Apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Bursary 2027 in South Africa. Fully funded undergraduate fellowship with entrepreneurial mentorship, leadership development, and financial support. Deadline: 30 April 2026.
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation has officially opened applications for its prestigious Fellowship Programme for the 2027 academic year. Designed to support academically strong students with entrepreneurial potential, the programme combines financial assistance with leadership development and business-focused mentorship. The initiative aims to cultivate future leaders who will contribute meaningfully to economic growth and innovation in South Africa.
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship goes beyond traditional bursary funding. In addition to covering academic expenses, the programme provides structured entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and access to a community of like-minded individuals. The goal is to develop graduates who not only excel academically but also possess the skills, mindset, and networks required to launch ventures and create employment opportunities.
Programme Overview
The Fellowship Programme targets high-performing matric learners who demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial mindset and leadership potential. Successful applicants receive funding to pursue undergraduate degree studies at selected partner universities across South Africa.
Participants benefit from long-term support throughout their academic journey. The programme integrates academic funding with personal development initiatives, ensuring fellows gain both educational qualifications and practical entrepreneurial experience. This dual approach positions graduates to enter the workforce as innovative thinkers or start their own ventures.
Fields of Study Covered
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship supports undergraduate studies across a wide range of disciplines. These include:
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
- Arts
- Health Science (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science)
By supporting diverse fields, the foundation encourages multidisciplinary innovation and cross-sector collaboration among fellows.
What the Bursary Covers
The value of the bursary varies depending on the applicant’s household income, ensuring equitable access to higher education opportunities.
Students from households with a total annual income of less than R1 million receive comprehensive funding. This includes tuition fees, university accommodation and meals, a book allowance, and a general monthly stipend. Additionally, fellows benefit from tutoring support and counselling services through ICAS.
For students from households earning between R1 million and R1.5 million annually, the bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, tutoring, and counselling services.
Applicants from households earning more than R1.5 million annually receive funding for tuition fees, tutoring support, and counselling services. Regardless of income bracket, all fellows gain access to the programme’s developmental and entrepreneurial support initiatives.
Entrepreneurial Development and Support
A defining feature of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is its strong emphasis on entrepreneurship. Fellows receive personalized mentorship from both a dedicated foundation staff member and an experienced business mentor. This guidance helps students refine their leadership abilities and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
Participants also gain access to the foundation’s exclusive online entrepreneurial curriculum, which focuses on innovation, business fundamentals, and venture creation. The programme includes annual entrepreneurship conferences, as well as seminars and workshops designed to enhance practical business skills.
Fellows become part of a dynamic community of aspiring entrepreneurs. This network encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer learning. Students may also benefit from business incubation opportunities and potential funding avenues through E Squared, a sister entity of the foundation that supports entrepreneurial ventures.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship 2027, applicants must meet several minimum criteria. Candidates must be South African citizens and not older than 21 years of age in 2026. Applicants must also be currently in Matric during 2026.
Academic performance is a key requirement. Students must have achieved at least 60% in Mathematics or 80% in Mathematical Literacy in their Grade 11 final results. In addition, applicants must have obtained a minimum overall average of 70% in Grade 11, excluding Life Orientation.
Applicants must intend to pursue a degree qualification within one of the supported fields of study in 2027. They must also plan to study at one of the foundation’s partner institutions, which include leading universities across South Africa.
Beyond academic achievement, the foundation seeks individuals who demonstrate strong entrepreneurial flair, leadership potential, and a belief in South Africa’s future. Passion for innovation and a desire to contribute to economic development are considered essential qualities.
Partner Universities
The fellowship is available for students intending to study at selected partner institutions. These include major universities such as the University of the Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg, University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, University of the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, University of the Free State, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and TSIBA Business School.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship 2027 are currently open. Interested students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
This fellowship represents a valuable opportunity for academically talented and entrepreneurial-minded students to pursue higher education with financial support while developing the skills needed to become future business leaders and innovators in South Africa.
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