Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2026 for Young Entrepreneurs in South Africa

The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme looks for young achievers transitioning into university – people who want to make a big impact: not only in their own lives but also in the lives of their community, city and country. The Fellowship recipients receive needs-based funding for university and access to support and development aimed at cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset.

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Fields of Study Supported

The Allan Gray Fellowship supports a wide range of university degrees. The key requirement is not the specific field of study, but rather your commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Whether you plan to study commerce, engineering, law, science, or humanities, you may still qualify — as long as you demonstrate entrepreneurial ambition.

What Does the Fellowship Cover?

Academic and Financial Support

Applicants with a combined annual household income of R1 million and below will receive full funding (university accommodation meals, textbooks & tutoring allowance, and a monthly stipend)
Applicants with a combined annual household income of above R1 million will receive needs based funding.
Potential funding will be communicated to successful candidates after camp stage.

Entrepreneurial Support

Mentorship from an individually assigned foundation staff member as well as a business mentor
Access to the Foundation’s online entrepreneurial curriculum
Annual entrepreneurship conference, seminars and workshops
Access to a community of like minded individuals
Access to business incubation
Access to business/venture funding via e squared, an Allan Gray Orbis Foundation sister entity (available to students on ivc programme and graduates depending on business idea viability)

Who Can Apply for 2026?

A minimum of 60% in Pure Mathematics OR a minimum of 80% in Mathematical Literacy for final grade 11 results
A minimum average of 70% for final Grade 11 results (excluding Life Orientation)
Currently in Grade 12 in the year of application
The Applicant must be under the age of 21 in the year of their application
The Applicant must be a South African citizen
An Intention to study towards a Commerce, Science, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Arts & Health Science (Excluding Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry) degree at WITS, UJ, UCT, NMU, RU, UWC, SU, UP, UFS, UKZN or TSiBA

READ: SAB (South African Breweries) Entry-Level Sales and Marketing Learnership Programme 2026

Required Documents:

Certified copy of your final Grade 11 report (most recent)
Certified copy of your ID

Fellowship Programme 2026 Timeline

Submit your application form and supporting documentation online or via post before 30 April 2026, 17:00 SAST
Successful applicant candidates will be invited for an interview in July 2026
Successful interview candidates will be invited to a selection camp in September 2026
To ensure that we offer you the best possible support and customer service, please ensure that you give yourself enough time to complete the application form before the closing date. We recommend dedicating at least 2 days to complete your application form