ABOUT THE UFS STAR OF STARS BURSARY COMPETITION

For the 2026 academic year, students from the Free State province are being invited to apply for the Star of Stars Competition by the University of the Free State (UFS).

The bursary contest will finance studies in ANY subject at UFS in 2026.

Three primary criteria will be used to evaluate and choose students: community involvement, leadership accomplishments, and academic performance. Prize money, exposure, and personal growth will be given to the recipients.

BURSARY SELECTION

By September 30, 2025, the top 20 finalists will be revealed, and qualified applicants will receive their rewards at their respective institutions. The top finalists' Matric final results must have a minimum APS score of 35.

Soon after the Grade 12 final exam results are made public in January 2026, the top 10 winners will be revealed. At an induction camp held at a private game reserve, these finalists will be admitted into the Star of Stars cohort.

To help them succeed in college and beyond, finalists will get academic guidance, mentorship, and support for their personal growth. The winners will get cash as well as ongoing guidance during their time in college.

Following the student's registration at the UFS, bursary funds will be disbursed in 2026.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Before applying, students must meet the following minimal standards:

• You must be enrolled in Matric right now for the 2025 school year.
• You must live in one of the Free State province's five districts: Xhariep, Thabo Mofutsanyana, Lejweleputswa, Motheo, and Fezile Dabi
• You must be enrolled in one of Quintile 1, 2, or 3 schools in the Free State (Dinaledi, township, or rural schools); Quintile 1, 2, and 3 schools have been designated as free schools.
• You need to have a solid academic background.
• Prior to the competition closing date, you had to have applied to study at the University of the Free State for the 2026 academic year (see how to apply to study at UFS).
• You must read and accept all of the competition's terms and conditions (included on the application form).

  if you don't meet them all, your application won't be taken into consideration

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE UFS STAR OF STARS BURSARY COMPETITION

Download and fill theApplication form 2025

Together with your filled-out application, send in clear copies of the following supporting papers:

• Identity document (certified copy)
• Final grades for grade 11 (certified copy)
• Results of the March Matric (certified copy)
• Results for Matric June (certified copy)
• Grade 11 and Matric accomplishments (notes, certificates, or other official documentation of provincial and national accomplishments; differentiate between your Grade 11 and Matric accomplishments)
• Motivational letter (around 500 words) outlining your qualifications for the bursary competition

you must provide these documents; otherwise, your application may be rejected

 Note: To ensure that all the information on the application is accurate, the principal of your school must stamp and sign it.

You can submit your application in one of the ways listed below:

   By Post:
    Star of Stars
    Attention: Director
    Student Recruitment Services
    P.O. Box 339
    Bloemfontein
    9300

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

CLOSING DAT 31 August 2025.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE BURSARY PROVIDER

Please get in touch with the University of the Free State (UFS) immediately if you have any questions about this bursary program:

Phone:051 501 3757 / 051 401 3000

Email:mothabengti@ufs.ac.za/info@ufs.ac.za

Contact person:Teli Mothabeng

For more bursaries visit: view more bursaries here