Organisation : University of the Free State (UFS)
Competition Name : Matriculant of the Year Competition 2026
Applicable For : Grade 12 Learners
Prizes : Bursaries and Prize Money
Last Date : 5th August 2026
Website : https://www.ufs.ac.za/prospective/prospective-students/grade-12-learners/matriculant-of-the-year-competition
What is UFS Matriculant of the Year Competition?
The University of the Free State, in collaboration with Novus Media celebrates 45 years of the Matriculant of the Year competition in 2026. The prestigious Matriculant of the Year Competition offers top-achieving Grade 12 learners fantastic opportunities, bursaries, and a plethora of prizes. If you are a bright spark in academics, sport, culture, and leadership, and wish to study at the University of the Free State in 2027, then you should not miss this opportunity. Entries open 1 April 2026 and close on 5th August 2026.
Eligibility of UFS Matriculant of the Year Competition
Learners in Grade 12 from Quintiles 1-5, private schools, and home-schooled learners can enter. Terms and conditions apply.
How To Enter in the UFS Matriculant of the Year Competition?
1. It is a requirement that the matriculant who enters be in grade 12 this year and will study full-time at the University of the Free State in 2027.
2. The Matriculant of the Year final is from Monday 5 October at 8h30 up to Wednesday morning 7 October 2026. Finalists have to be present at all times during these times and no exception will be made.
3. ALL achievers in matric may enter themselves into the competition. It is not a requirement that your school should enter you.
4. The principal’s signature and school stamp MUST be on the form and serve as certification that all the information on the entry form is correct.
5. Only the attached entry form is accepted as entry for the competition. Only attach the relevant correspondence/letters/certificates or other documentary proof of provincial and national achievements – NO CV’s, whether on CD, e-mail or posted will be accepted.
6. Each entry form should be accompanied by a certified statement of the marks for the grade 11 final examination, as well as the March and June 2026 examinations.
7. Each entry form should include a clear POST CARD SIZE photo of the face of the candidate in school uniform, NO computer printed or ID photos please. Photos are not returned. Also attach photo digitally in large jpeg format.
8. No registered post will be accepted.
9. You must phone Linda Greyling at the UFS 051 401 3384 (mornings) to confirm that your entry form has reached her.
10. If you are one of the 25 semi finalists you have to sign an agreement that you will definitely study at the UFS. If you are one of the 14 top finalists and you decide after completion of the Matriculant of the Year weekend that you want to study at another university, you have to return ALL the corporate gifts from the sponsors AND you will be held liable for some of the costs.
11. Please Note: Send the completed form before Friday 31 July 2026 to: Matriculant of the Year competition, Attention: Linda Greyling at greylini@ufs.ac.za. The entry form can also be delivered by hand to UFS Student Recruitment, Wekkie Saayman Building, c/o Rector and Granduandi Avenue, UFS Campus, Bloemfontein, attention: Linda Greyling.
12. If your June results are not yet available, you have to submit this entry without it before the closing date (31 July 2026). As soon as your June results are available e-mail it to Linda Greyling at greylin@ufs.ac.za. Your June results must reach us by Friday 31 July 2026 or your entry will be disqualited.
13. If your entry form is not complete (reports, photos or signature of the principal is omitted) your entry will be disqualified.
Download Form : https://www.southafricain.com/uploads/pdf2026/34138-form.pdf
Prizes of UFS Matriculant of the Year Competition
** Finalists will receive bursaries from UFS Student Recruitment Services and prize money from the sponsors.
** 25 semi finalists are nominated from the entries and each has to sign an agreement that they will definitely study at the UFS in 2027.
** From the 25 semi finalists 14 top finalists are chosen to participate in the final round.
** No travel cost to and from Bloemfontein are paid.
** Accommodation for finalists and parents will be provided free of charge.
** All meals for finalists are provided, whilst parents will have to provide a few meals themselves.
** Value of bursaries and prize money will be announced later
Note:
The judging of the Matriculant of the Year Competition is based on academic, cultural, and sport achievements and takes into account leadership and personality. The judges are looking for a versatile and balanced matriculant. Twenty-five semi-finalists are chosen from the entries, judged according to a points scale based on the entry forms’ information.
Fourteen finalists are selected to enjoy two days of spoils and interviews with the panel of judges during October 2026. The Matriculant of the Year, the finalist with the best personal achievement, and the finalist with the most spirited personality are announced at a prestigious gala dinner..
What is the Last Date of UFS Matriculant of the Year Competition?
Last Date of UFS Matriculant of the Year Competition is 5th August 2026