Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Closed
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2027
- Application Closes
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Eligibility Requirements
- In Grade 12 in the year you enter
- Planning to study full-time at UFS in 2027
- Entry form completed in full, with principal's signature and school stamp
- Certified Grade 11 final exam results, plus March and June 2026 results
- Clear postcard-size colour school photo in uniform (no computer prints or ID photos)
- Supporting documentation for any cultural, sport, or leadership achievements claimed
Documents Needed
- Completed entry form, signed and stamped by your principal
- Certified Grade 11 final exam results
- Certified March 2026 exam results
- Certified June 2026 exam results
- Postcard-size (100mm x 150mm) colour school photo in uniform, physical and digital
- Supporting certificates or letters for cultural, sport, or leadership achievements
About UFS Matriculant of the Year Competition
The UFS Matriculant of the Year Competition is a talent and achievement competition run by the University of the Free State for Grade 12 learners who commit to studying full-time at UFS in 2027. Rather than judging applicants on academic results alone, the competition recognises well-rounded achievement across academics, culture, sport, and leadership, awarding bursaries and prize money to a small group of finalists chosen from national entries.
Unlike most bursaries and scholarships on this site, this is structured as a competition with a live final round in Bloemfontein - semifinalists and finalists are expected to attend in person, and finalists who later choose to study elsewhere have to return sponsor gifts and cover some costs, reflecting how seriously UFS treats the commitment behind the award.
Funding Details
Finalists receive bursaries from UFS Student Recruitment Services and prize money from the competition's sponsors, with the exact value announced later. Accommodation and meals are provided free of charge for finalists during the final round, though parents have to cover a few of their own meals, and no travel costs to or from Bloemfontein are paid.
Where You Can Study
This competition is exclusively for students who will study full-time at the University of the Free State in 2027. If you're chosen as one of the 25 semifinalists, you have to sign an agreement committing to studying at UFS - the competition isn't open to students considering other universities.
About University of the Free State
The University of the Free State (UFS) is a public university based in Bloemfontein, with additional campuses in Qwaqwa and on its South Campus. As one of South Africa's older universities, UFS offers a broad range of un…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
You need to be a Grade 12 learner in the year you enter, planning to study full-time at UFS in 2027. Any matric achiever can enter themselves - your school doesn't need to submit the entry on your behalf, though your principal's signature and school stamp are required to certify that the information on your entry form is correct.
Because the competition judges achievement across four categories - academics, culture, sport, and leadership - from Grade 10 to Grade 12, your entry works best if you can point to genuine achievements at regional, provincial, national, or international level, not just participation.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.
- Closes
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Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my school to enter me?
No - any matric achiever can enter themselves; it isn't a requirement that your school submits the entry.
What happens if I'm chosen as a semifinalist?
You have to sign an agreement committing to study at UFS in 2027 - one of the 25 semifinalists chosen from all entries.
What if I change my mind about studying at UFS?
If you're one of the 14 top finalists and later decide to study elsewhere, you have to return all corporate gifts from sponsors and may be held liable for some costs.
What documents do I need to submit?
Certified Grade 11 final results, March and June 2026 results, a postcard-size school photo in uniform, and any supporting certificates for cultural, sport, or leadership achievements.
What if my June results aren't available by the closing date?
Submit your entry without them before 31 July 2026, then email your June results as soon as they're available - they still need to arrive by 31 July 2026 or your entry is disqualified.
Is a CV accepted as part of my entry?
No - only the official entry form and supporting certificates or letters are accepted, no CVs in any format.
How do I submit my entry?
Email it to Linda Greyling at greylinl@ufs.ac.za or hand-deliver it to UFS Student Recruitment Services in Bloemfontein, then phone to confirm it arrived - registered post isn't accepted.
When is the final round?
From Monday 5 October at 8:30 to Wednesday morning, 7 October 2026, and finalists must be present the entire time.
