Application for the 2026 Gray Orbis Foundation University is now open

Application Deadline: 30 April 2026, 17:00 SAST

Applications are now open for the 2026 Allan Gray Orbis Foundation University Fellowship Programme. This prestigious programme seeks out exceptional young South African scholars who are transitioning from high school to university and who demonstrate the ambition and potential to create a significant positive impact not only in their personal and academic lives but also within their communities, cities, and the nation. The Fellowship is far more than a financial award; it is a comprehensive development pathway designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. Recipients gain access to tailored support systems aimed at empowering them to become future leaders and innovators.

Requirements
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be under the age of 21 in the year of application.
• Be currently in Grade 12 during the 2026 application year.
• Achieve a minimum average of 70% in their final Grade 11 results (excluding Life Orientation).
• Attain a minimum of 60% in Pure Mathematics OR aminimum of 80% in Mathematical Literacy in their final Grade 11 results.
• Intend to pursue an undergraduate degree in Commerce, Science, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Arts, or Health Sciences (excluding Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Dentistry) at one of the following partner universities:
• 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), or TSiBA Education.

Benefits
The Fellowship provides a dual-layered support system encompassing academic funding and entrepreneurial development:

Academic & Financial Support

• Full Funding: Applicants with a combined annual household income of R1 million or below will receive comprehensive support covering tuition, university accommodation, meals, a textbook and tutoring allowance, and a monthly stipend.
• Needs-Based Funding: Applicants with a household income above R1 million will receive financial aid assessed according to demonstrated need. Specific funding details are confirmed with successful candidates after the selection camp.

Entrepreneurial Support & Development:

• Dedicated mentorship from an assigned Foundation officer and an external business mentor.
• Access to the Foundation’s proprietary online entrepreneurial curriculum.
• Invitations to an annual entrepreneurship conference, seminars, and workshops.
• Membership in a vibrant community of like-minded peers and alumni.
• Access to business incubation support.
• Potential access to venture funding through e² (an Allan Gray Orbis Foundation sister entity) for students on the High-Impact Venture Creation (IVC) track and graduates, contingent on business idea viability.

Application Process & How to Apply

1. Submit Application: Complete the application form and submit it along with certified copies of your final Grade 11 report and South African ID document.
2. Submission Methods:

Online: Via the official application portal (strongly recommended).

Click here to apply

Hand Delivery

• Cape Town: 46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht.
• Johannesburg: 1st Floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 1 Protea Place, Cnr of Fredman Drive and Protea Place, Sandton.
• Post: Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Freepost no: CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008. (Note: Postal delays are a risk; online or hand delivery is preferred. Late applications will not be accepted.)
• Selection Timeline:
• Interview Stage: Successful applicants will be invited for an interview in July 2026.
• Selection Camp: Candidates who pass the interview stage will attend a selection camp in September 2026.

Applicants are strongly advised to begin the process early. It is recommended to dedicate at least 2 days to thoughtfully complete the application form before the deadline.