2026 UFS Star of Stars Competition Bursary program

By | August 8, 2024

Are you a student residing in the Free State and looking forward to getting an opportunity to get enrolled and have your fees paid freely with the University of the Free State? Then this program has come to quench your desire. To get more details of this program, read the article below.

The UFS Star of Stars Competition is available to all 2026 matriculants who wish to pursue a qualification in any study discipline offered by the UFS.

All students who wish to enter will be evaluated by the university based on their academic performance, leadership skills, and their involvement in the local community. Winners of this competition will be awarded prize money, and a chance for personal development.

Closing Date

This Bursary closes on 31 August 2026.

Please ensure that your application along with any requested supporting documents is submitted by this date. Failure to do so will result in your application not being accepted nor considered.

What is the UFS Star of Stars Competition?

The Star of Stars Competition was established by the University of the Free State. It provides ample opportunity for those who wish to further their education prospects.

The UFS Star of Stars Competition caters to all matriculants looking to enroll with the university. This competition aims to bring more awareness and demand for students to enroll in tertiary education.

The Star of Stars Competition looks to draw in as many students as possible to incite a passion for education and learning by placing prize money and exposure incentive. 

Who Can Apply?

The Star of Stars Competition is open to 2026 matric students that reside in the Free State province. Students are required to meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must have a high academic record and performance.
  • Applicants must be attending school in the Free State at Quintile 1, 2, or 3 schools.
  • Applicants must have applied to study at the University of the Free State for the 2026 academic year and done so before the closing date of this competition.

What Does The Competition Cover?

The Star of Stars Competition will conduct a thorough judging evaluation and identify 10 finalists.

From there, the winner of the competition, the finalist with the best individual character achievement, and the finalist with the most spirited personality will be announced at a UFS gala dinner at the beginning of the 2026 academic year.

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The winner will receive the prize money along with the opportunity for tertiary education.

How To Apply?

To apply for the UFS Star of Stars Competition is simple. All you need to do is download and complete the application form here. Once complete, you can send in your application through the following methods:

Mail 

Star of Stars
Attention: Director
Student Recruitment Services
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein
9300

Hand Delivery

Student Recruitment Services
Wekkie Saayman Building
℅ Rector and Granduandi Avenue
UFS Campus
Bloemfontein

Make sure to include the following supporting documents with your application:

  • A certified copy of your ID
  • A certified copy of your Grade 11 final results
  • A certified copy of your Matric March and June results
  • List of achievements regarding leadership in Matric and Grade 11
  • List of Community Involvement during Matric and Grade 11
  • A motivational letter of at least 500 words stating why you would be a suitable choice for this competition.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns relating to the UFS Star of Stars Competition, then you can contact the University of the Free State through the following means:Contact Number – 051 401 3000
Email – ufsmarketing@ufs.ac.za

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

See also  Nsfas banking details

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.