate results.
Residence: according to UFH's First Year Experience FAQ, UFH residence applications are handled through the NSFAS accommodation portal, not directly through UFH. You'll need to have submitted your UFH application first. Space is limited, so apply as early as you can. For residence questions, email lmvuyiswa@ufh.ac.za.
How to Fund Your UFH Studies
NSFAS
If your household earns R350,000 or less a year (R600,000 for persons with disabilities), you may qualify for an NSFAS bursary covering tuition, accommodation and allowances. NSFAS also offers loans to undergraduate students from households earning between R350,000 and R600,000. Applications for 2027 close on 31 October 2026, so apply at my.nsfas.org.za now. Our guide on how to apply for NSFAS walks you through it, and our guide to NSFAS application status meanings explains what happens after you apply.
Studying teaching? UFH notes that the Funza Lushaka Bursary is only for Bachelor of Education students. Read our guide to the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027.
Fund your UFH studies with Fundi
If NSFAS or a bursary doesn't cover everything, or you don't qualify, Fundi can help. You can apply for a Fundi study loan to cover tuition, accommodation and other study costs, and use the Fundi loan calculator to see what your monthly repayments would look like. Need a laptop for varsity? The Fundi Shop lets you finance one alongside your other study costs.
Fundi is a registered credit provider [NCR registration number]. Credit is subject to an affordability assessment. T&Cs apply. Loan applicants must be 18 or older, so if you're under 18, speak to a parent or guardian about applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do University of Fort Hare applications for 2027 close?
Undergraduate, Honours and Master's applications close on 31 October 2026. PhD applications close on 31 March 2027.
How much is the UFH application fee?
R120, paid online through PayGate. It's non-refundable.
Does UFH count Life Orientation in the APS?
Yes, but it's capped at level 4, so Life Orientation adds a maximum of 4 points to your APS.
What is the minimum APS for UFH?
Most bachelor's degrees need an APS of at least 26, and some programmes need more. For example, the LLB needs 30 and the BCom Accounting needs 32.
Can I apply to UFH with my June results?
Yes. If you're in matric, you can apply with your certified Grade 12 mid-year results, and your final admission will depend on your final results.
How do I apply for residence at UFH?
According to UFH, residence applications go through the NSFAS accommodation portal after you've submitted your UFH application.
Where are UFH's campuses?
UFH has three campuses in the Eastern Cape: Alice, East London and Bhisho.
Apply to Fort Hare Before 31 October
Applying to the University of Fort Hare for 2027 comes down to a few steps: check your APS and programme requirements, pay the R120 fee, scan your documents as PDFs and complete your online application. Then apply for NSFAS on the same day. Both close on 31 October 2026.
Good luck with your application! For more application guides, bursary updates and study tips, keep checking FundiConnect.
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The FundiConnect Editorial Team researches, writes, and maintains comprehensive guides on South African higher education, bursaries, NSFAS funding, and career development. Our content is verified against official institutional sources, DHET publications, and direct admissions office communications to ensure accuracy for students navigating their post-school journey.
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