BLOEMFONTEIN – For more than 40 years, the Matriculant of the Year competition has been making a difference in the lives of hundreds of young people who have started their career path at the University of the Free State (UFS).

This year it will be no different, with the 45th competition starting this week.

Not only is it the launch of the 2026 competition, but the UFS is also excited to welcome Novus Media as a new media partner for the competition.

Novus Media, a subsidiary of Novus Holdings, has a national footprint of 36 free community papers; a national paper, Die Papier; and a strong digital and social media presence.

All articles about the competition will be published in these printed publications, as well as on their websites, in addition to being available to read for free on the national website NovaNews.

Once again, multi-talented matriculants from all over the country can enter themselves for the competition, which was won last year by Kiara Subramanian, now a former learner of the Eunice High School in Bloemfontein.

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Kiara says she will always be grateful for winning the competition.

“Not just because of the title, but because of the people it brought into my life. It allowed me to connect with such inspiring, kind, and driven individuals, many of whom I now get to walk this journey of studying medicine with.”

For her, it became far more meaningful than a competition – it extends to friendships, support, and a shared understanding that “we were all striving toward something bigger than ourselves”.

“Looking back, I think what the competition really taught me is the importance of connection and encouragement.

“It showed me how powerful it is to be surrounded by people who uplift and motivate you.”

This is how you enter

Matriculants from across the country who are leaders and achievers in academics, culture and sport, and who plan to study at the UFS next year, can enter the competition.

Bursaries and prize money totalling about R500 000 are up for grabs for the top 25 participants, thanks to sponsors including 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, with forms signed by the principal and bearing the official school stamp.

A total of 25 semifinalists will be selected, from which 14 finalists will advance to the final round from 5 to 7 October in Bloemfontein.

The winner and finalists receive prize money, bursaries, and gifts, while semifinalists are also awarded prizes and bursaries.

Entries close on 31 July.

Scan the QR code below or click here to download the entry form; complete it; and send it back via email to Linda Greyling at greylinl@ufs.ac.za. She can also be contacted for more information.