UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026 – A Detailed Guide

As a matriculant looking to pursue your studies and launch your career, the UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026 provides an incredible opportunity for South African students who are excelling academically. This prestigious bursary program aims to reward one outstanding matriculant with financial support and the chance to receive mentorship from leaders in the media and communication industries.

The UFS & Media24 Bursary is a partnership between Universitas Free State (UFS), a leading South African university, and Media24, one of the country’s most influential media companies. By offering a combination of bursary funding and real-world exposure to the media sector, this initiative empowers the next generation of talented individuals to develop their skills and contribute to the industry.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026, including the eligibility criteria, benefits, the application process, and why it’s an excellent opportunity for aspiring students.

What Is the UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026?

The UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026 is an initiative aimed at recognizing and rewarding one of the country’s top-performing matriculants. This bursary combines financial assistance for academic studies with an opportunity for the selected student to gain hands-on experience in the world of media.

The recipient of the Matriculant of the Year Bursary will not only receive funding to further their studies at the University of the Free State (UFS) but will also be exposed to career development opportunities within the Media24 group, which has a vast portfolio of publications, digital platforms, and media outlets.

The bursary is specifically designed to support a high-achieving student who has shown a strong academic record, as well as a passion for media, communication, journalism, or related fields. This bursary is an excellent stepping stone to a career in media or communication, providing recipients with both financial support and practical experience in the industry.

Why Should You Apply for the UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026?

The UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026 offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive opportunity for ambitious matriculants. Here are some reasons why you should consider applying for this bursary:

1. Full Financial Support for Your Studies

One of the biggest advantages of this bursary is the financial support it provides. The UFS & Media24 Bursary 2026 covers tuition fees, textbooks, and other related academic costs, ensuring that the recipient can focus entirely on their studies without worrying about the financial burdens of university education.

2. Industry Exposure and Career Development

Unlike other bursaries, this award provides recipients with the unique opportunity to gain exposure to the media industry. Media24 is a leader in the South African media landscape, and the bursary winner will receive real-world experience, allowing them to develop practical skills that are highly sought after by employers in the media, publishing, and digital communications fields.

3. Access to Mentorship from Media Experts

In addition to financial support, recipients of the bursary will benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals in the media industry. This mentorship can offer invaluable guidance in terms of career direction, skill development, and navigating the media landscape. Having a mentor from Media24 will provide the recipient with insider knowledge and connections that could lead to long-term career success.

4. Opportunities to Work with Media24

The UFS & Media24 partnership may also provide the bursary recipient with internship opportunities at Media24 or its associated brands. These internships offer hands-on experience in areas such as journalism, content creation, media production, and digital marketing, giving the bursary winner an edge in the competitive media job market.

5. Exposure to a Prestigious Academic Institution

As the UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026 is awarded to one exceptional student, the recipient will also gain exposure to the University of the Free State, one of South Africa’s leading institutions for academic excellence. UFS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment with a range of programs that allow students to explore their interests in media, communication, and other related fields.

6. Enhanced Career Prospects

Winning the Matriculant of the Year Bursary not only provides financial support for your studies but also significantly boosts your career prospects. The UFS and Media24 partnership gives you access to a prestigious platform that will help you build a successful career in media, journalism, public relations, advertising, or digital media.

Who Is Eligible for the UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026?

To apply for the UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026, students must meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria are in place to ensure that the bursary is awarded to the most deserving candidates who have a passion for the media industry and show promise as future leaders in the field.

General Eligibility Criteria:

• South African Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens to qualify for the bursary.
• Matriculation: The bursary is aimed at matriculants who have completed their Grade 12 and received their final matric results.
• Academic Excellence: Applicants must have outstanding academic achievements in their matric year. A minimum average of 75% is usually required, though the final percentage may vary depending on specific requirements.
• Passion for Media: Since the bursary is focused on the media sector, applicants should have a demonstrated interest in media, journalism, publishing, communication, or related fields. This can be shown through extracurricular activities, media-related projects, or other relevant experiences.
• Enrolled at UFS: The recipient must be planning to pursue full-time studies at UFS in a program related to media, communication, journalism, or a related field.
• Strong Communication Skills: As the bursary is related to media and communication, applicants should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as an ability to think critically and creatively.
• Financial Need: Preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, though this is not always a requirement.

What Does the UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026 Cover?

The UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026 offers comprehensive financial support for eligible students. Here’s a breakdown of the bursary’s coverage:

1. Tuition Fees

The bursary will cover the recipient’s tuition fees for the full duration of their undergraduate studies at UFS, ensuring that they can focus entirely on their education without the stress of paying for their degree.

2. Textbooks and Study Materials

The bursary will also cover the cost of textbooks and other essential study materials. This allows students to access the resources they need to excel academically and succeed in their courses.

3. Mentorship and Career Guidance

In addition to financial support, the recipient of the bursary will have access to mentorship from experts in the media industry. This guidance can help students build a strong professional foundation and navigate the challenges of starting a career in media.

4. Internship Opportunities

The bursary recipient may also be offered internship placements at Media24, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience in the media industry. These internships will allow students to apply their knowledge in a professional setting and make connections that could lead to future job opportunities.

5. Career Development Programs

The bursary may also offer access to career development resources, such as workshops, networking events, and industry exposure, all designed to help recipients build their resumes and make valuable connections within the media sector.

How to Apply for the UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026

The application process for the UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026 is designed to identify the most deserving and qualified candidates. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

Step 1: Visit the Official UFS & Media24 Bursary Website

Start by visiting the official UFS or Media24 website to access detailed information about the bursary and application process.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Ensure that you meet the bursary’s eligibility criteria, including academic performance, interest in the media field, and intention to study at UFS.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

You will need to submit the following documents:

• Proof of South African Citizenship (ID or passport)
• Final Matric Results
• Proof of Acceptance or Enrolment at UFS
• Personal Motivation Letter explaining why you should be selected for the bursary and your interest in the media field.
• Portfolio (if required) showcasing relevant work or experience in the media industry.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Fill out the online application form available on the burs

ary website, ensuring that all details are correct.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

After completing the application form, submit it along with your supporting documents before the application deadline.

Step 6: Wait for Shortlisting

After the application deadline, the selection committee will review all applications and shortlist candidates. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.

Step 7: Accept the Bursary Offer

If you are selected, you will receive an official bursary offer. Review the terms and conditions before accepting the award.

The UFS & Media24: Matriculant of the Year Bursary 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for South African matriculants who are passionate about pursuing a career in media, journalism, or communication. This bursary not only offers financial support for your studies but also provides real-world industry exposure, mentorship, and potential internship opportunities at one of South Africa’s leading media companies.

If you are a top-performing matriculant with an interest in the media sector, apply for the UFS & Media24 Bursary 2026 and take the first step toward a successful career in media. For more details and to apply, visit the official bursary page here.