The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation’s Fellowship is a university scholarship for young South Africans who show entrepreneurial drive. Besides paying for a degree, the Foundation gives Fellows mentorship, entrepreneurship workshops and access to business incubation while they study. The Foundation looks for people who intend to build ventures, not only strong marks.
The latest Fellowship round has closed
Applications for the most recent round closed on 30 April 2026 at 17:00. The Foundation held interviews in July 2026 and a selection camp in September 2026. The Fellowship page on the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation website now shows applications as closed and gives no date for the next window. Learners currently in Grade 11 should keep checking that page during 2027, because Grade 12 applicants are assessed on their final Grade 11 report.
Two entry points: matric or first year
Applying in Grade 12
- South African citizen, currently in Grade 12 and under 21 when applying
- At least 60% for Mathematics, or 80% for Mathematical Literacy, in Grade 11
- An average of at least 70% across Grade 11 subjects, not counting Life Orientation
Applying in first year at university
- Currently in first year, with an average of 65% or more after the first semester
- 22 or younger in the year of application
- Already running or developing a venture, which may be for-profit or nonprofit
The most recent round asked Grade 12 applicants for a certified copy of their latest Grade 11 report and a certified copy of their ID.
Eleven partner institutions and the degrees they cover
Fellows must study at one of the Foundation’s partner institutions: Wits, UJ, UCT, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes, UWC, Stellenbosch, the University of Pretoria, the University of the Free State, UKZN and TSiBA. Commerce, science, engineering, law, humanities, arts and health sciences degrees all qualify. Medicine, veterinary science and dentistry do not.
How household income decides the funding
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation gives full funding to Fellows from households with a combined income of R1 million a year or less. The Foundation lists university accommodation, meals, a textbook and tutoring allowance and a monthly stipend as part of full funding. Fellows from households earning more than R1 million receive needs-based funding instead. Every Fellow, whatever the household income, joins the Foundation’s entrepreneurial programme.
From application to selection camp
Selection runs over most of the year. In the last cycle, written applications closed at the end of April, shortlisted candidates were interviewed in July, and finalists attended a selection camp in September. The Foundation accepted applications online, by hand at its Cape Town and Johannesburg offices, or by post. Questions can go to info@allangrayorbis.org.
Related funding while you wait
Younger learners can look at the Foundation’s own Allan Gray Orbis high school scholarship. Matriculants with a business idea can compare the Bevisioneers Mercedes-Benz Fellowship, and the general bursaries list covers funders that are not tied to one field.
Can I study medicine on the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship?
No. The Foundation excludes medicine, veterinary science and dentistry, although other health sciences degrees qualify.
Do I need a business already to apply from Grade 12?
The Foundation’s published Grade 12 criteria are about age, citizenship and Grade 11 marks. The requirement to be running or developing a venture applies to first-year university applicants.