The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary 2027 is a university funding and entrepreneurial development programme for South African Grade 12 learners who plan to begin undergraduate degree studies in 2027. The Fellowship supports students who demonstrate strong academic performance, entrepreneurial potential and a desire to make a meaningful impact.
2027 applications are currently closed. The application deadline was 30 April 2026 at 17:00 SAST. The Fellowship is aimed at learners who were in Grade 12 during the 2026 application year and intended to begin an eligible undergraduate degree at one of the Foundation’s partner institutions in 2027.
Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary 2027 Status
🔴 ALLAN GRAY ORBIS FELLOWSHIP BURSARY 2027 STATUS: CLOSED
- Academic year: 2027
- Application status: Closed
- Closing date: 30 April 2026 at 17:00 SAST
- Study level: Undergraduate degree
- Applicant group: Grade 12 learners transitioning to university
- Application method: Online or approved alternative submission method
- Next intake: Not yet announced
- Last verified: 23 August 2026
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation states that it does not accept late application forms. Students who missed the 2027 deadline should monitor the Foundation’s official Fellowship page for the next application cycle rather than submitting an application after the closing date.
Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary provider | Allan Gray Orbis Foundation |
| Programme | Allan Gray Fellowship Programme |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Status | Closed |
| Closing date | 30 April 2026 at 17:00 SAST |
| Study level | Undergraduate degree |
| Citizenship | South African citizens |
| Minimum Grade 11 average | 70%, excluding Life Orientation |
| Mathematics requirement | 60% Pure Mathematics OR 80% Mathematical Literacy |
| Age requirement | Under 21 in the year of application |
| Study institutions | 11 partner institutions |
| Funding | Full or needs-based funding depending on household income |
What Is the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship?
The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship is more than a conventional university bursary. It combines financial and academic support with an entrepreneurial development programme designed to help young people develop the skills, mindset and networks needed to create meaningful economic and social impact.
The Fellowship is intended for young achievers transitioning from Grade 12 into university. In addition to funding university studies, Fellows receive access to mentorship, entrepreneurial learning, workshops, an entrepreneurship conference and a community of like-minded individuals.
About the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is an organisation focused on developing entrepreneurial potential through education, financial support and structured development programmes. Its Fellowship Programme is designed around the belief that responsible entrepreneurship can contribute to positive economic and social change.
For applicants, this means the Fellowship is not simply about having university fees paid. The programme also places emphasis on developing entrepreneurial thinking, leadership, personal development, collaboration and the ability to identify and develop opportunities.
Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Fields of Study
The Fellowship supports undergraduate degree studies in a broad range of academic areas. Eligible fields include:
- Arts
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Health Sciences, excluding Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
The qualification must be offered at one of the Foundation’s approved partner institutions.
Which Universities Can Allan Gray Fellows Attend?
For the 2027 Fellowship intake, applicants were required to intend studying at one of the Foundation’s partner institutions. These include:
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Rhodes University (RU)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- TSIBA Business School
Who Can Apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship?
The Fellowship has specific academic, age, citizenship and study requirements. For the 2027 intake, applicants had to meet the following minimum criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be currently in Grade 12 during the application year.
- Be under 21 years of age in the year of application.
- Achieve at least 60% for Pure Mathematics or at least 80% for Mathematical Literacy in the final Grade 11 results.
- Achieve a minimum overall average of 70% for the final Grade 11 results, excluding Life Orientation.
- Intend to study towards an undergraduate degree in one of the approved fields.
- Intend to study at one of the Foundation’s approved partner institutions.
- Demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and passion.
- Believe in the future of South Africa.
Allan Gray Fellowship Academic Requirements
The academic requirements are based primarily on the applicant’s final Grade 11 results. Applicants for the 2027 intake needed a minimum overall average of 70%, excluding Life Orientation.
For Mathematics, applicants needed either a minimum of 60% in Pure Mathematics or 80% in Mathematical Literacy.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not automatically guarantee selection. The Fellowship also considers entrepreneurial potential and the applicant’s suitability for the programme.
What Does the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Cover?
The level of financial support depends on the successful applicant’s combined annual household income. Applicants with a combined household income of R1 million or below qualify for full funding, while applicants above this level may receive needs-based funding.
Full Funding
For applicants with a combined annual household income of R1 million or below, the Foundation states that full funding includes university-related financial support such as:
- University accommodation
- Meals
- Textbooks
- Tutoring allowance
- Monthly stipend
The Foundation states that the potential level of funding is communicated to successful candidates after the selection camp stage.
Needs-Based Funding
Applicants with a combined annual household income above R1 million may receive needs-based funding. The exact support is determined by the Foundation and communicated to successful candidates.
Entrepreneurial Benefits of the Allan Gray Fellowship
One of the major differences between the Allan Gray Fellowship and a conventional bursary is the entrepreneurial development component.
- Mentorship from an assigned Foundation staff member.
- Access to a business mentor.
