University of Free State

The University of the Free State (UFS) has undergone a profound transformation from a historically conservative institution into a diverse, research-led university focused on social justice and human rights. In 2026, UFS is entering a historic chapter under the leadership of Professor Hester C. Klopper, who was inaugurated in June 2025 as the 15th Vice-Chancellor and the first woman to lead the university in its 121-year history.

The university is currently executing its "Vision 130" strategy, a roadmap intended to position UFS among the top five universities in South Africa and the top 600 globally by its 130th anniversary in 2034. As of February 2026, UFS has demonstrated strong momentum, ranking 9th in Africa in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Africa Rankings and 8th in Sub-Saharan Africa in the inaugural 2026 QS regional rankings.