"The UFS has accommodated the EFF in the face of the ruling party abusing its power," Shivambu said at the party's national people's assembly at the institution's Bloemfontein campus.
"UFS is a courageous university and with a strong courageous leadership... They are not scared of anyone and non-partisan."
Shivambu said the EFF was denied access to the Vaal University of Technology where it had wanted to host its conference, after booking and paying for the venue.
"They think they won't allow us to exist and made an about-turn after receiving a call from [Higher Education Minister] Blade Nzimande."
The party's 2 600 delegates are expected to elect their top six leaders at the event.