Deadline Date: April 30, 2026
The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme identifies and supports high-potential young individuals transitioning into university who aim to create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
The programme focuses on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, providing needs-based academic and financial support, offering mentorship and leadership development, enabling access to an entrepreneurial curriculum, facilitating participation in conferences and workshops, supporting business incubation, and creating pathways to venture funding while fostering a strong culture of collaboration and community.
Successful candidates receive financial support based on household income. Applicants from households earning R1 million or less per year are eligible for full funding, which includes university accommodation, meals, textbooks, a tutoring allowance, and a monthly stipend. Those from households earning above R1 million receive needs-based funding, with final funding allocations communicated after the selection camp stage.
Beyond financial assistance, they gain access to extensive entrepreneurial support, including mentorship from foundation staff and business mentors, participation in an online entrepreneurial curriculum, and opportunities to attend seminars, workshops, and annual conferences. They also become part of a network of like-minded individuals and can access business incubation and venture funding through E Squared, depending on the viability of their business ideas.
The first-year university campaign for 2026 is a closed, nomination-based process in which partner universities nominate eligible students. Nominees must be in their first year of study, have achieved at least a 65% average after the first semester, be no older than 22 in 2026, and demonstrate active involvement in a venture or a viable business idea. Eligible fields of study include Arts, Humanities, Law, Health Sciences, Commerce, Engineering, and Science, excluding Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Sciences.
The Fellowship targets students who demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to personal and societal impact. Applicants must achieve at least 60% in Pure Mathematics or 80% in Mathematical Literacy in Grade 11, maintain a minimum overall average of 70% (excluding Life Orientation), be in Grade 12 during the year of application, be under the age of 21, and hold South African citizenship.
For more information, visit Allan Gray Orbis Foundation.
