BLOEMFONTEIN – A significant agreement has been reached pertaining the immediate implementation of the phasing out of provisional registration for the 2026 academic year at the University of the Free State (UFS). The university confirmed this significant step in a statement issued today – Thursday, 16 October.
This was the culmination of a meeting involving the university’s executive committee (Exco), Institutional Representative Council (ISRC), and Campus Student Representative Councils (CSRCs) of the three campuses: the Bloemfontein Campus, the Qwaqwa Campus, and the South Campus.
The parties met yesterday – Wednesday, 15 October – to resolve the impasse which triggered violent protests. This resulted in major disruptions of academic programmes and the temporary closure of the campuses. Multi-disciplinary law enforcement agents, private-public security, and members of the police were deployed for safety.
Yesterday’s meeting was held considering the decision made by the UFS Council on 26 September to phase out provisional registration. Students demanded that the university’s committee revise its decision on immediate implementation of provisional registration for the 2026 academic year.
In terms of the agreement, the phasing out of provisional registration has been restructured to occur over a period of two years. This means that from 1 January 2028, all students will be on a fully registered system.
“In a spirit of working towards a fairer, more equitable, and sustainable financial support system for all academically deserving students, the university management and the student leadership agreed that provisional registration will be phased out over a period of two years. This phased approach allows the university time to assess the risks students are facing with a view to assisting students.
“In recognition of the challenges students face, the outcomes of the meeting reflect the university’s ongoing commitment, and it ensures that all students are supported within a financially sustainable framework. It also reaffirms the university’s commitment to expanding access through enhanced financial support while sustaining the UFS as a national asset for future generations,” said Lacea Loader, senior director: communication and marketing at the UFS.
She said the committee remains committed to ongoing engagement with student leadership through open dialogue that reflects the university’s values.
“The university Exco appreciates the constructive approach taken by the student leadership and remains dedicated to working collaboratively in the best interest of all students and the broader university community.”
Lacea Loader
A memorandum of agreement was signed after parties agreed to the following terms:
• Phase out provisional registration over a period of two years.
• Staggered concession of R70 000 in year one and R600 000 in year two. Thereafter, full implementation of a fair, equitable, and sustainable support system will take place.
