The University of Fort Hare (UFH), established in 1916, stands as one of South Africa’s most prestigious and historically significant higher education institutions. Located in the Eastern Cape province, with campuses in Alice and Bhisho, UFH has earned recognition as a leading academic institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.
UFH serves approximately 10,000 students across five faculties: Education, Law, Management & Commerce, Science & Agriculture, and Social Sciences & Humanities. The university maintains strong international partnerships, creating pathways for global learning experiences.
The 2026 application window typically opens in April and closes in November. The university recommends submitting applications early to maximize programme selection.
Standard application processing takes two to three weeks. Applicants receive email notifications at each stage.
Postgraduate deadlines may differ by faculty. NSFAS applications typically run September to November and must be completed independently through the NSFAS portal.
Undergraduate fees range from R26,000 to R50,000 annually, with specialized programmes up to R80,000 per year.
Online applications are free of charge. Manual applications cost R120 for South Africans and R500 for international applicants.
Payment to Standard Bank, Alice Branch (Code: 050119), Account Number: 282101357. Use student ID or passport number as reference. Flexible payment plans available.
Applicants must possess a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s pass and meet the required Admission Point Score (APS) for their chosen programme.
International applicants must have qualifications verified through SAQA and demonstrate English proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS.
Mature applicants (over 23) may apply through the mature entry programme. Postgraduate admission requires a relevant bachelor’s degree with minimum specified grades.
UFH is fully registered with NSFAS. Students from households earning below the NSFAS threshold qualify for full tuition coverage plus monthly living allowances. Apply at www.nsfas.org.za during the August-November window.
Beyond NSFAS, UFH offers institutional bursaries, merit-based scholarships, and faculty-specific funding for priority disciplines. The Financial Aid Office provides comprehensive guidance on all available funding options.
Students are encouraged to apply early and submit all required documentation including proof of household income and admission letter.
Alice Campus: The main campus located in Alice, Eastern Cape. Houses most faculties, the main library, student residences, sports facilities, and administrative offices. This historic campus is the heart of UFH.
Bhisho Campus: Located in the Eastern Cape capital, Bhisho. Offers selected programmes and provides additional capacity for growing student numbers. Both campuses are accessible by public transport.
Apply through the official online portal at www.ufh.ac.za. Create an account, complete the form, select programme preferences, and upload supporting documents.
In-person assistance is available at Alice and Bhisho campuses during business hours.
Applications are typically processed within two to three weeks. Track your status through the online portal.
Official Website: www.ufh.ac.za
Banking Details: Standard Bank, Alice Branch, Code: 050119, Account: 282101357
Alice Campus: University of Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape
Bhisho Campus: University of Fort Hare, Bhisho, Eastern Cape
Visit either campus during business hours for tours and admissions support.
UFH offers an extensive range of undergraduate, honours, and postgraduate programmes across five faculties. The Faculty of Education provides teacher training qualifications. The Faculty of Law offers the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
The Faculty of Management & Commerce delivers programmes in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, and International Business. The Faculty of Science & Agriculture offers qualifications in Physics, Geology, Mathematics, Computer Sciences, and Agribusiness Management.
The Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities provides programmes in Languages, Literature, Communication, Psychology, Sociology, and Development Studies. All programmes are recognized nationally and internationally.