UFS Bursary: Star of Stars Competition

Who can apply

• Be currently in Matric, in the 2026 academic year
• Have a strong academic record
• Be residing within the Free State province, in one of these 5 districts: Motheo, Lejweleputswa, Xhariep, Thabo Mofutsanyane and Fezile Dabi
• 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)
• 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)
• Be an achiever in academics and leadership, and/or involved in community projects
• Aspire to inspire others
• Read and agree to all the T&C’s of the competition (on the application form)

Documents you will need

• 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)

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   UFS Star of Stars Bursary Competition Application Form 2026

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

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around August. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]
• Email [email protected]
• Phone 051 501 3757
• Phone 051 401 3000

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About UFS Bursary: Star of Stars Competition

The University of the Free State, founded in 1904, has campuses in Bloemfontein and QwaQwa.