The University of the Free State (UFS) offers automatic academic merit awards to strong first-year students, as well as NSFAS funding, the Funza Lushaka bursary for teachers, and competitions with bursary prizes. The details below come from the UFS 2027 undergraduate prospectus.
Academic merit awards for new first-year students
UFS awards these automatically to new students, based on their final matric results. The value depends on your UFS Admission Point (AP):
- AP 35 to 37: R6,000
- AP 38 to 40: R10,000
- AP 41 to 43: R15,000
- AP 44 or more: R20,000
You must meet the minimum admission requirements for your programme and register at UFS as a first-year student in 2027. UFS credits the award to your tuition fee account after you register, so you do not receive cash. You can use the award towards registration, but if it is less than the registration fee, you pay the balance.
Who does not qualify
- First-year students who first registered at another higher education institution and then moved to UFS
- Students with a gap of more than five years between their last exam and the year of the award
If you discontinue your studies during the year, UFS recovers the award pro rata from any credit on your account.
Star of Stars
UFS runs the Star of Stars competition for Grade 12 achievers in academics, leadership or community projects from rural, township and Dinaledi schools in the Motheo, Lejweleputswa, Xhariep, Thabo Mofutsanyane and Fezile Dabi districts. Only entries from quintile 1 to 3 schools in the Free State are accepted. For 2027, entries were open from 1 April to 31 August 2026.
Matriculant of the Year
UFS and Netwerk24 host the Matriculant of the Year competition for well-rounded top achievers in academics, sport, culture and leadership. The top 25 entries receive UFS bursaries.
NSFAS and other bursaries
UFS advises you to secure funds when you apply, because some bursaries do not pay out immediately. You still need money for registration, books, meals, accommodation and transport while you wait.
- Bursaries, NSFAS and merit enquiries: 051 401 9111, option 3
- NSFAS call centre: 0800 067 327
- Qwaqwa Campus financial aid: finaidqwa@ufs.ac.za
Family discount
Full-time South African undergraduates from the same family can apply in writing for a family discount on module and accommodation fees, such as 10% for three students and 15% for four or more. Students on financial aid do not qualify. All dependants must be under 26, you must apply in writing with proof of the relationships, and the discount applies to the current academic year only.
More funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I apply for a UFS merit award?
No. UFS awards it automatically based on your final matric results.
How much is the UFS merit award?
From R6,000 for an AP of 35 to R20,000 for an AP of 44 or more.
Is the UFS merit award paid in cash?
No. It is credited to your tuition fee account after registration.