Following protest actions across its campuses, the University of the Free State (UFS) decided to move academic activities online on 9 October, shortly before closing the Qwaqwa Campus and limiting movement on the Bloemfontein and South campuses.
Academic activities are now set to resume following an agreement between the university and Student Representative Councils (SRCs) on the phasing out of provisional registration – the issue that caused the original unrest.
According to the university’s director of communications and spokesperson, Lacea Loader, academic activities resume today.
“The Executive Committee of the university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all staff and students during this time,” said Loader. “The academic calendar has been amended to ensure the successful completion of the 2025 academic year.”
To ensure completion of the current academic year, the end of the fourth quarter has been postponed, with the start of end-of-year exams moving from 3 to 10 November. This decision will reportedly apply to all students except final-year students in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
“Final-year students in the Faculty of Health Sciences will commence their year-end examinations on 3 November 2025 to enable them to graduate in December 2025 and begin their community service/internships in January 2026,” stated the spokesperson.
Students in all faculties are encouraged to consult lecturers or programme directors with any enquiries.
The reopening of the Qwaqwa Campus will be staggered. Estates staff returned to work today, with academic and professional and support service staff returning tomorrow (21 October), residence students the following day, and academic activities resuming on Thursday, 23 October.
“The university extends its appreciation to staff and students for their patience, commitment, and resilience,” concluded Loader.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
warren@mahareng.co.za
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