University of the Free State invites Free State Matric learners to apply for the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition 2027.
Bursary Competition Application Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Bursary Competition Location: Free State, South Africa
UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition South Africa 2027
The University of the Free State is inviting learners to apply for the Star of Stars Competition for the 2027 academic year.
The competition is open to learners residing in the Free State province who plan to study at the University of the Free State in 2027.
Bursaries will be awarded for studies in any field of study offered at UFS.
Fields of Study Covered
The UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition covers any field of study at the University of the Free State.
Learners must have applied to study at UFS for the 2027 academic year before the competition closing date.
What the Competition Offers
Selected learners will receive prize money, personal development support and exposure.
Finalists will also receive academic advice and mentorship to help them prepare for university life.
Winners will receive continued mentorship throughout their university journey.
Selection Criteria
Learners will be evaluated based on three main categories:
Academic performance.
Leadership achievements.
Community involvement.
Applicants should be strong achievers who show leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
Selection Process
The Top 20 finalists will be announced by 30 September 2026.
Prizes will be delivered to eligible candidates at their respective schools.
The Top 20 finalists must achieve a minimum AP score of 35 in their Matric final results.
The Star of Stars winners, also known as the Top 10, will be announced after the Matric final examination results are released in January 2027.
The Top 10 winners will be taken on an all-expenses-paid trip in 2027 to a Star of Stars induction camp weekend at a private game reserve.
The Top 10 winners must attend the induction camp weekend in February or March 2027.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be currently in Matric in the 2026 academic year.
Applicants must have a strong academic record.
Applicants must reside within the Free State province.
Applicants must live in one of the following Free State districts:
Motheo.
Lejweleputswa.
Xhariep.
Thabo Mofutsanyane.
Fezile Dabi.
Applicants must attend a school in the Free State at a Quintile 1, 2 or 3 school.
This includes Dinaledi schools, township schools or rural schools.
Applicants must have applied to study at the University of the Free State for the 2027 academic year before the competition closing date.
Applicants must be achievers in academics and leadership, and/or must be involved in community projects.
Applicants must aspire to inspire others.
Applicants must read and agree to the competition terms and conditions on the application form.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with the completed application form:
Certified copy of ID document.
Certified copy of Grade 11 final results.
Certified copy of Matric March results.
Certified copy of Matric June results.
Proof of Grade 11 and Matric achievements, such as letters, certificates or other documentary proof of provincial and national achievements.
Motivational letter of approximately 500 words explaining why the learner deserves to be chosen for the bursary competition.
Applicants must distinguish between their Grade 11 and Matric achievements when submitting proof of achievements.
Important Application Note
The application form must be stamped and signed by the learner’s school principal.
The principal’s stamp and signature confirm that all information on the application form is correct.
Incomplete applications or applications missing required documents may be disqualified.
How to apply
Click here to apply for UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition South Africa 2027.
Applicants must download and complete the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition Application Form 2026.
Applications must be submitted using one of the following methods:
Post:
Star of Stars
Student Recruitment Services
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein
9300
Attention: Teli Mothabeng
Hand Delivery:
Student Recruitment Services
Wekkie Saayman Building
Corner of Rector and Graduandi Avenue
UFS Campus
Bloemfontein
Enquiries
For enquiries related to the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition, applicants may contact the University of the Free State.
Contact Person: Teli Mothabeng
Email: mothabengti@ufs.ac.za / info@ufs.ac.za
Tel: 051 501 3757 / 051 401 3000
About the University of the Free State
The University of the Free State first opened in 1904 as a tertiary section of Grey College.
In 1950, it became the University of the Orange Free State after being declared an independent Afrikaans-language university.
In 2001, the institution’s name changed to the University of the Free State.
Today, UFS has three campuses: the South Campus in Bloemfontein, the Main Campus in Bloemfontein and the Qwaqwa Campus in the Free State.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications through its faculties.
Closing Date
The closing date for the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition South Africa 2027 is 31 August 2026.
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Learners are encouraged to apply before the closing date to ensure that their applications are considered.
Final Thoughts
The UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition South Africa 2027 is a valuable opportunity for high-achieving Matric learners from the Free State.
Learners from Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools who show strong academic performance, leadership and community involvement should apply before 31 August 2026.