Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship 2027

## About the Provider The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation was established in 2005 by billionaire investor Allan Gray, with the vision of creating a sustainable contribution to Southern Africa by nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. The Foundation receives its funding from the donation of Allan Gray Limited's taxed profits, ensuring a sustainable and independent funding model. The Foundation currently operates across four African countries: South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, and Botswana. Its core belief is that responsible entrepreneurship is the most powerful force for positive economic and social change on the continent. By identifying and developing young people with entrepreneurial potential, the Foundation aims to create job creators rather than job seekers. Allan Gray himself is one of South Africa's most successful investors, having founded Allan Gray Limited, the country's largest privately-owned investment management company. His personal philosophy centres on the idea that wealth creation through entrepreneurship benefits not only the individual but entire communities and economies. The Foundation's approach is distinctive in the South African bursary landscape. Rather than simply providing financial support, it runs a comprehensive development programme that cultivates entrepreneurial thinking, ethical leadership, and business acumen. Fellows are expected to use their education as a springboard for creating enterprises that generate employment and economic value. Over nearly two decades of operation, the Foundation has built an extensive alumni network of entrepreneurs and business leaders who continue to contribute to economic development across Southern Africa. The Foundation's track record demonstrates that investing in entrepreneurial education produces measurable returns for society.

## About the Program The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship Programme is a prestigious undergraduate bursary that combines full financial support with intensive entrepreneurial development. The programme targets current Matric learners who demonstrate strong academic ability and genuine entrepreneurial flair. Fellows study at one of 11 partner universities across South Africa, including the University of the Witwatersrand, University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, University of the Western Cape, University of the Free State, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and TSiBA Business School. The programme covers a broad range of undergraduate degree fields including Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Health Sciences (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science), Humanities, Law, and Science. This breadth reflects the Foundation's understanding that entrepreneurship can emerge from any discipline. What distinguishes this fellowship from a standard bursary is the entrepreneurial development component. Fellows receive personalised mentorship from both a dedicated Foundation staff member and an experienced business mentor. They access an exclusive online entrepreneurial curriculum, attend an annual entrepreneurship conference, and participate in specialised seminars and workshops. Fellows also become part of a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs, with opportunities for business incubation and access to funding through E Squared, a sister entity of the Foundation. This ecosystem of support continues beyond graduation, providing Fellows with the networks and resources needed to launch their own ventures. The selection process is rigorous and multi-staged, involving an initial application, interviews, and a Selection Camp. This thorough approach ensures that successful candidates possess not only academic excellence but also the entrepreneurial mindset and leadership qualities the Foundation seeks to develop.

## Bursary Benefits - **Full funding** for students from households earning less than R1 million per year, covering: tuition fees, university accommodation and meals, book allowance, general monthly allowance, tutoring sessions, and counselling services (ICAS) - **Partial funding** for students from households earning R1–1.5 million per year, covering: tuition fees, university accommodation and meals, tutoring sessions, and counselling services - **Tuition-only funding** for students from households earning above R1.5 million per year, plus tutoring sessions and counselling services - Personalised **mentorship** from a dedicated Foundation staff member and an experienced business mentor - Access to the Foundation's exclusive **online entrepreneurial curriculum** - Participation in an **annual entrepreneurship conference** - Specialised **seminars and workshops** on business development - Membership in a **community of like-minded entrepreneurs** - Opportunities for **business incubation** support - Access to **funding avenues** through E Squared (sister entity of the Foundation)

## Eligibility Criteria - Must be a **South African citizen** - Must be **21 years old or younger** in 2026 - Must be **currently in Matric** (Grade 12) in 2026 - Must have achieved a minimum of **60% for Mathematics** OR **80% for Mathematical Literacy** in Grade 11 final results - Must have achieved a minimum **overall average of 70%** for Grade 11 final results (excluding Life Orientation) - Must intend to study towards a **degree qualification** in Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, or Science in 2027 - Must intend to study at one of the **11 partner universities**: Wits, UJ, UCT, NMU, Rhodes, UWC, Stellenbosch, UP, UFS, UKZN, or TSiBA Business School - Must demonstrate **strong entrepreneurial flair** and passion - Must believe in the future of South Africa

## Required Documents - Certified copy of your **ID document** - Certified copy of your **Grade 11 final academic record** (if this is your most recent report) - Certified copy of your **Grade 12 latest academic record** (if available)

