UFS Invites Top Grade 12 Learners to Apply for the 2027 Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition
The University of the Free State (UFS), in partnership with Novus Media, has officially opened applications for the 2027 Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition.
The prestigious competition recognises exceptional Grade 12 learners who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in academics, sport, culture, or leadership. For more than four decades, the competition has rewarded talented learners with bursaries, prizes, and the opportunity to pursue their studies at one of South Africa’s leading universities.
If you are currently in Grade 12 during 2026 and plan to study at UFS in 2027, this competition could help fund your tertiary education while celebrating your achievements.
Applications close on 1 August 2026.
Competition Overview
| Competition Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | UFS Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition |
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Institution | University of the Free State (UFS) |
| Partner | Novus Media |
| Opportunity Type | Bursary Competition |
| Eligible Applicants | Grade 12 Learners (2026) |
| Study Destination | University of the Free State |
| Closing Date | 1 August 2026 |
About the University of the Free State (UFS)
The University of the Free State (UFS) is one of South Africa’s leading public universities, offering internationally recognised qualifications across a wide range of disciplines.
Located in Bloemfontein, the university is committed to academic excellence, research, leadership development, and student success. Through initiatives such as the Matriculant of the Year Competition, UFS encourages outstanding young South Africans to pursue higher education while rewarding excellence beyond the classroom.
About the Matriculant of the Year Competition
The UFS Matriculant of the Year Competition is designed to recognise learners who excel not only academically but also through leadership, sporting achievements, cultural participation, and community involvement.
The competition has been running for more than 40 years and has become one of the university’s flagship student recognition initiatives.
Successful participants may receive bursaries, prizes, and other opportunities to support their university studies.
Fields of Study Covered
The competition is not limited to a specific qualification or faculty.
Successful applicants may pursue full-time studies at the University of the Free State in 2027, subject to meeting the admission requirements for their chosen programme.
Selection Process
The competition consists of several stages.
Stage 1
Applications are reviewed by the judging panel.
From all entries, 25 semi-finalists will be selected and assessed using a points-based evaluation system.
Stage 2
The judges will select 14 finalists.
Finalists will attend interviews with a panel of judges during October 2026.
Stage 3
One learner will be crowned the UFS Matriculant of the Year during a prestigious gala event.
The winner will be selected based on:
- Academic achievement
- Leadership qualities
- Personal accomplishments
- Overall contribution and character
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be currently completing Grade 12 (Matric) during 2026.
- Be a high-achieving learner.
- Intend to study full-time at UFS in 2027.
- Demonstrate excellence in at least one of the following:
- Academics
- Sport
- Culture
- Leadership
- Attend a:
- Quintile 1–5 public school,
- Private school, or
- Be home-schooled.
- Agree to the competition’s terms and conditions.
Applicants who do not meet all the minimum requirements may not be considered.
Benefits of the Competition
Successful participants may receive:
- University bursaries.
- Academic recognition.
- Valuable prizes.
- Networking opportunities.
- National recognition.
- Opportunity to study at the University of the Free State.
- Personal and leadership development opportunities.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form.
- Recent passport/postcard-size photograph wearing school uniform.
- Certified copy of Grade 11 final results.
- Certified copies of Grade 12 March and June examination results.
- Application form signed by the school principal.
- Official school stamp on the application form.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Skills and Qualities Recognised
The competition celebrates learners who demonstrate:
- Academic Excellence
- Leadership
- Community Involvement
- Sporting Achievement
- Cultural Participation
- Communication Skills
- Personal Growth
- Commitment
- Discipline
- Positive Character
Application Tips
To improve your application:
- Complete every section of the application form carefully.
- Obtain your principal’s signature before submission.
- Ensure your school stamp is included.
- Attach certified academic results.
- Submit a clear photograph in school uniform.
- Apply before the closing date.
Where to Apply
Applicants must first download and complete the official Matriculant of the Year Competition Entry Form.
Applications may be submitted in one of the following ways:
Email Application
Send your completed application to:
Email: greylinl@ufs.ac.za
Subject Line:
Attention: Linda Greyling – Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition
Hand Delivery
Deliver applications to:
UFS Student Recruitment
Wekkie Saayman Building
Corner of Rector and Graduandi Avenue
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein
Attention: Linda Greyling
Closing Date
Applications close on 1 August 2026.
Late or incomplete applications are unlikely to be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply?
Learners currently completing Grade 12 during 2026.
2. Which fields of study are covered?
The competition supports students intending to study full-time at UFS in 2027. It is not limited to specific faculties.
3. What achievements are considered?
Applicants should demonstrate excellence in:
- Academics
- Sport
- Culture
- Leadership
4. Can private school learners apply?
Yes. Learners from public schools, private schools, and home-school environments may apply.
5. How are finalists selected?
The judges select 25 semi-finalists, followed by 14 finalists who attend interviews before the overall winner is chosen.
6. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Photograph
- Grade 11 results
- Grade 12 March and June results
- Principal’s signature
- School stamp
7. When is the closing date?
Applications close on 1 August 2026.
Editorial Policy
This article has been independently prepared using information published by the University of the Free State (UFS) regarding the 2027 Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by UFS or Novus Media. Applicants should verify all competition requirements, submission procedures, and eligibility criteria through the official University of the Free State before applying.
Sources and References
- University of the Free State (UFS) – Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition 2027
- Novus Media
- University of the Free State Student Recruitment
- Department of Basic Education (DBE)
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET
