The University of Fort Hare (UFH) is one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected public universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. With campuses in Alice, East London, and Bhisho, UFH provides programmes in education, law, health sciences, management, science, agriculture, and the humanities.
If you’re planning to apply for the 2027 academic year, this guide explains the University of Fort Hare admission requirements, required documents, APS requirements, application dates, and programme-specific qualifications.
General Admission Requirements
To qualify for undergraduate admission at UFH, applicants must have:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification.
- An achievement level of 4 (50–59%) or higher in English Home Language or First Additional Language.
- An achievement level of 4 (50–59%) or higher in four recognised subjects.
- An achievement level of 2 (30–39%) or higher in one recognised subject.
- An achievement level of 4 (50–59%) or higher in Life Orientation.
- A minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 26, although many programmes require a higher APS.
Faculties and Qualification Requirements
UFH offers qualifications through six academic faculties.
Faculty of Education
Popular qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase)
- Bachelor of Education (Intermediate Phase)
- Bachelor of Education (Senior Phase and FET)
Most programmes require:
- English
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (depending on the specialisation)
- Relevant teaching subjects
- APS generally ranging from 26–30, depending on the programme.
Faculty of Law
Qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Commerce in Law
Applicants generally need:
- English
- Strong academic performance
- APS typically starting at 28, depending on the qualification.
Faculty of Science and Agriculture
Programmes include:
- Agriculture
- Animal Science
- Crop Science
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Many science programmes require:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences or Life Sciences
- English
- Programme-specific APS requirements.
Faculty of Management and Commerce
Popular qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Accounting
- Economics
- Business Management
- Public Administration
- Human Resource Management
Most programmes require:
- English
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (depending on the programme)
- APS generally starting from 26.
Faculty of Health Sciences
Programmes include:
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Health-related postgraduate qualifications
Health programmes often have additional selection criteria and may require higher admission standards due to limited spaces.
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Programmes include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Studies
- History
- Languages
- Social Work
- Communication
Admission requirements vary by qualification and are listed in the official study guide.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
South African Applicants
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Grade 11 final results (if currently in Grade 12)
- Latest Grade 12 results (where applicable)
- National Senior Certificate (if completed)
- Proof of payment of the application fee
- Signed parent or guardian consent form (if under 18 years old).
International Applicants
- Certified copy of passport
- Academic transcripts and school-leaving certificate
- Evaluation by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for foreign qualifications
- Study permit (required before registration).
Application Dates for 2027
The University of Fort Hare has announced the following application timeline:
- Applications Open: 1 May 2026
- Undergraduate Applications Close: 31 October 2026
- Postgraduate Applications Close: 31 October 2026
- PhD Applications Close: 31 March 2027.
Application Fee
UFH charges a non-refundable application fee of R120 for applications submitted through the online application system.
Download the University of Fort Hare Study Guide
Before applying, prospective students should download the official 2027 study guides, which include:
- Undergraduate qualifications
- Postgraduate qualifications
- APS requirements
- Faculty admission requirements
- Programme structures
- Application procedures
- Registration information
You can access these resources through:
Tips for Prospective Students
To improve your chances of admission:
- Apply well before the closing date.
- Calculate your APS before choosing a programme.
- Check the specific subject requirements for your preferred qualification.
- Upload clear, certified supporting documents.
- Pay the application fee before submitting your application.
- Monitor your application status regularly through the UFH online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum APS required at UFH?
Most undergraduate qualifications require a minimum APS of 26, although competitive programmes may require a higher APS.
What is the application fee?
The University of Fort Hare charges a non-refundable application fee of R120.
When do applications close for 2027?
Applications for undergraduate and most postgraduate programmes close on 31 October 2026, while PhD applications close on 31 March 2027.
Final Thoughts
The University of Fort Hare offers a diverse range of qualifications across education, law, health sciences, management, science, agriculture, and the humanities. Prospective students should carefully review the admission requirements, APS scores, and subject prerequisites for their chosen programme before applying.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always consult the official UFH study guides and admissions portal before submitting your application.
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