Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2027 Application Guide

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is one of the most competitive bursary programmes in South Africa for high-performing students with entrepreneurial potential.

The Fellowship is a bursary and development programme for Grade 12 learners entering university.

It focuses on building future entrepreneurs through funding and structured training.

Students receive financial support and access to mentorship, workshops, and an entrepreneurial network.

The programme operates in several Southern African countries but is widely known in South Africa.

Who qualifies for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2027?

You must meet strict academic and personal criteria to apply.

1. You must be a South African citizen.
2. You must be in Grade 12 in 2026.
3. You must be 21 years old or younger in 2026.
4. You must have at least 60% in Mathematics or 80% in Mathematical Literacy.
5. You must have a minimum 70% overall average in Grade 11.
6. You must plan to study an undergraduate degree in 2027.
7. You must show strong leadership and entrepreneurial potential.

What does the Allan Gray Fellowship bursary cover?

The funding is based on household income levels.

1. Income below R1 million per year gets full funding.
2. This includes tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and a monthly allowance.
3. Income between R1 million and R1.5 million gets partial funding.
4. This usually includes tuition and support services.
5. Income above R1.5 million still receives academic support and mentorship.
6. All fellows receive access to mentorship, workshops, and entrepreneurial training.
7. Fellows also join a strong network of young entrepreneurs.

Which courses and universities are supported?

The Fellowship supports a wide range of undergraduate degrees.

1. Commerce.
2. Engineering.
3. Science.
4. Law.
5. Humanities and Arts.
6. Health Sciences excluding Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science.

You must study at one of the partner universities.

These include institutions like the University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, and University of the Witwatersrand.

How do you apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2027?

You must apply online through the official portal. Follow these steps carefully.

1. Register an account on the application platform.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Upload all required documents.
4. Review your application before submitting.
5. Submit before the deadline.

You can also submit a physical application if needed.

What documents are required for the application?

You must submit certified copies of key documents.

1. South African ID document.
2. Grade 11 final results.
3. Latest Grade 12 results if available.

Missing documents may result in disqualification.

When is the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2027 closing date?

The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Applications close at exactly 17:00 South African time.

Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.

The selection process includes interviews in July and a selection camp in September 2026.

How can you contact the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation?

You can reach the foundation using the details below.

1. Telephone: +27 21 481 5400 / +27 11 290 4940.
2. Email: fellowship@allangrayorbis.org.
3. Postal address: Freepost CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008.
4. Cape Town office: 46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht.
5. Johannesburg office: 8th Floor, Forum Building, 2 Maude Street, Sandton, 2196.

Applying early gives you enough time to prepare a strong application and avoid last-minute issues.