Applications from prospective first-year students received by the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, exceed the institutions’ enrolment capacity. The two institutions in Bloemfontein confirmed they received an overwhelming number of applications from those interested in furthering their studies.
Combined, the two universities accepted approximately 15 000 first-year students between them, of the respective 324 494 and 240 393 hopeful applicants for the current academic year.
The UFS confirmed receiving 240 393 first-year student applications and the placement of 8 100 at three campuses: two in Bloemfontein and the other in Qwaqwa.
The CUT confirmed receiving 324 494 applications from prospective first-years, exceeding last year’s figure of 211 186. The university said its enrolment capacity of first-year admissions was 6 283 at the two campuses, Bloemfontein and Welkom. The main campus in Bloemfontein has capacity for 4 881 students and the Welkom campus for 1 402 students.
The multitudes of unsuccessful first-year applicants are left desperate to try elsewhere.
Both universities made it clear that no provision is made for late applications and walk-ins, to ensure the smooth registration of those who qualified.
The enrolment of successful candidates officially started with online registration on Wednesday, 24 January, following a delay due to the results of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination being announced relatively late.
The 2023 matric results were announced on Thursday, 18 January, with the Free State retaining the first position.
Those accepted at the Bloemfontein CUT campus braved the searing heat for days and patiently stood in queues exceeding 100 m to register at the institution.
Seithati Semenokane, spokesperson for the CUT, said the institution was focusing on ensuring a smooth registration process until 9 February. She has strongly warned students against a post circulated on social media encouraging unsuccessful applicants to go to campus in person for the application process.
“There are no walk-ins or late applications being allowed at the institution. The post circulating is malicious; no such information was communicated by the university,” said Semenokane.
The points system served as a determining factor at both universities in selecting students who qualify for enrolment. A minimum of 27 points is required to study at the CUT, depending on the programme, while at the UFS minimum is 30 points – with some programmes requiring more than the minimum. Those accepted would also have clinched their matric year with a bachelor’s pass. This means the candidate attained a score of at least 40% for their home language, 50% (level 4) for four other high-credit subjects excluding Life Orientation, and 30% for two other subjects.
Classes at the two institutions are expected to begin on 12 February, after registration.