## How to Apply 1. Visit the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation's GrayMatter portal and register an account. 2. Log in and complete the online Fellowship application form for 2027. 3. Upload all required supporting documents (certified ID, Grade 11 results, Grade 12 results if available). 4. Submit your application before the closing date of **30 April 2026** at 17:00. 5. Alternatively, download the hard copy application form from the Foundation's website and submit via post or hand delivery to the Cape Town or Johannesburg offices. 6. If shortlisted after Step 1, attend an **interview on 31 July 2026**. 7. If successful at the interview stage, attend a **Selection Camp in September 2026**. 8. All applicants receive feedback after every step of the selection process.

## Tips for Success - **Demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking** throughout your application — the Foundation is looking for future business creators, not just academically strong students - **Prepare examples** of times you have shown initiative, solved problems creatively, or started something from scratch (a school project, community initiative, or small business) - **Research the Foundation's values** — they prioritise responsible entrepreneurship, ethical leadership, and commitment to South Africa's future - **Be authentic** in your application — the Foundation values genuine passion over polished answers - **Prepare thoroughly for the interview** — think about what kind of business or social enterprise you would like to create and why - **The Selection Camp is intensive** — be ready to demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and creative problem-solving under pressure - **Apply online if possible** — hard copy applications may experience postal delays - **Ensure your Grade 11 results are certified** — uncertified documents will disqualify your application - **Consider which partner university suits your goals** — each has different strengths across the eligible fields of study - **Connect with current or past Fellows** on social media to understand what the programme involves day-to-day

## Career Prospects The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is designed to produce entrepreneurs and business leaders rather than employees in traditional career paths. However, the skills and networks gained through the programme open doors across multiple sectors. **Entrepreneurship** is the primary career outcome the Foundation targets. Many Fellows go on to start their own businesses in technology, agriculture, manufacturing, services, and social enterprise. The Foundation's incubation support and E Squared funding provide practical pathways to launch ventures. In **finance and investment**, Fellows with Commerce degrees enter careers in investment management, private equity, venture capital, and corporate finance. The Allan Gray brand carries significant weight in South Africa's financial services sector. In **consulting and professional services**, Fellows build careers at major firms where their entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving abilities are highly valued. Many use consulting as a stepping stone before launching their own ventures. In **technology and innovation**, Fellows with Engineering and Science backgrounds enter the growing tech startup ecosystem, building products and platforms that address African challenges. The **Foundation's alumni network** is one of the most valuable career assets. Fellows connect with hundreds of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders across Southern Africa, creating opportunities for partnerships, mentorship, and investment that extend far beyond graduation.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## What makes the Allan Gray Fellowship different from a normal bursary? The Fellowship is not just financial support — it includes intensive entrepreneurial development through mentorship, an online curriculum, conferences, workshops, and business incubation opportunities. The goal is to develop entrepreneurs, not just fund degrees. ## What fields of study are covered? Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Health Sciences (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science), Humanities, Law, and Science at degree level. ## How much funding do Fellows receive? Funding depends on household income. Students from households earning under R1 million receive full funding (tuition, accommodation, meals, books, monthly allowance). Those earning R1–1.5 million receive tuition, accommodation, and meals. Those above R1.5 million receive tuition only. All Fellows receive tutoring and counselling. ## Which universities can I study at? Wits, UJ, UCT, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes, UWC, Stellenbosch, UP, UFS, UKZN, or TSiBA Business School. ## What is the age limit? You must be 21 years old or younger in 2026. ## What are the academic requirements? Minimum 60% for Mathematics (or 80% for Maths Literacy) and a 70% overall average in Grade 11 finals (excluding Life Orientation). ## What does the selection process involve? Three stages: application review, interview (31 July 2026), and Selection Camp (September 2026). All applicants receive feedback at every stage. ## Can I apply if I am already at university? No. The Fellowship targets current Matric learners only.

## Applications Closing Applications closed on **30 April 2026** at 17:00. This listing is retained for reference. Check back for the next application cycle.

## About the Organization Tel: 021 481 5400 (Cape Town) / 011 290 4940 (Johannesburg) WhatsApp: 072 137 0238 Email: fellowship@allangrayorbis.org