If you’re a high-performing matric student in South Africa with big ambitions—not just to get a job, but to build something of your own—then the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary 2027 could be one of the most life-changing opportunities available.
Unlike traditional bursaries that focus only on funding your studies, this fellowship goes much further. It’s designed to develop future entrepreneurs, offering not just financial support but also mentorship, leadership development, and access to a powerful network.
In a country where youth unemployment is a major challenge, programmes like this matter. They don’t just prepare you for employment—they prepare you to create opportunities for others.
What You Should Know First
The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary 2027 is a fully or partially funded undergraduate bursary combined with a long-term entrepreneurial development programme.
Here are the key facts:
- Open to South African matric students (Class of 2026)
- Closing Date: 30 April 2026 (17:00)
- Available for studies in 2027
- Covers multiple degree fields (excluding some health sciences)
- Includes mentorship, leadership training, and entrepreneurial support
- Available at selected universities across South Africa
This is not just a bursary—it’s a multi-year development journey for future business leaders.
About the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation was founded in 2005 with a clear mission: to develop responsible entrepreneurs who can drive economic growth in Southern Africa.
The foundation operates in:
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Botswana
- Eswatini
What makes it unique is its strong focus on entrepreneurship, not just academic excellence.
How the Fellowship Programme Works
The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary 2027 combines funding with structured development.
Step 1: Become a Candidate Fellow
If selected, you’ll enter the programme as a Candidate Allan Gray Fellow.
Step 2: Academic Support
You’ll study your chosen degree at a partner university while receiving:
- Financial support
- Academic tutoring
- Personal development guidance
Step 3: Entrepreneurial Development
This is where the programme stands out.
You’ll gain access to:
- Entrepreneurship workshops
- Business simulations
- Leadership training
Step 4: Mentorship and Networking
Each Fellow is supported by:
- A dedicated foundation mentor
- An experienced business mentor
Step 5: Long-Term Growth
Over time, you’ll:
- Develop business ideas
- Access incubation opportunities
- Explore funding through networks like E Squared
Fields of Study Covered
The fellowship supports undergraduate degrees in a wide range of fields:
- Arts
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
- Health Sciences (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science)
Partner Universities
You must study at one of the approved institutions, including:
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of the Free State
- Nelson Mandela University
- Rhodes University
- University of the Western Cape
- TSIBA Business School
What the Bursary Covers (Funding Breakdown)
Funding depends on your household income:
Full Funding (Below R1 million income)
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Book allowance
- Monthly stipend
- Tutoring and counselling
Partial Funding (R1M – R1.5M income)
- Tuition
- Accommodation and meals
- Tutoring and counselling
Limited Funding (Above R1.5M income)
- Tuition
- Tutoring
- Counselling
Additional Benefits
Beyond funding, Fellows receive:
- Access to an exclusive entrepreneurship curriculum
- Annual entrepreneurship conferences
- Business incubation opportunities
- A strong entrepreneurial community
Eligibility Requirements Explained
To qualify for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary 2027, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be in Matric in 2026
- Be 21 years or younger
- Achieve:
- Minimum 60% in Mathematics, OR
- 80% in Mathematical Literacy
- Have at least 70% overall average (excluding Life Orientation)
- Intend to study at a partner university
- Show strong entrepreneurial potential
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary 2027 involves several stages.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Applications must be submitted in either of the following ways:
– Online: Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Application 2027
Applicants must first Register an Account before they can Login and apply.
(Note: online application is the preferred method as it avoids delays).
Investment Planning Services
– Download and complete the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Application Form 2027 (.pdf)
Step 2: Shortlisting
Selected candidates will be invited for interviews.
Step 3: Interview Stage (July 2026)
You’ll be assessed on:
- Leadership potential
- Entrepreneurial mindset
Step 4: Selection Camp (September 2026)
Finalists attend an intensive evaluation camp.
Step 5: Final Selection
Successful applicants are accepted into the fellowship.
Required Documents
Make sure you submit:
- Certified ID copy
- Grade 11 results
- Grade 12 results (if available)
📌 Missing documents may lead to disqualification.
Common Misunderstandings About Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary South Africa 2027
“It’s just a bursary”
It’s actually a full development programme focused on entrepreneurship.
“Only business students should apply”
Not true. Students from many fields are eligible.
“You need perfect marks”
Strong results are important, but entrepreneurial mindset matters just as much.
“You’ll only get financial support”
You also receive mentorship, training, and business opportunities.
Real-Life Example: How This Fellowship Changes Lives
Imagine you’re a matric student with a passion for starting a tech business.
- You apply and get selected
- You study Computer Science at University of Cape Town
- You attend entrepreneurship workshops
- You develop a startup idea
- You get mentorship and funding support
By graduation, you’re not just job-ready—you’re business-ready.
SEE ALSO: PwC Graduate Internships 2026: Complete Guide for South African Graduates
SEE ALSO: ICASA Graduate Internships 2026: Complete Guide for South African Graduates
Why This Fellowship Matters in South Africa
South Africa needs more entrepreneurs.
This programme helps:
- Reduce unemployment
- Create new businesses
- Develop future leaders
It’s about building a sustainable economic future.
Key Takeaways
- The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary 2027 supports undergraduate studies
- Combines funding with entrepreneurship development
- Open to matric students with strong academic and leadership potential
- Includes mentorship, networking, and business opportunities
- Applications close on 30 April 2026 at 17:00
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for this fellowship?
Matric students in 2026 who meet academic and entrepreneurial criteria.
2. Does the bursary cover all expenses?
Yes, depending on household income, it may fully or partially cover costs.
3. Can I apply if I don’t want to start a business?
The programme is focused on entrepreneurship, so interest in business creation is important.
4. What happens after I graduate?
You continue to benefit from the network, mentorship, and business opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary 2027 is not just about funding your degree—it’s about shaping your future as a leader and entrepreneur. If you have ambition, curiosity, and a desire to make an impact, this opportunity could be the perfect fit.
Take the time to prepare your application carefully, highlight your strengths, and show your passion for entrepreneurship. Opportunities like this are competitive—but for the right candidate, they can be life-changing.
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