UFS Star of Stars
UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition 2027
Role Overview
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
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.
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.
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.
Learners will be evaluated based on three main categories:
Applicants should be strong achievers who show leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
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.
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:
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.
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with the completed application form:
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.
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.
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 StarsStudent Recruitment ServicesPO Box 339Bloemfontein9300Attention: Teli Mothabeng
Hand Delivery:Student Recruitment ServicesWekkie Saayman BuildingCorner of Rector and Graduandi AvenueUFS CampusBloemfontein
For enquiries related to the UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition, applicants may contact the University of the Free State.
Email: mothabengti@ufs.ac.za / info@ufs.ac.za
Tel: 051 501 3757 / 051 401 3000
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.
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 ensu
Key Responsibilities
As a bursary recipient, your responsibilities will include maintaining the minimum academic performance standards and attending all lectures and tutorials as required. Submitting academic progress reports to the bursary provider at specified intervals and participating in any vacation work placements or mentorship programmes is required.
Entry 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.
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from StudentRoom. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
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 StarsStudent Recruitment ServicesPO Box 339Bloemfontein9300Attention: Teli Mothabeng Hand Delivery:Student Recruitment ServicesWekkie Saayman BuildingCorner of Rector and Graduandi AvenueUFS CampusBloemfontein
Email application: mothabengti@ufs.ac.za
About UFS Star of Stars
This bursary is offered by UFS Star of Stars, based in Bloemfontein.
Why This Is Good for Starters
This bursary from UFS Star of Stars can cover your tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and sometimes even a living allowance. In South Africa, where the cost of higher education continues to rise, bursaries are a lifeline for talented students who cannot afford to study. Some bursary programmes also include vacation work placements or post-study work opportunities, giving you both education support and practical career exposure.
CV Tips for This Application
- Include your academic record — marks and subjects matter for bursary applications
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining your financial need and career aspirations
- Mention any community involvement, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities
- Include proof of financial need if the application requires it
- Apply early — bursary programmes often close well before the academic year starts
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Prepare your academic transcripts and proof of financial need
- Write a motivation letter explaining your career goals
- Submit before the closing date: 31 August 2026
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Yes, this opportunity requires a matric certificate.
Do I need experience?
This appears to be suitable for candidates with little or no experience.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this bursary paid?
Payment details are not specified. Contact the employer for more information.
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
The closing date is 31 August 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.
Similar Opportunities
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application directly on UFS Star of Stars's careers portal.
Apply on Company Site