Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2026 — The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation invites ambitious Grade 12 learners with entrepreneurial potential to apply for its prestigious Fellowship Programme. This transformative opportunity provides comprehensive academic funding, personal mentorship, and specialized support to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, empowering young South Africans to create value and drive positive change in their communities and the country.
About the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme
The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme identifies and nurtures young achievers transitioning into university who demonstrate the potential to make a significant impact. More than just financial support, the programme focuses on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset through mentorship, specialised curriculum, and access to a community of like-minded individuals and business incubation resources.
This is not just a bursary – it’s a comprehensive entrepreneurial development programme that provides needs-based university funding alongside dedicated support to develop future value creators and responsible entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Requirements for Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2026
- Currently in Grade 12 in the year of application (2026)
- Under 21 years old in the year of application
- South African citizen
- Academic Requirements:
- Minimum 60% in Pure Mathematics OR 80% in Mathematical Literacy (final Grade 11)
- Minimum average of 70% for final Grade 11 results (excluding Life Orientation)
- Intention to study towards approved degrees at specified universities (excluding Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry)
Approved universities: WITS, UJ, UCT, NMU, RU, UWC, SU, UP, UFS, UKZN, TSiBA. Approved fields: Commerce, Science, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Arts, Health Science.
Academic & Financial Support
- Household income ≤ R1 million: Full university funding including:
- University accommodation
- Meals
- Textbooks & tutoring allowance
- Monthly stipend
- Household income > R1 million: Needs-based funding
- Specific funding amounts communicated after selection camp
- Academic support throughout university studies
Funding is needs-based with full support provided to students from households earning R1 million or less annually.
Entrepreneurial Development
- Personal Development Officer for transition support
- Entrepreneurial Leadership Officer
- Industry mentor for real-world entrepreneurial insight
- Access to online entrepreneurial curriculum
- Annual entrepreneurship conferences, seminars, workshops
- Access to business incubation support
- Potential venture funding via E² (sister entity)
- Community of like-minded aspiring entrepreneurs
The programme aims to make entrepreneurship a viable career path and develop ability to turn ideas into viable opportunities.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 30 April 2026, 17:00 SAST
Required Documents: Certified copy of final Grade 11 report, Certified copy of ID
Application & Delivery Methods
- Online Application: Preferred method via Foundation portal
- Download Form: Complete and submit via post or hand delivery
- Hand Delivery Points:
- Cape Town: 46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht
- Johannesburg: 1st Floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 1 Protea Place, Sandton
- Postal Address: Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Freepost no: CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008
Online application or hand delivery is strongly recommended to ensure timely submission and avoid postal service delays.
Selection Process Timeline
- Application Deadline: 30 April 2026, 17:00 SAST
- Interview Stage: July 2026 (for successful applicants)
- Selection Camp: September 2026 (for successful interview candidates)
- Final Selection: After camp stage
- Funding Details: Communicated to successful candidates after camp
The selection process is competitive and multi-stage. Plan to dedicate sufficient time to your application preparation.
Programme Objectives & Outcomes
The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme aims to cultivate entrepreneurship in Candidate Fellows so that by programme completion, they:
- Desire to create value through responsible entrepreneurship
- See entrepreneurship as a viable career path
- Can take an idea and develop it into a viable opportunity
- Understand the value proposition of the Foundation and E² (venture funding partner)
- Value the culture of community and collaboration
- Have deepened understanding of entrepreneurial traits and concepts
The entrepreneurial mindset curriculum is delivered through the Foundation’s Online Campus, complemented by personal mentorship and practical experiences.
Contact & Submission Information
- Application Deadline: 30 April 2026, 17:00 SAST
- Primary Method: Online application strongly recommended
- Hand Delivery Points: Cape Town & Johannesburg offices
- Postal Address: Freepost no: CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008
- Late Applications: Not accepted under any circumstances
Plan your application carefully – allow at least 2 days to complete it properly and use reliable submission methods to meet the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for the Allan Gray Fellowship?
South African citizens currently in Grade 12, under 21 years old, with minimum Grade 11 results of 60% in Pure Maths (or 80% in Math Literacy) and 70% overall average (excluding Life Orientation), intending to study approved degrees at specified universities.
2. What does the fellowship cover financially?
For households with income ≤ R1 million: full university funding (accommodation, meals, textbooks, tutoring allowance, monthly stipend). For income > R1 million: needs-based funding. Exact amounts are communicated after the selection camp.
3. How do I apply for the fellowship?
Apply online through the Foundation portal or download the form and submit via hand delivery (Cape Town/Johannesburg offices) or post. Include certified Grade 11 report and ID. Deadline: 30 April 2026, 17:00 SAST.
4. What is the selection process?
1. Application submission by 30 April 2026
2. Interviews in July 2026 (for successful applicants)
3. Selection camp in September 2026 (for successful interviewees)
4. Final selection and funding confirmation after camp
5. What entrepreneurial support is provided?
Personal Development Officer, Entrepreneurial Leadership Officer, industry mentor, online entrepreneurial curriculum, annual conferences/seminars/workshops, business incubation support, potential venture funding via E², and access to entrepreneurial community.
6. Which universities and fields of study are approved?
WITS, UJ, UCT, NMU, RU, UWC, SU, UP, UFS, UKZN, TSiBA. Fields: Commerce, Science, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Arts, Health Science (excluding Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry).
7. How much time should I allocate for the application?
The Foundation recommends dedicating at least 2 days to complete your application form properly before the closing date to ensure quality submission.
8. What happens if I miss the deadline?
The Foundation does not accept late applications under any circumstances. Use online application or hand delivery to avoid postal delays.
9. What is the main goal of the fellowship programme?
To cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset so fellows see entrepreneurship as a viable career path, can develop ideas into opportunities, create value through responsible entrepreneurship, and contribute to community and collaboration culture.
10. What support is available during university transition?
Each fellow receives a Personal Development Officer to help with the transition to university, an Entrepreneurial Leadership Officer to develop entrepreneurial skills, and an industry mentor for real-world insights. For more entrepreneurial development opportunities, explore our fellowships database or check other entrepreneurship programmes.
For more prestigious fellowship programmes and 2026 entrepreneurial development opportunities, visit EduFunds.co.za
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Fellowship Programme
Cultivating Entrepreneurial Mindset in Young South Africans