UFS Bursary: Star of Stars Competition South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE UFS STAR OF STARS BURSARY COMPETITION COVER?

The University of the Free State (UFS) is inviting students to apply for the Star of Stars Competition, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded to students residing within the Free State province, for studies at University of the Free State (UFS) in 2027, in ANY field of study.

Students will be evaluated and selected based on 3 main categories: academic performance, leadership achievements, and community involvement. Recipients will receive prize money, personal development, and exposure.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the UFS Bursary: Star of Stars Competition.

** RELATED BURSARIES **

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE UFS STAR OF STARS BURSARY COMPETITION?

The Top 20 finalists will be announced by 30 September 2026 and the prizes will be delivered
to the eligible candidates at their respective schools. These finalists must achieve a minimum AP score of 35 in their Matric final results.

The Star of stars winners (Top 10) will be announced soon after the Matric final exam 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 Star of Stars induction camp weekend in February/ March 2027.

Finalists will receive personal development support, academic advice, and mentorship to help them thrive in university and beyond. Winners will receive prize money and continuous mentorship throughout their university journey.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE UFS STAR OF STARS BURSARY COMPETITION?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

  • You must be currently in Matric, in the 2026 academic year
  • You must have a strong academic record
  • You must be residing within the Free State province, in one of these 5 districts: Motheo, Lejweleputswa, Xhariep, Thabo Mofutsanyane and Fezile Dabi
  • You must be attending school in the Free State at a Quintile 1, 2 or 3 school (Dinaledi school, township school or rural school) (quintile 1, 2 and 3 have been declared no-fee schools)
  • You must have applied to studying at the University of the Free State, for the 2027 academic year, before the competition closing date (read how to apply to study at UFS)
  • You must be an achiever in academics and leadership, and/or involved in community projects
  • You must aspire to inspire others
  • You must read and agree to all the T&C’s of the competition (on the application form)

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE UFS STAR OF STARS BURSARY COMPETITION?

Download and complete the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition Application Form 2026 (.pdf)

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition.

Applications must be submitted in one of the following ways:

  • Post: Star of Stars, Student Recruitment Services, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300. (Attention: Teli Mothabeng)
  • Hand delivery: Student Recruitment Services, Wekkie Saayman Building, c/o Rector and Graduandi Avenue, UFS Campus, Bloemfontein.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE UFS STAR OF STARS BURSARY COMPETITION?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Grade 11 final results (certified copy)
  • Matric March results (certified copy)
  • Matric June results (certified copy)
  • Grade 11 and Matric achievements (letters/ certificates or other documentary proof of provincial and national achievements – distinguish between your achievements in Grade 11 and Matric)
  • Motivational letter explaining why you deserve to be chosen for the bursary competition (approximately 500 words) (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for a bursary application)

Note: the application form must be stamped and signed by your school principal to confirm that all information on the application form is correct.
 

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE UFS STAR OF STARS BURSARY COMPETITION?

31 August 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the University of the Free State (UFS) directly:

  • Contact person: Teli Mothabeng
  • Email: mothabengti@ufs.ac.za / info@ufs.ac.za
  • Tel: 051 501 3757 / 051 401 3000 

Please do NOT contact the UFS if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

WHAT DOES UFS DO?

The University of the Free State (UFS) first opened in 1904 as a tertiary section of Grey College, then in 1950 its name was changed to the University of the Orange Free State when it was declared an independent Afrikaans-language university, it wasn’t until 2001 that the name changed to the University of the Free State.

Today, UFS has 3 campuses: South Campus located in Bloemfontein, Main Campus or Bloemfontein Campus located in Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campus in the Free State. The University has 9 faculties which offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, including: Business School Faculty, Economic and Management Sciences Faculty, Education Faculty, Health Sciences Faculty, Humanities Faculty, Law Faculty, Natural & Agricultural Sciences Faculty, Open Distance Learning Faculty and Theology & Religion Faculty.

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This bursary listing was last updated in June 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.