Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship Requirements, Application and Closing Dates
The Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship is a highly prestigious and comprehensive scholarship programme.
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It was established in partnership with Columba Leadership and the University of the Free State (UFS).
The scholarship honours the legacy of Ida Manana Siyila, a woman from Bloemfontein who showed exceptional determination and community spirit.
The scholarship is funded by an international donor and is designed to support academically strong young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
It rewards students who have demonstrated strong character and leadership skills, particularly those involved in the Columba Leadership programme.
The scholarship is awarded to students who are accepted to study towards a degree at the University of the Free State (UFS).
The scholarship is very limited, usually awarding only one or very few students per year.
It provides full financial coverage for the duration of the undergraduate qualification.
Eligibility requirements for the Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship
Based on the latest available information, the scholarship is targeted at a very specific group of students.
These criteria may be subject to minor annual changes, but the core focus remains constant.
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be a female learner from a previously disadvantaged background.
- You must have matriculated (completed Grade 12) from a school within the Free State Province in the year prior to the scholarship application (e.g., 2026 for the 2026 intake).
- You must have been accepted to study towards a Bachelor’s degree qualification at the University of the Free State (UFS).
- You must have achieved a very strong academic record. This includes obtaining a Bachelor’s level pass in your Matric results.
- You must have an UFS Admission Point (AP-score) of at least 36 or higher.
- Your family’s combined annual income must be below a specific threshold (e.g., less than R600,000 in previous cycles). Students eligible for NSFAS funding are generally not considered.
- You must provide evidence of community service or leadership during your school career.
- Preference is given to students who have participated in the Columba Leadership programme.
Application process for the Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship
The application is administered by the University of the Free State (UFS) Student Financial Aid office in partnership with Columba Leadership.
The process involves multiple steps to assess both academic merit and character.
- Obtain the Application Form: Download the official scholarship application form from the UFS Student Financial Aid website or the Columba Leadership website when the window opens.
- Complete the Form: Fill in all sections of the form accurately, preferably typing the information in soft copy.
- Write a Personal Statement: You must write a detailed personal statement of no more than three pages. This statement must address your educational achievements, leadership experiences, core values, and chosen field of study.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect certified copies of your South African ID document and your final Matric results or academic certificate.
- Provide Income Proof: Submit proof of your household income. This may include three months of bank statements or salary slips from your parents or guardians.
- Submit Proof of Acceptance: Include proof that you have been accepted to study a degree course at the UFS for the 2026 academic year.
- Submit the Application: Applications are typically submitted via email or hand-delivered to the Student Financial Aid office at the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.
- Attend an Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview with a selection panel, which includes representatives from UFS and Columba Leadership.
Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship Coverage
This is a comprehensive, full-cost scholarship for the full duration of the undergraduate programme (typically 3 to 4 years).
The Scholarship covers the following:
- Full registration fees and tuition fees.
- Residence or accommodation fees, including the cost of meals.
- The cost of prescribed textbooks and necessary study materials.
- The provision of a laptop for the duration of the studies.
Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship Contact Details
For all queries regarding the application forms, deadlines, and submission requirements for the Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship, you must contact the UFS office directly.
- Office: Student Financial Aid office, Administration Building, Bloemfontein Campus
- University Switchboard: 051 401 9111
- Email (General UFS Enquiries): info@ufs.ac.za
- Website: www.ufs.ac.za
Closing Date for the Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship
The Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship typically opens for new applicants immediately after the Matric results are released in January.
The closing date for applications for the 2026 academic year is not yet officially confirmed.
FAQs
Ida Manana Siyila was a determined woman from Bloemfontein who emigrated to the USA. The scholarship was created by her friend, Abbe Levin, to honour Ida’s strong character, determination, and commitment to community service.
No. The Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship is specifically intended only for previously disadvantaged female learners. This is a core requirement of the programme.
Yes. The most important provincial requirement is that you must have matriculated from a school in the Free State Province. Your current place of residence is less critical than your school history.
No. This scholarship is highly specialised and only covers degree studies undertaken at the University of the Free State (UFS). You must have an acceptance letter from UFS to apply.
No. You must have obtained a Bachelor’s level pass in your Matric results. You also need an UFS Admission Point (AP-score) of at least 36.
Yes. It is intended for economically disadvantaged students, usually with a family income below a specific annual threshold. Students who qualify for NSFAS funding are generally excluded from this specific scheme.
Columba Leadership is a partner in the scholarship. They help to identify and select applicants who demonstrate strong values, leadership, and a service ethic, often giving preference to their programme participants.
No. The scholarship is open to students pursuing a degree course in any faculty at the University of the Free State. The focus is on the student’s character and academic performance, not the field of study.
The scholarship requires students to maintain high academic standards for renewal each year. While the exact pass rate is not always stated, you must generally pass a high percentage of your modules (e.g., 80% or more) to ensure the funding continues.
While the official form focuses on your personal statement, leadership history, and academic records, securing a positive recommendation from a teacher or community leader who can speak to your character is highly advisable.
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