The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation invites ambitious South African Grade 12 learners to apply for the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2026 — a life-changing opportunity for young people with leadership potential and an entrepreneurial mindset.

This fellowship combines financial support for university, mentorship, entrepreneurial training, and access to business networks to help fellows launch impactful careers.

Closing Date: 30 April 2026 at 17:00 SAST

Programme Overview

Target Applicants: South African Grade 12 learners under 21
Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, leadership, academic excellence
Funding: Needs-based university funding covering:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Textbooks
- Monthly stipend
- Tutoring allowance
Selection Stages: Application → Interview → Selection Camp
Universities Supported:
- 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

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is designed for learners who:

Demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking
Show leadership potential
Achieve academic excellence
Are passionate about creating impact in their communities

Academic Requirements

Minimum 60% in Pure Mathematics or 80% in Mathematical Literacy
Minimum 70% overall average in Grade 11 (excluding Life Orientation)
Must be under 21 years old in the year of application
Must be a South African citizen
Currently enrolled in Grade 12

Note: Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Dentistry degrees are not supported.

What the Fellowship Provides

1. Financial Support

Full or partial needs-based funding depending on household income:

Household ≤ R1 million: Full funding (tuition, accommodation, meals, books, stipend)
Household > R1 million: Partial financial support based on assessed need

2. Entrepreneurial Development & Mentorship

Fellows receive:

Personal Mentorship:
- Personal Development Officer
- Entrepreneurial Leadership Officer
- Industry Mentor
Entrepreneurship Training:
- Online curriculum
- Workshops & seminars
- Annual entrepreneurship conferences
Business Incubation Opportunities:
- Mentorship for ventures
- Startup funding through partner organisation E Squared

Youthscope QUICK LINKS:

Required Documents

Certified copy of Grade 11 final report
Certified copy of South African ID

Tip: Ensure documents are clear, recent, and correctly certified.

Application Process

Submit Application: Online, by hand, or postal delivery
Interview Stage: Shortlisted candidates interviewed in July 2026
- Leadership potential
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Communication & motivation
Selection Camp: September 2026
- Assess teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and entrepreneurship
Final Selection: Successful candidates offered a fellowship

Apply Online

Online applications are recommended to avoid postal delays. Apply here

Application Addresses:

Cape Town Office: 46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht
Johannesburg Office: 1st Floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 1 Protea Place, Sandton
Postal Applications: Freepost No: CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008

Career Growth Path

Graduates of the fellowship often pursue careers in:

Entrepreneurship & startups
Business leadership & corporate roles
Investment & finance
Technology startups
Social enterprise development

Many fellows launch businesses, create jobs, and contribute to South Africa

Youthscope Tips for Applicants

Start the application early
Complete essays thoughtfully and honestly
Highlight leadership activities and community involvement
Show curiosity, initiative, and problem-solving abilities
Demonstrate passion for creating impact

This fellowship is not just funding—it’s about developing the next generation of South African leaders and entrepreneurs.

FAQs

Who can apply?
Grade 12 South African citizens under 21 who meet academic requirements.

When is the closing date?
30 April 2026 at 17:00 SAST

What funding is provided?
Needs-based funding covering tuition, accommodation, meals, books, stipend, and tutoring

Are medical, veterinary, or dentistry students supported?
No

Which universities are supported?
WITS, UCT, UJ, UP, UKZN, UFS, NMU, SU, UWC, RU, TSiBA

Is the fellowship only about funding?
No — mentorship, leadership development, and entrepreneurship training are included.

Mbalizuke Nkosi

Mbalizuke Nkosi is the editorial voice behind YouthScope.co.za, a South African youth-focused platform dedicated to sharing opportunities, education updates, and career development information. The editorial team focuses on producing clear, reliable, and easy-to-understand content for students, job seekers, and young professionals.

With a strong interest in youth empowerment, skills development, and access to opportunities, Youth Admin curates and publishes content covering learnerships, internships, bursaries, and study guides across South Africa.

The aim of Mbalizuke Nkosi is to simplify important information and make it accessible to young people who are building their future careers.

Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2026: Empowering Grade 12 Learners for Leadership & Entrepreneurship