Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursaries 2027: Eligibility, Benefits & Application Guide
For South African matriculants aiming high, the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursaries 2027 stand out as a premier chance. This program targets students with strong grades and a spark for business ideas. It offers full financial aid plus training to build future leaders who can grow Southern Africa’s economy. The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation started this to create entrepreneurs who make real change. This guide covers key details like who qualifies, what it funds, partner schools, and how to apply before the deadline.
About the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation began in 2005. Allan Gray created it to train the next wave of entrepreneurs in Southern Africa. The group gets its money from Allan Gray Limited’s profits after taxes. It works in South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, and Botswana. The fellowship gives cash for university plus skills to start businesses. Students get support for studies and growth as leaders.
Fields of Study Covered by the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2027
The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursaries 2027 fund undergraduate degrees in select areas. Students must pick from these fields and attend a partner university:
- Arts
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Health Science (but not Medicine, Dentistry, or Veterinary Science)
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
Partner Universities for the Fellowship
Applicants need to plan studies at one of these schools:
- 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 Bursaries 2027 Covers
Funding from the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursaries 2027 changes by family income. The table below shows what each level includes. It lets you compare options fast.
| Household Income Level | Coverage Includes |
|---|---|
| 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 of the Fellowship
The program goes beyond money. Fellows gain tools to launch businesses:
- Personalised mentorship from staff and business experts
- Online lessons on entrepreneurship
- Spot at an annual entrepreneurship conference
- Seminars and workshops
- Spot in a network of young entrepreneurs
- Help to start a business through incubation
- Chance for funding via E Squared
Eligibility Requirements for Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship 2027
Check these rules to see if you qualify:
- South African citizen
- No older than 21 years in 2026
- In Matric during 2026
- At least 60% for Mathematics or 80% for Mathematical Literacy in Grade 11 finals
- Minimum 70% overall average in Grade 11 finals (not counting Life Orientation)
- Plan to study an approved undergraduate degree at a partner university
- Believe in South Africa’s future
- Show entrepreneurial flair and passion
Selection Process
The process has clear steps:
- 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.
You get feedback after each step.
Required Documents
Gather these items:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of Grade 11 final academic record (or your latest Grade 12 record if you have it)
Missing papers can get your application thrown out.
How to Apply for Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursaries 2027
Follow these steps for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursaries 2027:
- Register an account then log in to apply online. Online is best to avoid delays.
- Or download and fill the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Application Form 2027.
- Submit by 30 April 2026 at 17:00. Use this application link. Late entries do not count.
- Note how you heard about it, as asked. 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).