Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2026: A chance to start a funded, leadership‑led future
Looking for a way to turn your high‑school results into a university degree and a real career launchpad? The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2026 offers full funding, mentorship and a network of entrepreneurial leaders for Grade 12 learners who want to build a better South Africa. SETA
What is the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme?
This programme is a partnership between the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and major South African universities. It targets bright Grade 12 students who show leadership potential and an entrepreneurial spirit. Fellows receive:
- Full or needs‑based university funding, based on household income.
- Mentorship from development, leadership and industry experts.
- Access to an online entrepreneurial curriculum, annual conferences, workshops and a startup network.
- Business incubation support for promising ideas, including funding through E Squared.
Who can apply?
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen under 21 years old.
- Be a current Grade 12 learner in 2026.
- Score at least 60 % in Pure Mathematics **or** 80 % in Mathematical Literacy.
- Have an overall Grade 11 average of 70 % or higher (Life Orientation excluded).
- Intend to study one of the following fields: Commerce, Science, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Arts, Health Science.
- Plan to enrol at one of the partner universities below.
University partners:
- 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
Note: Degrees in Medicine, Veterinary Science or Dentistry are not supported.
What you gain
Beyond the money, the fellowship builds you into a future leader:
- Learn to see entrepreneurship as a viable career.
- Turn ideas into real business opportunities.
- Develop teamwork, problem‑solving and leadership skills.
- Create value in your community and contribute to economic growth.
- Receive a monthly stipend, tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks and a tutoring allowance if your household earns R1 million or less.
- For households above R1 million, funding will be determined on a needs‑based basis after the selection camp.
How to apply – step by step
- Step 1 – Submit your application
- Deadline: 30 April 2026, 17:00 SAST.
- Methods: Online, hand delivery or postal application.
- Application form: Apply online here (recommended to avoid postal delays).
- Documents needed: Certified Grade 11 final report and a certified South African ID copy.
- Tip: Spend at least two days filling out the form carefully.
- Step 2 – Interview
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in July 2026.
- Interviews assess leadership potential, entrepreneurial thinking, communication and motivation.
- Step 3 – Selection camp
- Successful interviewees attend a selection camp in September 2026.
- The camp evaluates teamwork, problem‑solving, leadership and entrepreneurial mindset.
- Finalists receive an offer to join the fellowship.
Where to send your paper applications
- Cape Town Office – 46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht
- Johannesburg Office – 1st Floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 1 Protea Place, corner of Fredman Drive and Protea Place, Sandton
- Postal – Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Freepost No: CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008
Practical tips to improve your chances
- Start your application early – the sooner you submit, the more time you have to fix any errors.
- Answer essay questions honestly; the foundation values real stories over buzzwords.
- Show concrete examples of leadership – class president, sports captain, community volunteer.
- Highlight any problem‑solving projects or ideas you’ve pursued.
- Emphasise your curiosity and willingness to learn.
- Remember: the fellowship looks for future entrepreneurs and change‑makers, not just top marks.
What happens after the fellowship?
Graduates often move into roles such as:
- Entrepreneurship or startup founders
- Business or investment leadership
- Technology or social enterprise roles
- Corporate management positions
With the combination of academic support and real‑world training, fellows are equipped to launch businesses, create jobs and boost South Africa’s economy.
Frequently asked questions
- Who can apply? Grade 12 South African citizens under 21 with the required grades.
- When is the closing date? 30 April 2026, 17:00 SAST.
- What funding is available? Full tuition, accommodation, meals, books, tutoring allowance and a stipend for households earning R1 million or less. Above R1 million, funding is assessed after the camp.
- Can medical students apply? No – Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry are excluded.
- Which universities are supported? WITS, UCT, UJ, UP, UKZN, UFS, NMU, SU, UWC, RU and TSiBA.
- Is it only about money? No – mentorship, leadership training, and business incubation are integral parts of the programme.
Final thoughts
If you’re a Grade 12 learner with a drive to make a difference, the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2026 offers a complete package: full financial support, mentorship, entrepreneurship training and a gateway to top universities. Don’t wait – gather your documents, fill out the application before 30 April 2026 and step into a future where you can shape South Africa’s economy.
