Allan Gray Orbis Foundation invites South African learners to apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Programme 2027.
Bursary / Fellowship Application Closing Date: 30 April 2026 at 17:00
Study Location: Selected universities in South Africa
The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship is one of South Africa’s top bursary opportunities for learners who show strong academic performance and entrepreneurial potential. The programme supports students who want to study towards an undergraduate degree in 2027 while also developing as future entrepreneurs.
The Foundation was established in 2005 to help build a generation of young people who can create meaningful economic opportunities in Southern Africa.
About Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation was founded by Allan Gray with the vision of making a sustainable contribution to Southern Africa by developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The Foundation is funded through donations from Allan Gray Limited’s taxed profits and currently operates in:
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Swaziland
- Botswana
The Fellowship Programme provides both financial support for university studies and entrepreneurial development for selected students.
Fields Covered
The fellowship will be awarded for undergraduate degree studies in the following fields:
- Arts
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Health Science (excluding Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science)
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
Students must intend to study at one of the Foundation’s partner institutions.
Partner Universities
Applicants must intend to study at one of the following universities:
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Rhodes University (RU)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- TSIBA Business School
What the Fellowship Covers
The value of the bursary depends on the applicant’s household annual income.
Household income below R1 million
Successful students will receive full funding, which covers:
- Tuition fees
- University accommodation and meals
- Book allowance
- General monthly allowance
- Tutoring sessions
- Counselling services (ICAS)
Household income between R1 million and R1.5 million
Funding will cover:
- Tuition fees
- University accommodation and meals
- Tutoring sessions
- Counselling services (ICAS)
Household income above R1.5 million
Funding will cover:
- Tuition fees
- Tutoring sessions
- Counselling services (ICAS)
Additional Benefits
Besides funding, fellows will receive a range of entrepreneurial development opportunities, including:
- Personalised mentorship from Foundation staff and experienced business mentors
- Access to an online entrepreneurial curriculum
- Attendance at an annual entrepreneurship conference
- Participation in seminars and workshops
- Membership in a network of like-minded young entrepreneurs
- Business incubation opportunities
- Possible access to funding opportunities through E Squared
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must not be older than 21 years old in 2026
- Must be currently in Matric in 2026
- Must have achieved:
- At least 60% for Mathematics
or - At least 80% for Mathematical Literacy in Grade 11 final results
- At least 60% for Mathematics
- Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% in Grade 11 final results (excluding Life Orientation)
- Must intend to study towards an undergraduate degree in one of the approved fields in 2027
- Must intend to study at one of the listed partner universities
- Must believe in the future of South Africa
- Must demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and passion
Selection Process
The selection process will take place in the following stages:
Step 1
Applications must be submitted by 30 April 2026 at 17:00
Step 2
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited to attend an interview on 31 July 2026
Step 3
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a Selection Camp in September 2026
Applicants will receive feedback after each step of the process.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Grade 11 final academic record (if this is the most recent report)
- Certified copy of Grade 12 latest academic record, if available
Missing documents may lead to disqualification.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary South Africa 2027
Applicants must first Register an Account before they can Login and apply.
(Note: online application is the preferred method as it avoids delays).
– Download and complete the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Application Form 2027 (.pdf)
Postal Address:
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Freepost no: CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008
Hand Delivery Address (Cape Town):
46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8001
Hand Delivery Address (Johannesburg):
1st Floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 1 Protea Place, Corner of Fredman Drive and Protea Place, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196
When asked how you heard about the Fellowship, enter the relevant source as instructed in the application process.
Important Note
Applications submitted after 30 April 2026 at 17:00 will not be accepted.