UNIVERSITY OF THE ORANGE FREE STATE

The University of the Free State is situated in the heart of the central region of South Africa. The UFS, a multicultural, parallel-medium (English and Afrikaans) institution, was established in Bloemfontein, capital of the Free State Province, in 1904. On the main campus in Bloemfontein, our students number close to 16 000, while almost 3 000 use other means of study such as the Internet and distance education. The Qwaqwa Campus in the Eastern Free State, which was incorporated in January 2003, has approximately 1 500 students.
Our six faculties offer a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The University is an important centre for research and has close ties with a number of universities on the continent as well as around the world.
The UFS is recognised as a leader in the transformation process in South African higher education - a view endorsed by former President Nelson Mandela, who has lauded our University for its transformation and language policies.
By keeping pace with the changing times, we remain true to our vision:
To be an excellent, equitable and innovative university.
Vision
To be an excellent, equitable and innovative university.
Mission
The pursuit of scholarship as embodied in the creation, integration, application and transmission of knowledge by promoting the following within the ambit of financial sustainability:
* An academic culture
* Critical scientific reflection
* Relevant scientific education
* Pure and applied research
* Community service
* Development of the total student as part of its academic culture
Values
* Academic freedom and autonomy
* Excellence
* Fairness
* Service
* Integrity
Our motto:
In Deo Sapientiae Lux
In God is the Light of Wisdom
The International Office isa) responsible for international and inter-institutional liaison andb) provides a range of services to foreign students.
Staff:
Mrs A.J.A. (Jeanne) NiemannInternational and inter-institutional liaison
The International Office:
* Facilitates and manages international, inter-institutional agreements
* Liaises with the international offices of other tertiary institutions in South Africa as well as internationally
* Assists with negotiations concerning inter-institutional agreements
* Meets with visiting academics
* Streamlines the administration of international students
Services offered to foreign students
The International Office is the first port of call for international students
* We provide assistance to international students in settling in
* We assist students with visas and study permits
* We assist in the administration of budgets for sponsored students
* The International Office is the contact point for all international students regarding non-academic issues
* We assist exchange students
* The Office communicates with the various foreign embassies in South Africa
* We liaise with Home Affairs regarding renewal of study permits of students
Contact details:
International Office
University of the Free State
P.O. Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
South Africa
Tel: +27 51 401 3219/2501
Fax: +27 51 401 9185
niemannaja.rd@mail.uovs.ac.za
Physical Address:
Old Kovsiesport Building (Behind the tennis courts)
Room 4
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein

http://www.uovs.ac.za/index.php