UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition 2027: Free State Matric Learners Opportunity

The University of the Free State (UFS) is inviting Matric learners from the Free State province to apply for the Star of Stars Bursary Competition for the 2027 academic year. This competition offers an opportunity for learners to gain recognition for their academic achievements, leadership skills, and community involvement, with the potential to receive bursaries for studies at UFS.

Application Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Location: Free State, South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Prize money and mentorship
Minimum Qualification: Matric
Opportunity Type: Bursary Competition

About the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition

The UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition is designed to identify and support promising learners in the Free State who aspire to pursue higher education at the University of the Free State. It is open to learners currently in Matric who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and community engagement. The competition aims to provide selected learners with financial assistance and valuable support to help them transition to university life and succeed in their chosen fields of study.

This initiative covers any field of study offered at the University of the Free State, encouraging a wide range of academic pursuits. Applicants must have already applied to study at UFS for the 2027 academic year to be considered for this competition.

About the University of the Free State

The University of the Free State (UFS) has a rich history, beginning in 1904 as a tertiary section of Grey College. It became an independent Afrikaans-language university, the University of the Orange Free State, in 1950. In 2001, its name was changed to the University of the Free State. Today, UFS operates across three campuses: the South Campus and Main Campus in Bloemfontein, and the Qwaqwa Campus. The university offers a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications through its various faculties.

Available Bursary Opportunities

The UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition is open for any field of study at the University of the Free State. Learners who meet the eligibility criteria and have applied to UFS for 2027 are encouraged to enter.

What the Competition Offers

Successful participants in the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition can expect to receive several benefits. These include prize money, personal development support, and exposure to opportunities that can shape their future academic and career paths. Finalists will also benefit from academic advice and mentorship, preparing them for the demands of university. Winners will continue to receive mentorship throughout their university journey, ensuring ongoing support.

Programme Duration and Location

The competition itself does not have a specified duration, but it leads to support for studies in the 2027 academic year. The opportunity is specifically for learners residing within the Free State province of South Africa.

Selection Criteria

Learners will be assessed based on three primary categories: academic performance, leadership achievements, and community involvement. Applicants are expected to be strong achievers who exhibit leadership potential and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. The selection process aims to identify individuals who not only excel academically but also demonstrate the qualities of future leaders and community contributors.

Selection Process

The Top 20 finalists are scheduled to be announced by 30 September 2026. Prizes will be distributed to eligible candidates at their respective schools. To advance, the Top 20 finalists must achieve a minimum Admission Point (AP) score of 35 in their final Matric results. The ultimate Star of Stars winners, known as the Top 10, will be revealed after the Matric final examination results are released in January 2027. These Top 10 winners will be rewarded with an all-expenses-paid trip to a Star of Stars induction camp weekend in 2027, held at a private game reserve. Attendance at this induction camp, planned for February or March 2027, is mandatory for the Top 10 winners.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be currently in Matric in the 2026 academic year.
• Possess a strong academic record.
• Reside within the Free State province.
• Live in one of the following Free State districts: Motheo, Lejweleputswa, Xhariep, Thabo Mofutsanyane, or Fezile Dabi.
• Attend a Quintile 1, 2, or 3 school in the Free State, which includes Dinaledi schools, township schools, or rural schools.
• Have applied to study at the University of the Free State for the 2027 academic year before the competition’s closing date.
• Demonstrate achievements in academics and leadership, and/or be involved in community projects.
• Aspire to inspire others.
• Read and agree to the competition’s terms and conditions as outlined on the application form.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with their completed application form:

• Certified copy of their South African ID document.
• Certified copy of their Grade 11 final results.
• Certified copy of their Matric March results.
• Certified copy of their Matric June results.
• Proof of Grade 11 and Matric achievements, such as letters, certificates, or other documentary evidence of provincial and national accomplishments.
• A motivational letter of approximately 500 words explaining why the learner deserves to be selected for the bursary competition.

It is important for applicants to clearly distinguish between their Grade 11 and Matric achievements when submitting proof of accomplishments.

Important Application Note

The application form must be stamped and signed by the learner’s school principal. This official stamp and signature serve as confirmation that all information provided on the application form is accurate. Incomplete applications or those missing any of the required documents may be disqualified from the selection process.

How to Apply

Interested learners can apply for the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition South Africa 2027 by downloading and completing the official UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition Application Form 2026. Applications can be submitted via post or hand delivery.

By Post:
Star of Stars Student Recruitment Services
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein
9300
Attention: Teli Mothabeng

By Hand Delivery:
Student Recruitment Services
Wekkie Saayman Building
Corner of Rector and Graduandi Avenue
UFS Campus
Bloemfontein

Enquiries

For any questions regarding the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition, applicants may contact the University of the Free State directly.

Contact Person: Teli Mothabeng
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Telephone: 051 501 3757 / 051 401 3000

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the competition. Applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and submit all necessary documents before the closing date. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Closing Date

The closing date for the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition South Africa 2027 is 31 August 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Learners are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date to ensure they are considered.

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