Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursaries
Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursaries 2027
Role Overview
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation invites South African learners to apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Programme 2027.
Bursary / Fellowship Application Closing Date: 30 April 2026 at 17:00
Study Location: Selected universities in South Africa
The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship is one of South Africa’s top bursary opportunities for learners who show strong academic performance and entrepreneurial potential. The programme supports students who want to study towards an undergraduate degree in 2027 while also developing as future entrepreneurs.
The Foundation was established in 2005 to help build a generation of young people who can create meaningful economic opportunities in Southern Africa.
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation was founded by Allan Gray with the vision of making a sustainable contribution to Southern Africa by developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The Foundation is funded through donations from Allan Gray Limited’s taxed profits and currently operates in:
The Fellowship Programme provides both financial support for university studies and entrepreneurial development for selected students.
The fellowship will be awarded for undergraduate degree studies in the following fields:
Health Science (excluding Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science)
Students must intend to study at one of the Foundation’s partner institutions.
Applicants must intend to study at one of the following universities:
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
University of the Free State (UFS)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
The value of the bursary depends on the applicant’s household annual income.
Successful students will receive full funding, which covers:
University accommodation and meals
Besides funding, fellows will receive a range of entrepreneurial development opportunities, including:
Personalised mentorship from Foundation staff and experienced business mentors
Access to an online entrepreneurial curriculum
Attendance at an annual entrepreneurship conference
Participation in seminars and workshops
Membership in a network of like-minded young entrepreneurs
Business incubation opportunities
Possible access to funding opportunities through E Squared
Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
Must be a South African citizen
Must not be older than 21 years old in 2026
Must be currently in Matric in 2026
Must have achieved: At least 60% for Mathematicsor At least 80% for Mathematical Literacy in Grade 11 final results
At least 80% for Mathematical Literacy in Grade 11 final results
Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% in Grade 11 final results (excluding Life Orientation)
Must intend to study towards an undergraduate degree in one of the approved fields in 2027
Must intend to study at one of the listed partner universities
Must believe in the future of South Africa
Must demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and passion
The selection process will take place in the following stages:
Applications must be submitted by 30 April 2026 at 17:00
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited to attend an interview on 31 July 2026
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a Selection Camp in September 2026
Applicants will receive feedback after each step of the process.
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents:
Certified copy of South African ID
Certified copy of Grade 11 final academic record (if this is the most recent report)
Certified copy of Grade 12 latest academic record, if available
Missing documents may lead to disqualification.
Click here to apply for Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary South Africa 2027
Applicants must first Register an Account before they can Login and apply.(Note: online application is the preferred method as it avoids delays).
– Download and complete the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Application Form 2027 (.pdf)
Postal Address:Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Freepost no: CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008
Hand Delivery Address (Cape Town):46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8001
Hand Delivery Address (Johannesburg):1st Floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 1 Protea Place, Corner of Fredman Drive and Protea Place, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196
When asked how you heard about the Fellowship, enter the relevant source as instructed in the application process.
Applications submitted after 30 April 2026 at 17:00 will not be accepted.
Key Responsibilities
You must represent the bursary programme positively in your professional conduct and fulfill any work-back obligations specified in your bursary contract after graduating. As a bursary recipient, your responsibilities will include maintaining the minimum academic performance standards and attending all lectures and tutorials as required.
Entry Requirements
• Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
• Must be a South African citizen
• Must not be older than 21 years old in 2026
• Must be currently in Matric in 2026
• Must have achieved: At least 60% for Mathematicsor At least 80% for Mathematical Literacy in Grade 11 final results
• At least 60% for Mathematicsor
• At least 80% for Mathematical Literacy in Grade 11 final results
• Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% in Grade 11 final results (excluding Life Orientation)
• Must intend to study towards an undergraduate degree in one of the approved fields in 2027
• Must intend to study at one of the listed partner universities
• Must believe in the future of South Africa
• Must demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and passion
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from StudentRoom. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary South Africa 2027 Applicants must first Register an Account before they can Login and apply.(Note: online application is the preferred method as it avoids delays). Download and complete the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Application Form 2027 (.pdf) Postal Address:Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Freepost no: CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008 Hand Delivery Address (Cape Town):46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8001 Hand Delivery Address (Johannesburg):1st Floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 1 Protea Place, Corner of Fredman Drive and Protea Place, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196 When asked how you heard about the Fellowship, enter the relevant source as instructed in the application process.
Multiple positions/application links:
• Click here to apply for Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary South Africa 2027: https://graymatter.allangrayorbis.org/login/?utm_source=fellowship_landing_hero&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=fellowship_2026
• Register an Account: https://graymatter.allangrayorbis.org/profiles/registration/
• https://graymatter.allangrayorbis.org/login/
• Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Application Form 2027: https://allangrayorbis.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Fellowship-Programme-Application-Form_2026.pdf
About Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursaries
This bursary is offered by Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursaries, based in Cape Town.
Why This Is Good for Starters
This bursary from Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursaries can cover your tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and sometimes even a living allowance. In South Africa, where the cost of higher education continues to rise, bursaries are a lifeline for talented students who cannot afford to study. Many bursary programmes also include vacation work placements and guaranteed employment after graduation, giving you both education and career security.
CV Tips for This Application
- Include your academic record — marks and subjects matter for bursary applications
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining your financial need and career aspirations
- Mention any community involvement, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities
- Include proof of financial need if the application requires it
- Apply early — bursary programmes often close well before the academic year starts
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Prepare your academic transcripts and proof of financial need
- Write a motivation letter explaining your career goals
- Submit before the closing date: 30 April 2026
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Yes, this opportunity requires a matric certificate.
Do I need experience?
This appears to be suitable for candidates with little or no experience.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this bursary paid?
Payment details are not specified. Contact the employer for more information.
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
The closing date is 30 April 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.
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