Key facts
- Status
- Applications closed Closed 31 August 2026
- Provider
- UFS Star of Stars
- Study level
- University, Undergraduate, High school
- Academic year
- 2027
- Last checked
- September 2026
Entries for the 2027 competition closed on 31 August 2026.
VerifiedClosed · applications closed on 31 August 2026 The competition runs every year with an end-of-August deadline, so Grade 11 learners should prepare to enter in 2027. Latest update ↓
The Star of Stars competition is the University of the Free State’s flagship bursary competition for Matric learners from no-fee, township and rural schools in the Free State. It rewards learners who excel despite difficult circumstances with a bursary, prize money and a mentorship programme that follows them through university.
About the UFS Star of Stars Bursary
- The top ten finalists attend an all-expenses-paid induction camp at a game reserve.
- Winners receive prize money and a bursary towards their studies at UFS, in any field.
- All finalists receive personal development support, academic mentorship and guidance throughout their university years.
Star of Stars eligibility requirements
- In Matric at a quintile 1, 2 or 3 school in the Free State.
- Living in the Motheo, Lejweleputswa, Xhariep, Thabo Mofutsanyane or Fezile Dabi district.
- A strong academic record, with an admission point score of at least 35 in the final Matric results.
- Applied to study at UFS for the following year.
- Demonstrated achievement in academics, leadership or community involvement.
How to enter the Star of Stars competition
- Download the entry form from ufs.ac.za or get it from your school.
- Have your principal sign and stamp the form.
- Attach certified copies of your ID, your Grade 11 and Matric results, and certificates for your achievements, plus a motivation letter of about 500 words.
- Post the entry to Star of Stars, Student Recruitment Services, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, or hand-deliver it to the Wekkie Saayman Building on the UFS Bloemfontein campus before the closing date.
Star of Stars closing date
31 August each year. The 2027 competition closed on 31 August 2026; the 2028 competition is expected to close on 31 August 2027.
Contact details
- Teli Mothabeng, Student Recruitment Services: mothabengti@ufs.ac.za, 051 501 3757
- UFS switchboard: 051 401 3000, info@ufs.ac.za
Free State matriculants should also enter the UFS Matriculant of the Year competition and apply to the Free State Government bursary.
FAQs
1. Is the Star of Stars competition still open for 2027? +
No. Entries for the 2027 competition closed on 31 August 2026. The university runs the competition every year with an end-of-August deadline, so learners in Grade 11 now should prepare to enter between May and August 2027.
2. Who qualifies? +
Matric learners at quintile 1, 2 or 3 (no-fee, township or rural) schools in the Free State's Motheo, Lejweleputswa, Xhariep, Thabo Mofutsanyane or Fezile Dabi districts, with an admission point score of at least 35, who have applied to study at UFS, and who show achievement in academics, leadership or community involvement.
3. What do winners receive? +
The top ten finalists attend an all-expenses-paid induction camp at a game reserve in February or March, receive prize money and a bursary towards their UFS studies, and get mentorship and personal development support throughout university.
4. How do I enter? +
Download the entry form from the UFS website, have your principal sign and stamp it, attach certified copies of your ID, Grade 11 and Matric results and achievement certificates and a motivation letter of about 500 words, and post or hand-deliver it to Student Recruitment Services in Bloemfontein.
5. Who do I contact? +
Teli Mothabeng at UFS Student Recruitment Services: mothabengti@ufs.ac.za or 051 501 3757.
Update note (checked September 2026): entries for the 2027 competition closed on 31 August 2026. Finalists are selected in the last quarter of 2026 and attend the induction camp in February or March 2027. The competition runs every year with an end-of-August deadline, so Grade 11 learners should prepare to enter in 2027. The details below are from the 2027 call.
This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.
Visit the provider’s website