Key facts
- Status
- Applications closed Closed 30 April 2026
- Provider
- Allan Gray Orbis
- Field of study
- Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Dance, Drama and Theatre
- Study level
- Undergraduate, High school
- Academic year
- 2027
- Last checked
- September 2026
The 2027 fellowship closed on 30 April 2026 at 17:00, and late applications are not accepted.
VerifiedClosed · applications closed on 30 April 2026 Expect the 2028 round to open around January 2027 and close at the end of April 2027. Latest update ↓
The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship is the foundation’s flagship award: a full undergraduate scholarship at one of eleven partner institutions, wrapped in an entrepreneurship development programme. Fellows get mentors, a curriculum, a conference and an alumni network, and the foundation is explicit that it is looking for future entrepreneurs rather than the best marks alone.
About the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship
- Fields: arts, commerce, engineering, health science (excluding medicine, dentistry and veterinary science), humanities, law and science.
- Universities: Wits, the University of Johannesburg, the University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, the University of the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University, the University of Pretoria, the University of the Free State, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and TSiBA.
- Household income under R1 million: tuition, university accommodation and meals, a book allowance, a general monthly allowance, tutoring and counselling. R1 million to R1.5 million: tuition, accommodation, meals, tutoring and counselling. Above R1.5 million: tuition, tutoring and counselling.
- Adds mentorship from foundation staff and business mentors, an entrepreneurship curriculum, an annual conference, seminars and support with business incubation.
Fellowship eligibility requirements
- South African citizen no older than 21 in the application year, currently in Matric.
- At least 60% for Mathematics, or 80% for Mathematical Literacy, in Grade 11.
- A Grade 11 overall average of at least 70%, excluding Life Orientation.
- Intending to study a listed field at a partner university, with demonstrated entrepreneurial drive.
How to apply for the Fellowship
- Register and apply online at allangrayorbis.org, which is the preferred route.
- Attach a certified ID and your certified Grade 11 final academic record, plus your latest Grade 12 record if you have one.
- If you apply by hard copy, post it to Freepost CB 11349, Kloof Street 8008, or hand-deliver it to 46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, or the 1st floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, Sandton, before 17:00 on the closing date.
Fellowship closing date
30 April 2026 at 17:00 for the 2027 academic year (closed). Expect the end of April 2027 for 2028.
Contact details
- Cape Town: 021 481 5400. Johannesburg: 011 290 4940. WhatsApp: 072 137 0238
- Email: fellowship@allangrayorbis.org
Matriculants should also apply to the Ninety One Changeblazer bursary, the Investec scholarship and the Allan Gray Orbis high school scholarship for younger learners.
FAQs
1. When does the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship close for 2027? +
The 2027 fellowship closed on 30 April 2026 at 17:00, and late applications are not accepted. Expect the 2028 round to open around January 2027 and close at the end of April 2027.
2. Which fields and universities? +
Arts, commerce, engineering, health science (excluding medicine, dentistry and veterinary science), humanities, law and science, at Wits, the University of Johannesburg, the University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, the University of the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University, the University of Pretoria, the University of the Free State, the University of KwaZulu-Natal or TSiBA.
3. What does it cover? +
Funding is tiered by household income. Under R1 million a year: tuition, university accommodation and meals, a book allowance, a general monthly allowance, tutoring and counselling. Between R1 million and R1.5 million: tuition, accommodation, meals, tutoring and counselling. Above R1.5 million: tuition, tutoring and counselling.
4. What else do Fellows get? +
Mentorship from foundation staff and business mentors, an entrepreneurship curriculum, an annual conference, seminars, a strong alumni network and support with business incubation.
5. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens no older than 21 in the application year, currently in Matric, with at least 60% for Mathematics or 80% for Mathematical Literacy in Grade 11 and a Grade 11 overall average of at least 70% excluding Life Orientation, intending to study a listed field at a partner university, and able to show entrepreneurial drive.
6. How do I apply? +
Online on the foundation's portal, which is the preferred route, or by hard copy posted to Freepost CB 11349, Kloof Street 8008, or hand-delivered to 46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, or to the 1st floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, Sandton. Attach a certified ID and your certified Grade 11 and latest Grade 12 academic records.
Update note (checked September 2026): the 2027 fellowship closed on 30 April 2026 at 17:00, and late applications are not accepted. Expect the 2028 round to open around January 2027 and close at the end of April 2027.
This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.
Visit the provider’s websitePaper applications go to:
Freepost CB 11349, Kloof Street 8008, or hand-deliver to 46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, or the 1st floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, Sandton