UFH Application 2027: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for South African Students

Imagine this: you wake up one morning to an email that reads “Congratulations — you’ve been accepted to study at UFH!”. That moment becomes the bridge between your dreams and your degree. If you’re eyeing 2027, now’s the time to start thinking seriously about your application.

The University of Fort Hare has for decades been one of South Africa’s leading institutions, offering a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across faculties — from Social Sciences to Agriculture, Education to Health Sciences.

But it’s not just about breadth of courses: UFH offers a strong sense of academic quality, legacy, and community. For many students, applying to UFH is not merely about getting a degree — it’s about belonging to a legacy of academic excellence and opportunity.
Whether you want to study arts, sciences, business, or education, your journey begins with a simple but critical first step: the 2027 application form. And by the time you finish this read, you’ll know exactly why UFH deserves your full attention — and why now, more than ever, you should prepare.
(Want to see sample campus photos or programme lists? Here is a link to UFH’s programmes page here.)

What You Need to Qualify — Entry Requirements Demystified

Before you rush to fill the form, take a deep breath — there are clear entrance standards you must meet. For undergraduate programmes at UFH, applicants must hold a valid National Senior Certificate (NSC) with appropriate subject combinations and required ratings.

Specifically: you need at least a rating of 4 (50–59%) in English (either Home Language or First Additional Language). Then, you must have a rating of 4 or better in four 20-credit NSC subjects (from UFH’s designated list) and a minimum rating of 2 (30–39%) in one additional 20-credit subject. Also, Life Orientation must be rated at least 4.

These combine to give a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 26 or higher, depending on the faculty and programme you choose.

If you don’t fully meet these standards, there’s also the option of a recognition process based on prior learning (RPL), but this tends to be more specialised and evaluated case-by-case by UFH’s Teaching & Learning Centre.

Bottom line: before thinking about 2027 or filling any form, ensure you compare your results with these requirements carefully.

3. Gathering Your Documents — Building a Clean, Complete Application File

Once you know you meet the academic requirements, the next critical step is to gather the supporting documents to accompany your 2027 UFH application. UFH’s official application checklist gives a clear view of what’s expected.

Here’s what you’ll need: a certified copy of your ID (or passport if you’re an international student); a certified copy of your NSC (or, if you don’t yet have final results, your Grade 12 mid-year or June results) Fort Hare University. If you’re under 18, you must include a signed guardian consent form before your application can be considered.

You will also need proof of payment of the application fee. For the undergraduate application, UFH charges a nonrefundable fee of R120.
All documents must be prepared as separate PDF attachments when you go to submit your application online — so scan clearly, label properly, and double-check that certification/stamps are correct.

If you want to study at UFH’s residence halls or apply for bursaries (such as NSFAS or other support schemes), you may also need proof of residence or income documentation depending on the bursary requirements.

Getting these ready early ensures that when 2027 applications open, you’re ready to go — no rush, no stress, and no incomplete application that might get rejected.

4. When and How to Apply — The 2027 Gameplan

So, when exactly do you fill in the 2027 application form? While 2027-specific dates have not yet been published, UFH’s recent application cycles provide helpful clues. For the current cycle, applications opened on 12 May 2025 and closed on 31 October 2025 for undergraduate programmes.

If UFH keeps roughly the same pattern, you can expect the 2027 application window to open around May 2026 and close by late October of that year. However, it’s wise to check the official UFH website regularly for exact dates once they are announced (link to UFH’s “Apply” page for your convenience).

Here’s the typical process to apply:

1. Go to the UFH Online Application Portal and create an account.

2. Fill in your personal details, academic history, and intended programme.

3. Upload all required documents as PDF attachments.

4. Pay the application fee (R120) through the platform’s payment gateway (PayGate).

5. Submit your application before the deadline. If you apply late (when UFH allows late applications), there might be extra fees or additional acceptance conditions.

UFH allows you to apply to more than one programme if you’re undecided. If you’re an international applicant or coming with a non-South African qualification, be prepared to have your credentials evaluated — sometimes through a matriculation board or equivalent process before acceptance.

5. What Makes UFH Stand Out — Beyond the Basic Form

Now that you know the nuts and bolts — academic criteria, documents, process — let’s talk about what makes applying to UFH truly appealing.

First: Flexibility and Inclusivity. UFH doesn’t just admit star-performers — through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, mature students or those with non-standard qualifications may still be considered for admission under certain conditions.

Second: Wide Range of Programmes. Whether you’re inclined toward arts, humanities, sciences, agriculture, social sciences, commerce, or education, UFH offers courses across multiple faculties — giving you flexibility and room to shape your future.

Third: Support for Students. UFH’s application process doesn’t just end at acceptance. They guide you through orientation, registration, bursary/financial aid opportunities (e.g. NSFAS), and residence applications.

Finally — and maybe most importantly — Opportunity for Growth and Impact. Studying at UFH doesn’t just mean getting a degree; it means joining a community that values academic integrity and empowerment. For many, it’s a transformative experience that shapes their career, worldview, and life path.

As you plan for 2027, remember: the application form is just the first step — but it could lead to the most impactful years of your life.

✨ Final Thoughts — Take Action Now

If you’re serious about starting your journey with UFH in 2027, don’t wait. Begin preparing your documents now: gather certified academic results, scan your ID, compile any other credentials, and make sure you have a valid email address. Keep an eye on UFH’s official website for the 2027 application opening date, and bookmark the application portal link.

Your future is a decision away — filling that form could change your life.
👇 Drop a comment if you want help calculating your APS, checking if your high-school results qualify, or need links to UFH’s application portal. We’re happy to help you get it right.