The University of the Free State (UFS), in collaboration with Media24, invites top-performing Grade 12 learners (class of 2025) to enter the Matriculant of the Year Competition 2026, offering bursaries, prizes, and an opportunity to study at UFS. If you excel in academics, sports, culture or leadership and plan to start at UFS in 2026, don’t miss this chance!

About the Bursary Provider

UFS, established in 1904, is a leading South African institution with campuses in Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa. Together with Media24—the print and digital media arm of Naspers—the competition promotes well-rounded excellence in academic and extracurricular fields.

Fields Covered

This competition supports full-time undergraduate study at UFS across all faculties, including Business, Education, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Natural Sciences, Theology, and Distance Learning.

Expenses Covered

The bursary awards vary but may include:

  • Full or partial tuition
  • Registration fees
  • Textbook allowances
  • Opportunity for additional prizes and recognition

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be in Grade 12 in 2025
  • Plan to study full‑time at UFS in 2026
  • Excel in at least one of: academics, sport, culture, or leadership
  • Attend a Quintile 1–5 public school, private school, or be home‑schooled
  • Agree to terms and conditions on the entry form

How to Apply

Download the “ Matriculant of the Year Entry Form 2026” PDF from UFS’s website. Complete it, have it signed and stamped by your school principal, and include:

  • Postcard-sized photo (in school uniform)
  • Certified Grade 11 final results
  • Certified March and June Matric results

Submit the form and attachments by email to greylinl@ufs.ac.za (subject line: “Matriculant of the Year Competition”) or hand-deliver to UFS Student Recruitment, Wekkie Saayman Building, Bloemfontein.

Be sure to: Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about the bursary.

Closing Date

1 August 2025. No late submissions will be accepted.

Selection Process

Twenty-five semi-finalists are chosen based on achievements; fourteen finalists are invited for interviews in October 2025. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner hosted by UFS.

Contact the Bursary Competition

University of the Free State – Matriculant Competition
Contact: Linda Greyling
Email: greylinl@ufs.ac.za
Tel: 051 401 3384
Website: ufs.ac.za/matriculant-of-the-year-competition

1. Who can enter the competition?
Current Grade 12 learners from any Quintile 1–5 public school, private school, or home schooling in 2025, intending to study full-time at UFS in 2026 and demonstrating strong achievements in at least one area.
2. What achievements are considered?
Performance in academics, sports, culture, leadership, and personality are all considered to identify well-rounded candidates.
3. What documents do I need?
A completed and signed entry form, a school photo (postcard size in uniform), certified Grade 11 results, and certified March and June Matric results.
4. How do I submit my application?
Email your documents to greylinl@ufs.ac.za with the subject “Matriculant of the Year Competition”, or hand-deliver them to UFS recruitment in Bloemfontein.
5. When is the deadline?
1 August 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
6. What is the selection process?
25 semi-finalists are chosen via a points system, followed by interviews in October 2025 for 14 finalists; winners are then announced at a gala dinner.
7. What bursary benefits are awarded?
Awards include full or partial tuition funding at UFS, textbook allowances, and additional prizes and recognition.
8. Are all fields of study eligible?
Yes—all faculties and undergraduate programmes offered by UFS are eligible.
9. What if I’m home-schooled?
Home‑schooled learners are eligible, provided they submit a completed form and certified results.
10. Who can I contact for help?
Contact Linda Greyling at greylinl@ufs.ac.za or call 051 401 3384 for any queries.