- Access to the Foundation’s online entrepreneurial curriculum.
- Annual entrepreneurship conference.
- Seminars and workshops.
- Access to a community of like-minded individuals.
- Business incubation opportunities.
- Potential access to business or venture funding through E Squared, depending on the programme and business idea.
The Foundation also provides personal and entrepreneurial development support to help Fellows adjust to university and strengthen their entrepreneurial capabilities.
How Does the Allan Gray Fellowship Selection Process Work?
The 2027 Fellowship application process included several stages. Applicants were required to submit their application and supporting documents before the closing deadline, after which shortlisted candidates could progress to further selection stages.
Stage 1: Submit the Application
The completed application and supporting documents had to be submitted by 30 April 2026 at 17:00 SAST.
Stage 2: Interview
Shortlisted applicants were invited to an interview during the selection process.
Stage 3: Selection Camp
Applicants who progressed beyond the interview stage were invited to a Selection Camp. The Foundation indicated that the 2026 selection camp would take place in September 2026.
Applicants were to receive feedback after the different stages of the selection process.
Required Documents for the Allan Gray Fellowship
For the 2027 application cycle, applicants were required to provide supporting documentation including:
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Certified copy of the final Grade 11 academic record, where this was the most recent report.
- Grade 12 latest academic record, where available.
Applicants should always check the official application form for the document requirements applicable to the next intake because these requirements may change between application cycles.
How to Apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship
The 2027 application period has closed. When the Foundation opens the next Fellowship application cycle, applicants should use the official Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship application route.
The Foundation has stated that applicants should preferably use the online application or hand-delivery option to avoid delays. The Foundation does not accept late application forms.
Step 1: Check the Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, confirm that you meet the citizenship, age, Grade 11 academic, Grade 12, field of study and university requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare clear certified copies of the documents requested by the Foundation. Make sure your academic records and identification documents are legible.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Complete the official Fellowship application form carefully. The Foundation recommends allowing sufficient time to complete the application rather than waiting until the deadline.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit the completed application and supporting documents through the approved application method before the published deadline. Late applications are not accepted.
What If I Missed the Allan Gray Fellowship Deadline?
If you missed the 30 April 2026 deadline for the 2027 Fellowship, you should not attempt to submit a late application. The Foundation states that late application forms will not be accepted.
Instead, monitor the official Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship page for the next application cycle. You can also use the time before applications reopen to prepare your academic records, identification documents and other information likely to be required.
If you are looking for funding that is currently available, see our Accounting Bursaries and other relevant bursary categories on Grads24.
Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Contact Details
For questions about the Fellowship, applicants should contact the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation directly using its published contact details.
- Cape Town telephone: 021 481 5400
- Johannesburg telephone: 011 290 4940
- WhatsApp: 072 137 0238
- Email: fellowship@allangrayorbis.org
- Official website: allangrayorbis.org
Frequently Asked Questions About the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship
Is the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary 2027 still open?
No. Applications for the 2027 Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship closed on 30 April 2026 at 17:00 SAST.
When does the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2027 close?
The closing date for the 2027 Fellowship application was 30 April 2026 at 17:00 SAST. The Foundation does not accept late application forms.
Who qualifies for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship?
The Fellowship is aimed at South African Grade 12 learners who meet the academic and age requirements, intend to pursue an eligible undergraduate degree at one of the partner institutions and demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and passion.
What marks do I need for the Allan Gray Fellowship?
For the 2027 intake, applicants needed at least 60% in Pure Mathematics or 80% in Mathematical Literacy and a minimum overall Grade 11 average of 70%, excluding Life Orientation.
Does Allan Gray fund university studies?
Yes. The Allan Gray Fellowship provides financial support for university studies. Applicants with a combined annual household income of R1 million or below receive full funding according to the Foundation’s published information, while applicants above R1 million may receive needs-based funding.
What does the Allan Gray Fellowship cover?
Full funding includes university accommodation and meals, textbooks, tutoring allowance and a monthly stipend, while needs-based funding is determined according to the applicant’s circumstances.
Which universities accept Allan Gray Fellows?
The Foundation’s partner institutions include Wits, UJ, UCT, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, UWC, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, University of the Free State, UKZN and TSIBA Business School.
Does Allan Gray fund Medicine?
No. Health Sciences are included among the eligible fields, but Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science are excluded.
Does the Allan Gray Fellowship only provide money?
No. The programme also provides entrepreneurial development, mentorship, workshops, an annual entrepreneurship conference, access to an entrepreneurial curriculum and a community of like-minded individuals.
Can I apply after the Allan Gray Fellowship closing date?
No. The Foundation states that late application forms will not be accepted. Applicants who miss a cycle should wait for the next official application period.
Official Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Sources
The information on this page has been checked against the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation’s official Fellowship information and 2027 application documentation. Because application requirements, dates and funding conditions can change between cycles, applicants should always confirm the information with the Foundation before applying.
Last verified: 23 August 2026.
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