Professor Corlia Janse van Vuuren joins Kayla Barker to talk about that as well as what you need to apply. The closing date for applications to study medicine at the University of the Free State is 31 May 2025. 

Choosing where to study Health Sciences is a life-changing decision – one that determines not just where you'll earn your qualification, but also how you’ll experience your training and how prepared you'll be to step confidently into the healthcare world. At the University of the Free State (UFS), the Faculty of Health Sciences stands out as a leader in shaping capable, confident, and compassionate healthcare professionals.

Why choose UFS?

At UFS, quality education is paired with personal attention. Unlike larger institutions, our smaller class sizes allow for tailored support, helping students thrive both academically and practically. Our graduates are not only equipped with in-depth clinical and practical skills – they are known to be job-ready and highly sought after in the healthcare sector.

Learning at UFS is a dynamic, three-dimensional experience. Theoretical knowledge is brought to life through hands-on training in cutting-edge simulation and skills laboratories. From the earliest stages of study, students gain practical exposure – progressing from simulation to real-world clinical placements in a diverse range of healthcare settings. This seamless transition ensures that our students graduate ready to work across the full spectrum of the healthcare environment.

Convenience is another key advantage. The proximity of the faculty, the main campus, and clinical placement sites creates an immersive academic experience – no long commutes between lectures, labs, and hospitals. It’s a truly connected learning environment.

Important application updates

If you're applying for 2026, take note of some important changes and tips:

• No more NBTs: UFS no longer considers National Benchmark Test (NBT) results in its selection process. Research has shown that top-performing students already demonstrate strong results through their final matric marks, making NBTs an unnecessary financial burden.
• Selection Criteria: Applicants are evaluated on academic performance in relevant subjects, overall AP (Admission Point) scores, and achievements in leadership, sport, and culture – ensuring a well-rounded student body.
• Health Questionnaire Now Online: The health questionnaire, previously submitted separately, is now part of the UFS online application form. Additional medical info will only be requested if needed.
• Don’t Skip the Value-Add Form: The Value-Add Form signed by your school principal is critical. It’s used to allocate extra points during selection. Forget to upload it, and you could miss out on valuable selection points.

Programmes on offer – and their deadlines

The Faculty of Health Sciences offers a comprehensive range of programmes, including:

• Medicine
• Radiation Sciences
• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Dietetics
• Optometry
• Biokinetics and Sport Coaching

Please note: All these are selection programmes, and late applications cannot be accepted.

• The first closing date – for programmes like Medicine, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy – is 31 May.
• The closing date for Nursing and several other programmes is 31 July.

Be sure to double-check the closing date for your chosen programme on the UFS website – and don’t delay your application.

Join the next generation of healthcare professionals

Applications for 2026 are open now, and we can’t wait to welcome the next cohort of compassionate, curious, and committed students to Kovsies. Whether you're dreaming of making a difference in surgery, rehabilitation, public health, or sports performance – your journey starts here.

Visit www.ufs.ac.za to apply today. The future of healthcare needs you.