Applications to study at the University of Fort Hare for the 2026 academic year are now open. So if you have been considering at the university, now is the perfect time to submit your application.
The University has three campuses including the Alice Campus, Bhisho Campus and East London Campus. Its six faculties include the following:
- Management & Commerce
- Health Sciences
- Education
- Social Sciences & Humanities
- Science & Agriculture
- Nelson R. Mandela School of Law
From its flagship Bachelor of Education degrees to specialised diplomas in Biological Science and postgraduate research in Political Science and Public Health, Fort Hare’s academic portfolio is designed to address regional and global challenges.
Campuses in Alice, East London, and Bhisho provide a mix of in-person and distance-learning options, ensuring accessibility for students across South Africa.
With an enrollment of approximately 11,000 students, Fort Hare maintains a close-knit campus atmosphere that balances rigorous scholarship with vibrant student life.
On the Alice campus, historic sandstone buildings sit alongside modern lecture halls and research centres, while student residences and partnerships with local communities foster an immersive learning environment. Sports, cultural societies, and community-engagement projects enrich campus life and prepare graduates for leadership roles beyond academia.
Fort Hare has earned international recognition for its research output in fields such as Environmental Science, Biology, and Development Studies. The university’s National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) and its Centre for African Studies exemplify Fort Hare’s dedication to scholarship that impacts policy and society throughout the continent.
How To Apply to UFH
Before starting with your application it is important to ensure that you have a valid e-mail as well as access to a scanner. Applications can be submitted manually or online on the University of Fort Hare website.
Apply Online
Online applications can be submitted by using the university’s application tool. Click here to apply online.
Manual applications can be done by completing an application form and submitting it to the university’s offices at the Alice or East London campuses.
It is also worth noting that while there is no charge for online applications, a non-refundable application fee of R120 will be charged for manual applications. The application fee is R500 for international students.
The closing date for undergraduate applications for 2026 is the 31st October 2025.
For more detailed information on the tuition fees, applications and courses offered by each of these colleges, you can visit our Where To Study directory.
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