UV Matrikulant van die Jaar/UFS Matriculant of the Year

30/07/2026

Top achievers have time until Friday (31/7) to enter!

Entry closes tomorrow, 31 July. The top 25 participants stand a chance to win bursaries, cash prizes and gifts worth approximately R500 000.

30/07/2026

Topmatrikulante van oor die land heen het nog net tot Vrydag (31/7) tyd om hulle in te skryf vir 2026 se Matrikulant van die Jaar-kompetisie.

Inskrywing sluit môre, op 31 Julie. Die 25 topdeelnemers staan die kans om beurse, geldpryse en geskenke van sowat R500 000 te wen.

23/07/2026

Inskrywings vir die Matrikulant van die Jaar-kompetisie van die Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UV) en Novus Media kom fluks in met die sluitingsdatum (31 Julie) wat om die draai is.

Leerlinge kan hulself vir die Matrikulant van die Jaar-kompetisie inskryf of hulle kan deur hul skool benoem word. Inskrywing sluit 31 Julie.

22/07/2026

Closing date approaches for top matric learners

Entries are streaming in for the University of the Free State (UFS) and Novus Media’s Matriculant of the Year competition as the closing date on 31 July draws near.

Matric learners from across South Africa who excel in academics, culture, sport and leadership, and who plan to study at the UFS next year, are invited to enter.

Bursaries and prize money worth approximately R500 000 are up for grabs for the top 25 participants, thanks to the support of UFS Student Recruitment Services, the Kovsie Alumni Trust, Forvis Mazars, Absa and Pick n Pay Preller Walk.

Learners may enter themselves or be nominated by their schools. Entry forms must be signed by the school principal and stamped with the school’s official stamp.

A total of 25 semi-finalists will be selected, from whom 14 finalists will advance to the final round, taking place in Bloemfontein from 5 to 7 October.

The winner and the other 13 finalists will receive prize money, bursaries and gifts, while the semi-finalists will also qualify for prizes and bursaries.

Click on the link below to download the entry form, complete it and email it to Linda Greyling at [email protected].

Link:
https://www.ufs.ac.za/prospective/study-at-ufs/grade-12-learners

Photo:
The finalists of 2025 will be the chaperones at this year's final round in Bloemfontein.
Photo: Charl Devenish

16/07/2026

Volgens John Pentz van dié winkel in Bloemfontein weerspieël hul betrokkenheid ’n kernwaarde wat deur die stigter, Raymond Ackerman, gevestig is: om terug te ploeg in die gemeenskappe wat die onderneming ondersteun.

Volgens John Pentz van dié winkel in Bloemfontein weerspieël hul betrokkenheid ’n kernwaarde wat deur stigter Raymond Ackerman gevestig is.

02/07/2026

“When young people are given the opportunity to express themselves and receive recognition, it builds confidence, leadership and identity. In a country facing diverse challenges, this competition reassures young people that their background or circumstances do not define their future.”

Absa Premium Business Banking explains the bank’s motivation for supporting the UFS and Novus Media’s Matriculant of the Year competition.

19/06/2026

Thinus de Vries from Forvis Mazars believes the Matriculant of the Year competition helps develop these skills by challenging young people to articulate their achievements, reflect on their values and understand their role within their communities. “It creates self-awareness, builds confidence and exposes participants to a higher standard of thinking and conduct, which remains valuable long after matric.”

Forvis Mazars is a long-standing sponsor and the official auditors of the Matriculant of the Year competition, presented by the UFS and Novus Media.

16/06/2026

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt

04/06/2026

“The competition celebrates academic excellence, resilience and potential – values that are essential for building a stronger South Africa. By supporting initiatives that recognise and uplift matric learners, we contribute to creating pathways for future leaders while encouraging a culture of achievement, integrity, and community impact.” - Bertie Haasbroek, Kovsie Alumni Trust

The Kovsie Alumni Trust’s (KAT) involvement in the Matriculant of the Year competition aligns closely with the trust’s commitment to empowering young people.

21/05/2026

Esmé Smit, chief executive officer of Novus Media, media partner of the Matriculant of the Year competition, says the company believes strong communities are built by people who tell their stories and use their voice. The competition perfectly supports their core values – community, trust, and relevance. It celebrates the best of local talent, while parents, teachers, and learners trust the competition is fair and transparent, and relevant because it truly makes a difference in young people’s lives.

Being involved in the Matriculant of the Year competition as media partner is far more than a sponsorship for Novus Media – it is an investment in the youth.