The University of the Free State (UFS) and Novus Media have announced the top group for the 45th Matriculant of the Year competition. Fourteen finalists from schools across the country will convene in Bloemfontein for the final round at Monte Bello Estate from 5 to 7 October.
Who made the top group
The finalists were selected from a wider pool and are recognised not only for strong academic results but also for leadership, sporting and cultural achievements and community involvement. Among the names published are Tamim Alam and Francois Cilliers of Grey College, Bloemfontein; Nana Amoah of Bloemfontein High School; and Kananelo Khoarane of Eunice High School. The official list comprises learners from 15 schools nationwide.
Prizes, bursaries and what finalists receive
Sponsors have committed notable support for finalists and semifinalists. The Kovsie Alumni Trust remains the main sponsor with a contribution of R125 000, while Absa has provided R120 000. Other in-kind and financial support comes from Pick n Pay Preller Walk and Forvis Mazars.
- Winner: R25 000 in prize money (paid into an Absa account after registering in 2027) plus a R15 000 UFS Student Recruitment bursary.
- 14 finalists: Each receives R13 000 in prize money after registration, a R10 000 study bursary and additional sponsor gifts.
- 11 semifinalists: Each receives R6 000 in prize money and a R5 000 UFS study bursary after registering in 2027.
Organisers say finalists and their parents will be hosted during the final judging weekend, which includes interviews with sponsor representatives. Forvis Mazars will act as the competition’s auditors to ensure the judging process is fair and transparent.
What the final round involves
During the final judging at Monte Bello Estate, finalists will be interviewed, assessed on leadership potential and measured on the breadth of their extracurricular involvement. The competition traditionally places weight on learners who demonstrate a combination of academic excellence and active participation in school and community life.
Support for future study
The financial awards are structured to support finalists when they register for tertiary study. The UFS bursaries form a central part of the package and aim to reduce the immediate cost burden when students enrol. Prize money for winners and finalists is conditional on registration in 2027 and will be paid into specified accounts as stated by organisers.
| Category | Prize money | UFS bursary |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | R25 000 | R15 000 |
| Each finalist (14) | R13 000 | R10 000 |
| Each semifinalist (11) | R6 000 | R5 000 |
Why it matters locally
The Matriculant of the Year competition is one of the Free State’s longest-running initiatives to profile top matric learners. For Bloemfontein, the event also brings visible activity to local businesses and hospitality venues during the final weekend. For learners, success in the competition provides both financial support and a signalling effect on university applications and scholarship panels.
Organisers emphasise that the competition celebrates rounded achievement rather than focusing solely on marks. That aligns with the broader shift in higher education selection, which increasingly considers extracurricular leadership and community involvement alongside academic performance.
What happens next
The 14 finalists will gather at Monte Bello Estate for adjudication from 5 to 7 October. A winner will be announced following the final judging and will receive the prize and bursary outlined above once registration at a tertiary institution in 2027 is confirmed.
Parents, schools and prospective students watching the competition can expect the organisers and auditors to make a formal announcement after judging concludes. The event also serves as an opportunity for sponsors to interact with future students and for UFS to identify strong candidates for outreach and recruitment.
The full list of finalists and semifinalists was published by the competition organisers alongside sponsor details and the prize structure.
