Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2027: Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Guide
Imagine standing at the edge of a bright future, armed with top grades and a spark of business ideas. The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2027 stands out as one of South Africa’s best chances for matriculants like you. This program funds undergraduate studies while building real entrepreneurial skills. You get financial help plus training to start your own ventures. This article covers the foundation’s story, who qualifies, what it offers, how to apply, and key dates.
About the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation started in 2005. Allan Gray created it to grow a new wave of entrepreneurs in Southern Africa. The group gets its money from Allan Gray Limited’s taxed profits. It works in South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, and Botswana. The foundation gives cash for university and tools to build business skills. This mix helps young people create jobs and change their communities.
Fields of Study Covered by the Fellowship
The fellowship supports undergraduate degrees in certain areas. You must plan to study at a partner university. Here are the approved fields:
- Arts
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Health Science (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science)
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
Partner Universities
You need to aim for one of these schools. Check if your top choice makes the list:
- 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
What the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2027 Covers
Funding changes based on your family’s yearly income. The table below shows what each level gets.
| Household Income Level | Coverage Items |
|---|---|
| Below R1 million | Tuition fees, university accommodation and meals, book allowance, general monthly allowance, tutoring sessions, counselling services (ICAS) |
| R1 million to R1.5 million | Tuition fees, university accommodation and meals, tutoring sessions, counselling services (ICAS) |
| Above R1.5 million | Tuition fees, tutoring sessions, counselling services (ICAS) |
Additional Benefits Beyond Funding
The program goes further than money. It builds your business side with these extras:
- Personalised mentorship from staff and business pros
- Online entrepreneurial curriculum
- Annual entrepreneurship conference
- Seminars and workshops
- Network of young entrepreneurs
- Business incubation chances
- Possible funding through E Squared
Eligibility Requirements for the Fellowship
Meet every point to apply. Use this list to check:
- South African citizen
- Not older than 21 years in 2026
- Currently in Matric in 2026
- At least 60% for Mathematics or 80% for Mathematical Literacy in Grade 11 final results
- Minimum overall average of 70% in Grade 11 final results (excluding Life Orientation)
- Intend to study an approved field at a partner university in 2027
- Believe in South Africa’s future
- Show entrepreneurial flair and passion
Selection Process
The steps happen in order. Follow them closely:
- Submit your application by 30 April 2026 at 17:00.
- If shortlisted, attend an interview on 31 July 2026.
- Join a Selection Camp in September 2026 if invited.
You get feedback after each stage. Hit that closing date or miss out.
Required Documents
Gather these clear, certified copies:
- South African ID
- Grade 11 final academic record (if most recent)
- Grade 12 latest academic record, if available
Skip any, and you risk disqualification.
How to Apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2027
Follow these steps to send your application. Online works best to avoid delays:
- Register an account first.
- Log in and apply online.
- Or download and fill the application form.
- Mail to: Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Freepost no: CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008.
- Or hand-deliver to Cape Town (46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht, 8001) or Johannesburg (1st Floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 1 Protea Place, Sandton, 2196).
Note how you heard about it, as asked. All apps must arrive by 30 April 2026 at 17:00. Late ones get turned away.