Are you a high-achieving Matriculant ready to make your mark in 2026? The University of the Free State (UFS), in collaboration with Media24, is offering an incredible opportunity for students who excel in academics, sports, culture, or leadership to take their education to new heights. The prestigious UFS & Media24 Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition provides a chance to win not only bursaries but also fantastic prizes and other unique opportunities to enhance your future.
About the Bursary Providers: UFS & Media24
University of the Free State (UFS)
The University of the Free State (UFS) is one of South Africa’s renowned institutions of higher learning. Founded in 1904 as “Grey College School,” UFS has grown to become a major educational hub in the country, serving students from diverse backgrounds. Originally named “University of the Orange Free State” in 1950, it was rebranded as the “University of the Free State” in 2001. UFS boasts a wide array of faculties, including:
- Business School
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Law
- The Humanities
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Theology and Religion
- Open Distance Learning
Today, UFS continues to be a leader in academic excellence and research, with state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on student development.
Media24
Media24 is a leading South African media company, a division of the global giant Naspers. Its portfolio spans across digital media, magazines, newspapers, e-commerce, book publishing, print, and distribution services. Media24 is at the forefront of creating engaging content for millions of South Africans, offering students incredible opportunities to connect with the media world. This partnership with UFS aims to elevate young talent through the Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition.
What is the UFS & Media24 Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition?
The UFS & Media24 Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition is a prestigious and long-standing event that has been running for over 40 years. The competition is designed for top-performing Matriculants who excel in various fields such as academics, sports, culture, or leadership. It offers an exciting opportunity for young students to win significant bursaries, scholarships, and other amazing prizes that will set them on a path to success at the University of the Free State in 2026.
Prizes and Opportunities:
- Full tuition bursary at UFS for the 2026 academic year.
- Exciting prizes to be awarded to the top candidates.
- Opportunities for career development and networking within the academic and media industries.
- A platform to be recognized for your achievements and contribution to society.
The competition is not just about academics; it recognizes well-rounded individuals who shine in various aspects of life, making it an excellent chance for those involved in extracurricular activities, community leadership, or sports.
Selection Process for the Matriculant of the Year
The selection process is a detailed and rigorous one, ensuring that only the best candidates are chosen for this esteemed recognition. The steps are as follows:
Step 1: Semi-Finalists Selection
Once the applications are reviewed, the judges will select 25 semi-finalists based on the information provided in the application forms. These semi-finalists will be assessed according to a points scale.
Step 2: Finalists Selection and Interviews
From the 25 semi-finalists, 14 finalists will be chosen to participate in interviews with a panel of esteemed judges. These interviews will take place in October 2025, and the finalists will be assessed based on their personal achievements, leadership potential, and spirited personalities.
Step 3: Announcing the Winner
The winner will be the Matriculant of the Year, chosen based on their personal achievements and how they stand out in terms of character, leadership, and academic excellence. The announcement will be made at a prestigious gala dinner, and the winner will receive the bursary and other incredible prizes.
Eligibility Requirements for the Bursary Competition
To be eligible for the UFS & Media24 Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition, you must meet the following criteria:
- Current Matric Student: You must be enrolled in Matric in 2025, with plans to study full-time at UFS in 2026.
- Top Achiever: You should be a student who excels in academics, sports, culture, or leadership, demonstrating exceptional potential.
- Diverse Schooling Backgrounds: Whether attending a Quintile 1-5 school, a private school, or being home-schooled, you are encouraged to apply.
- Certifications: You will need to provide certified copies of your Grade 11 final results and Matric March and June exam results.
- Signed Application Form: Your school principal must sign the application form, and it must be stamped with the school’s official seal.
- Agree to Terms and Conditions: Before applying, you must read and accept the terms and conditions provided in the competition guidelines.
Read more: Essential Documents for a Successful Bursary Application in 2025: Your Ultimate Checklist!
How to Apply
The application process for the Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Here’s how you can apply:
Step 1: Download and Complete the Application Form
The first step is to download the Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition Entry Form for 2026. Complete the form with all required details and ensure that it is filled out accurately.
Step 2: Submit the Supporting Documents
Along with the application form, you must submit the following compulsory documents:
- A photograph of yourself in your school uniform (postcard size).
- A certified copy of your Grade 11 final results.
- Certified copies of your Matric March and June exam results.
- Your application form must be signed by your school principal and stamped with the official school stamp.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can submit your completed application in one of the following ways:
- Email: Send your application to greylinl@ufs.ac.za with “Matriculant of the Year Competition” in the subject line.
- Hand Delivery: You can hand-deliver your application to the UFS Student Recruitment Office, located at:
- Wekkie Saayman Building
- c/o Rector and Granduandi Avenue
- UFS Campus, Bloemfontein
- Attention: Linda Greyling
Make sure you submit your application before the closing date to avoid disqualification.
Closing Date for Applications
The closing date for applications is 1 August 2025. No late applications will be accepted, so make sure to submit everything on time.
Contact Information
For any queries related to the bursary competition, you can contact the UFS directly:
- Contact Person: Linda Greyling
- Email: greylinl@ufs.ac.za
- Phone: 051 401 3384
Also check: MMEG Bursary 2026
The UFS & Media24 Matriculant of the Year Bursary Competition is an exceptional opportunity for top-performing Matriculants who are ready to embark on their university journey in 2026. Whether you are excelling in academics, sports, culture, or leadership, this competition could open doors to a world of opportunities at one of South Africa’s top universities. Apply now and take the first step toward a bright future with UFS and Media24.
