The University of the Free State (UFS) has reached an agreement with student representatives to postpone the implementation of its new debt policy for two years.
The policy, which initially faced backlash, would have barred students with outstanding fees from registering provisionally. Following negotiations, the university confirmed that students with debt will still be allowed to register in 2026, giving them more time before the new rule takes effect.
The decision comes after students at the QwaQwa campus staged protests last week in response to the university’s announcement that the policy would be implemented immediately.
According to the agreement, the institution will only enforce the policy from 2027, allowing for continued engagement between management and student leadership.
While staff have begun returning to the Bloemfontein and South campuses, the QwaQwa campus remains closed as investigations into property damage and an arson incident continue.
University spokesperson Lacea Loader said academic staff would return in phases based on programme requirements, with faculty deans overseeing and communicating the process to students.
In the meantime, students will continue their studies through online learning.
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