Graduation is the highlight of the university calendar, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the University of the Free State (UFS) will convene virtual graduation ceremonies to acknowledge and commemorate our graduates’ prestigious accomplishments.

The pandemic has caused immense disruption in many aspects of our lives, both in South Africa and abroad. Higher education institutions throughout the world have not been exempt from the effects of the deadly virus. In South Africa in particular, most institutions were forced to suspend academic programmes and quickly transitioned academic activities from the classroom to online learning platforms. This has subsequently affected the presentation of graduation ceremonies throughout the sector.

Given the prevailing situation induced by COVID-19 and the uncertainties associated with the pandemic, the UFS will convene virtual graduation ceremonies from 6-9 October 2020 as an alternative to traditional ceremonies. The ceremonies will be broadcast at 10:00 on each of these days.

During these four days, a total of 6 497 qualifications will be conferred upon students across the university’s three campuses in the faculties of Economic and Management Sciences (1 113); Education (1618); Health Sciences (305); the Humanities (1 103); Law (719); Natural and Agricultural Sciences (1 520); and Theology and Religion (119).

Qualifications will be awarded in the form of higher and advanced certificates; national professional, advanced, and postgraduate diplomas; bachelor’s degrees; postgraduate certificates; bachelor’s honours degrees; and master’s and doctoral degrees.

The UFS is looking forward to honouring our graduates at the virtual ceremonies and would like them to virtually celebrate their milestones and successes with loved ones. The university invites all graduates to join us in celebrating the virtual graduations.

All the best to the graduands of 2020. We virtually celebrate your milestones and success with you and your loved ones.