Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition Requirements and How to Apply

The Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition (EMYC) is an annual initiative hosted by the Central University of Technology (CUT) in partnership with Standard Bank South Africa (SBSA) and Central Media Group (CMG). 

The competition invites Grade 12 learners from the Free State and Northern Cape to conceptualise and present business ventures, receive mentorship, and compete for cash prizes and full study bursaries.

Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the EMYC, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Be a learner in Grade 12 for the relevant academic year (e.g., 2026).
  2. Reside within the Free State or Northern Cape provinces of South Africa.
  3. Submit a business idea or venture proposal—either as an individual or as a small group (maximum five persons).
  4. Be willing to participate in any provided training or mentorship rounds before the final judging.

What does the Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition involve?

This competition offers the following:

  1. Submission of a written business proposal (typically three pages) focusing on problem identification, target market, business model, income streams, and operations.
  2. Selected applicants will receive training on entrepreneurial and business-skills topics (e.g., financial sustainability, pitching to investors).
  3. Finalists present to a panel of judges consisting of representatives from CUT, SBSA, CMG, and the business community. Winners receive cash prizes and bursaries.
  4. Past winners have included first-place prize money of R20 000, with full bursary support for study at CUT (tuition, accommodation, books, monthly stipend) for the academic programme of their choice.

Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition Application Process

Here are the steps to apply:

  1. Visit the official CUT EMYC webpage and register your entry.
  2. Complete the online entry form (or downloadable form as provided) with personal details, school information, and business idea summary.
  3. Attach the required documentation and your business proposal as specified by the competition rules (e.g., individual or group entries, proof of qualification as a Grade 12 learner).
  4. Apply before the closing date. Selected applicants (commonly the top 50) receive training, then finalists present their business plan to judges.
  5. Winners are announced at a gala event; cash prizes and bursary awards are given.

Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition Closing Date

For the 2026 intake, the official closing date has not yet been publicly confirmed at the time of writing. 

In the 2024 cycle, the closing date was listed as 12 April 2024.

Applicants should monitor the CUT website and official communication channels for the updated 2026 deadline.

Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition Contact Details

For queries, contact CUT’s Socio-economic Development or Youth Entrepreneurship Office.

Make sure to read the competition terms and conditions carefully before applying.

FAQs

1. What is the Entrepreneurial Matriculant of the Year Competition?
This is an annual competition run by the Central University of Technology in collaboration with Standard Bank and Central Media Group for Grade 12 learners from Free State and Northern Cape, to develop and pitch business ideas and win cash prizes and study bursaries.
2. Who can enter the competition?
Learners who are in Grade 12 for the relevant year, residing in Free State or Northern Cape provinces, and able to submit a business idea either individually or in a group of up to five.
Eligible entries must include a written business proposal and meet all criteria during application.
3. What fields or types of business ideas are accepted?
There is no strict limitation on business field. The idea must identify a real problem, propose a solution, address a target market, be unique and present financial viability and operations plan.
4. What do winners receive?
Winners receive cash prizes (e.g., R20 000 for first place) and full bursaries for study at CUT, covering tuition, accommodation, books and a stipend for the duration of their programme.
5. How do I apply?
Visit the competition webpage, register your entry, fill out the form with your business idea and supporting documents, then submit before the closing date.
6. What is the closing date for applications?
For 2026 the date is not yet officially published. Past intake (2024) closed on 12 April. Applicants should check the CUT EMYC page for the updated 2026 date.
7. Can I apply as part of a group?
Yes. The competition allows group entries of up to five learners working together on a business idea.
8. Do I need to be at a particular school type?
No specific school type is required. However you must reside in the Free State or Northern Cape and be in Grade 12 at the time of the competition.
9. Is prior entrepreneurship experience required?
No. The competition provides training and support. What matters is your idea, your passion and willingness to learn.
10. How will I know if I am successful?
Shortlisted entrants will receive training and then finalists will be announced. Winners are formally announced at a gala event and details will be communicated by the organisers.

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