Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship is a full-cost undergraduate scholarship plus an immersive entrepreneurial development programme. Fellows commit to pursuing significant social and economic impact through entrepreneurship, with support continuing into their post-graduation 'Catalyst' years.
- Amount
- Full-cost fellowship (tuition, residence, books, allowance) plus development programme
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Duration
- Full undergraduate degree plus Catalyst support after graduation
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African or Namibian citizen
- ✓ Currently in Grade 12 (Matric)
- ✓ Minimum 60% in Pure Mathematics or 80% in Mathematical Literacy for final Grade 11 results
- ✓ Minimum 70% overall average for final Grade 11 results (excluding Life Orientation)
- ✓ Intention to study at Wits, UJ, UCT, NMU, RU, UWC, Stellenbosch, UP, UFS, UKZN or TSiBA
- ✓ Demonstrate the 'Five Pillars of Entrepreneurial Performance': intellectual imagination, courageous commitment, personal initiative, spirit of significance and achievement excellence
- ✓ Commitment to pursuing an entrepreneurial path
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition fees
- ✓ Accommodation in residence
- ✓ Meals and book allowances
- ✓ Laptop
- ✓ Travel allowance
- ✓ Year-round entrepreneurial development programme
- ✓ Selection Camp and ongoing mentorship
- ✓ Continued support into the Catalyst (post-graduation) phase
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Allan Gray Orbis Foundation bursary application
- 1
Complete the online Fellowship application before 30 April 2026 (17:00 SAST)
- 2
Submit a certified copy of your final Grade 11 report and supporting documents
- 3
Complete online assessments
- 4
Attend an interview (31 July 2026) if shortlisted
- 5
Attend a Selection Camp in September 2026 if invited
- 6
Receive Fellowship offer late in 2026
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of your final Grade 11 report
- 📄 Certified ID copy
- 📄 Certified parents'/guardians' IDs
- 📄 Proof of household income
- 📄 Death certificates if applicable
- 📄 Short responses on motivation and entrepreneurial mindset
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship?
- Grade 12 South African or Namibian learners with at least 60% in Pure Mathematics (or 80% in Mathematical Literacy) and a 70% overall average in Grade 11, who plan to study at one of the Foundation's partner universities.
- Which universities does the Fellowship cover?
- Wits, UJ, UCT, NMU, Rhodes, UWC, Stellenbosch, UP, UFS, UKZN and TSiBA. You must indicate your intended institution in your application.
- Is the Fellowship just about money?
- No. Beyond full-cost funding, Fellows join a structured entrepreneurial development programme designed to build them into 'Responsible Entrepreneurs' - and the Foundation continues to support them in the Catalyst phase after graduation.
- When does the Fellowship close?
- Applications for the 2027 intake close on 30 April 2026 at 17:00 SAST. Apply well before the deadline to allow for document checks.
When do 2027 applications open?
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
The last recorded window closed on 30 April 2026. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with Allan Gray Orbis Foundation before you rely on them.
Check Allan Gray Orbis Foundation's official siteNeed help? Contact Allan Gray Orbis Foundation:
Information verified 2026-04-30. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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