Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary South Africa

Define your leadership journey with the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2025! This fellowship supports high-achieving matriculants or first-year university students who show entrepreneurial flair and strong academics. It covers financial support, mentorship and leadership development. At BursaryForms, we are your guide to success!

About the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF) is an organisation focused on cultivating entrepreneurship, leadership and academic excellence among South African youth. Their Fellowship Programme supports university-bound learners who want to make an impact, with funding and development resources that help them succeed. At BursaryForms, we are thrilled to connect you with this opportunity!

Fields Covered by the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship

Ready to align your passion with a thriving career? The bursary supports studies in these fields:

  • Commerce
  • Science (excluding Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry)
  • Engineering
  • Law
  • Humanities & Arts (including Economics / Philosophy / Politics)
  • Health Sciences (excluding the excluded fields above)

Expenses Covered by the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship

This bursary is your ticket to success, covering essentials such as:

  • Tuition fees
  • University accommodation, meals, books, and a tutor allowance (for lower income households)
  • Monthly living / personal stipend for candidates from households with lower income
  • Tutoring sessions and counselling support / academic support services (ICAS)
  • Entrepreneurial development support: mentorship, online curriculum, workshops, conferences, community building, business incubation, access to “E Squared” venture-funding potential depending on idea viability.

Eligibility Requirements for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship

Think you have got what it takes? Here is what you need to qualify for this opportunity:

  • South African citizen.
  • For Grade 12 applicants: under 21 years old in the year of application; for first-year university applicants, under about 22 years old.
  • Academic performance: Grade 11 final results with average of ≥ 70% (excluding Life Orientation). For Maths: minimum ~60% in Pure Mathematics OR ~80% in Mathematical Literacy.
  • Must intend to study a degree in one of the supported fields (Commerce, Science excluding the excluded fields, Engineering, Law, Humanities / Arts, Health Sciences excluding Medicine etc.) at one of the partner universities.
  • Strong demonstration of entrepreneurial interest or potential, plus belief in contributing to South Africa’s future.
  • Household income level impacts funding type: full funding for households ≤ R1 million, scaled / needs-based funding for higher incomes.

Here are extra tips to improve your application:

  • Ensure your Grade 11 results are final and certified; include your latest school reports.
  • Prepare a strong motivational or personal statement showing your entrepreneurial interests, community involvement, leadership etc.
  • Include extra-curricular / awards / recognition if you have them.
  • Apply well before deadline; avoid late submissions.

This page was updated on September 28, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship

Start by downloading and completing the official application form:

Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Programme Application 2025

Strengthen your application with these must-have documents (certified copies):

  • South African ID document (certified copy)
  • Final Grade 11 report; or latest Grade 12 / Matric school report if available
  • Proof of acceptance or registration at a partner university, for first-year students where applicable
  • Academic or extra-curricular awards / recognition if available
  • Motivational/ personal statement showing your goals, why this fellowship, your commitment etc.

Applications must be submitted via: online (preferred), or hand delivered / post where permitted

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship

30 April 2025 at 17:00 (SAST)

This bursary cycle is closed. Applications submitted after 30 April 2025 will not be considered.

Contact the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

Got questions? We are all about empowering you—reach out to the provider for answers:

Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Tel: 086 123 9235
WhatsApp: 072 137 0238
Email: fellowship@allangrayorbis.org
Website: https://www.allangrayorbis.org/programmes/fellowship/

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship.

1. What does the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship cover?+
For households with annual income ≤ R1 million, full funding is provided including tuition, accommodation, meals, books, stipend, tutoring & counselling. For higher income brackets, needs-based funding is given.
2. Who is eligible to apply?+
Applicants must be South African citizens, under the age limits for Grade 12 or first year, have requisite Grade 11 results (70% average excluding LO, required Maths / Maths Literacy performance), entrepreneurial interest, and intend to study one of the supported fields at a partner university.
Can I apply if I’m already in university?+
The Fellowship is aimed primarily at Grade 12 / first-year students; there are sometimes nomination-based “first-year university campaign” opportunities for expanded degree students aligning with the partner universities.
What documents do I need?+
You’ll need certified ID, Grade 11 and latest Grade 12 or Matric reports, proof of any extra-curricular awards, motivational statement, acceptance/registration proof (if applicable).
Is there mentorship involved?+
Yes. Each Fellow has a Foundation staff mentor plus a business mentor; also access to workshops, entrepreneurial curriculum, conferences, etc.
Are there partner universities?+
Yes. The partner universities include WITS, UJ, UCT, NMU, Rhodes, UWC, SU, UP, UFS, UKZN, and TSiBA Business School.
Does household income affect funding?+
Yes. Households with combined income ≤ R1 million get full funding; incomes above do get funding but less or needs-based. Higher brackets (over R1.5 million) receive reduced scope of funding.
When is the fellowship deadline?+
The closing date was 30 April 2025 at 17:00 SAST. Applications after this date are not accepted.
Contact details for queries?+
Contact via Tel: 086 123 9235; WhatsApp: 072 137 0238; Email: fellowship@allangrayorbis.org.