The UFS Star of Stars Competition 2027 is open for Grade 12 learners from Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools across the Free State Province. The University of the Free State uses the competition to identify high-potential learners with academic strength, leadership achievements and community involvement.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: University of the Free State (UFS)
Opportunity type: Scholarship-style competition / student-support opportunity
Who it’s for: Top Grade 12 learners from Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools in all five districts of the Free State Province
Study institution: University of the Free State
Closing date: 31 August 2026
Last verified: 2 July 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is a competition-based opportunity rather than a standard bursary form. It is most relevant to strong Free State matric learners who want to study at UFS and can demonstrate academic performance, leadership and community involvement.
UFS states that 10 finalists will be selected, and all finalists are considered winners. Finalists receive induction into the Star of Stars cohort, personal development support, academic advice, mentorship, prize money and recognition.
About the sponsor
The University of the Free State is a South African public university with campuses in the Free State. The Star of Stars Competition is part of its prospective-student support and recruitment ecosystem for high-potential learners from under-resourced schools.
What it covers
The competition offers finalists induction into the Star of Stars cohort, academic and personal-growth support, academic advice, mentorship, prize money and recognition. Applicants should confirm the final award structure and conditions directly with UFS when applying.
Eligibility
- Must be a Grade 12 learner
- Must attend a Quintile 1, 2 or 3 school in the Free State Province
- Must be from one of the five Free State districts
- Must show strong academic performance
- Must show leadership achievements and community involvement
- Must follow the UFS entry instructions and submit before the closing date
Documents to prepare
- Completed UFS Star of Stars entry form
- Latest Grade 12 results
- Grade 11 results, if requested
- Evidence of leadership achievements
- Evidence of community involvement
- Any supporting documents required by the UFS entry form
Closing date
31 August 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying if you are not a Free State Grade 12 learner from an eligible school
- Submitting only academic results without leadership or community-involvement evidence
- Using an outdated entry form from a previous cycle
- Missing the UFS contact instructions for where to submit the form
- Waiting until the closing date to collect school documentation
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the University of the Free State’s official Star of Stars Competition page, including the current 1 April 2026 opening date and 31 August 2026 closing date.
How to apply
- Open the UFS Star of Stars Competition page.
- Download the latest entry form from UFS.
- Prepare academic, leadership and community-involvement documents.
- Submit the entry form according to the UFS instructions.
- Contact UFS Student Recruitment Services if you need submission guidance.