Allan Gray Fellowship Programme (University)

Academic and financial support

• Combined annual household income of R1 million or below: full funding covering university accommodation, meals, textbooks, a tutoring allowance and a monthly stipend.
• Combined annual household income above R1 million: needs-based funding.
• Funding is confirmed to successful candidates after the camp stage.

Entrepreneurial support

• Mentorship from an individually assigned Foundation staff member and a business mentor.
• Access to the Foundation's online entrepreneurial curriculum.
• Annual entrepreneurship conference, seminars and workshops.
• Access to a community of like-minded people and to business incubation.
• Access to business or venture funding through e squared, a sister entity of the Foundation (available to students on the IVC programme and to graduates, depending on business idea viability).

• Closing date for the 2026 cycle (Grade 12 learners applying for 2027 university entry): Thursday, 30 April 2026, 17:00 SAST. Late and incomplete forms are not considered.
• Online interviews for shortlisted candidates: 31 July 2026.
• Selection camp for shortlisted interview candidates: September 2026.

1. Complete the Fellowship application form (the Grade 12 form is 16 pages) in English. Allow at least two days to complete it.
2. Attach the supporting documents, including certified copies of your final Grade 11 report and ID. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign.
3. Submit online, hand deliver (Cape Town: 46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht; Johannesburg: 1st Floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 1 Protea Place, corner Fredman Drive and Protea Place, Sandton) or post to Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Freepost no: CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008. Online or hand delivery is recommended to avoid postal delays. Faxed and emailed forms are not accepted.
4. Shortlisted applicants are invited to an online interview, then to a selection camp.
5. The Foundation notifies applicants of their status after each step by email and SMS, so contact details must be correct.

Queries: [email protected], Cape Town +27 21 481 5400, Johannesburg +27 11 290 4940. Queries on social media are not answered. The Foundation does not solicit funds from candidates.

Official fellowship page

• Completed and signed application form, in English.
• Certified copy of the most recent final Grade 11 report.
• Certified copy of ID.
• Parent or legal guardian signature if the applicant is under 18; details of both parents or guardians (an affidavit may be requested if only one is given).
• Household income details of parent(s) or guardian(s).

Selection has three stages: written application, an online interview for shortlisted candidates, and a selection camp. Admission is at the Foundation's discretion and submission does not guarantee a Fellowship. Applicants with combined annual household income of R1 million or below receive full funding; those above R1 million receive needs-based funding.