The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation has opened applications for its 2027 Fellowship Programme, giving eligible Matric learners a chance at university funding plus long-term entrepreneurial development. With applications closing on 30 April 2026, this is the kind of bursary opportunity ambitious students should not ignore.
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is accepting applications for its Fellowship Programme for the 2027 academic year, aimed at Grade 12 learners who want to study toward an undergraduate degree and show strong entrepreneurial potential. Applications are open until 30 April 2026.
For many students, funding matters.
But access to mentorship, networks, and long-term development can matter just as much.
That is where this opportunity becomes bigger than a standard bursary.
What is the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship Programme?
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship Programme supports young achievers transitioning into university and is designed for students who want to make an impact while developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Alongside financial support, the programme includes mentorship, entrepreneurial development, and access to a broader learning community.
This means applicants are not only applying for tuition support.
They are applying for a development pathway built around leadership, entrepreneurship, and long-term growth.
Which fields of study are covered?
The fellowship is for undergraduate degree studies in approved fields that include:
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
- Arts
- Health Science, excluding Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science
This field list matters because the programme is not open to every qualification.
Applicants need to make sure their intended degree fits within the approved study areas before they apply.
Which universities can students choose?
Applicants must intend to study at one of the programme’s partner institutions. These include the University of the Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg, University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, University of the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, University of the Free State, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and TSIBA Business School.
That makes university choice an important part of eligibility.
A strong applicant still needs to align their study plans with the institutions listed by the programme.
Who can apply for the 2027 bursary?
To qualify, applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements. Students must be South African citizens, currently in Matric in 2026, and not older than 21 in 2026. They must also plan to study toward an approved degree in 2027 at one of the partner institutions.
Academic requirements also apply. Applicants must have achieved at least 60% for Mathematics or 80% for Mathematical Literacy in their Grade 11 final results, plus a minimum overall average of 70% in Grade 11, excluding Life Orientation.
The programme also looks for students who believe in the future of South Africa and show entrepreneurial flair and passion.
This is not just a marks-only bursary.
Mindset matters too.
What does the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation bursary cover?
Funding depends on household income. The Foundation says applicants from households earning R1 million or less per year may receive full funding, including tuition, university accommodation and meals, a book allowance, a general monthly allowance, tutoring, and counselling support through ICAS.
Students from households with an annual income of between R1 million and R1.5 million may receive funding for tuition, accommodation and meals, tutoring, and counselling support. Students from households earning more than R1.5 million may receive support for tuition, tutoring, and counselling services.
The official Fellowship page also notes that applicants with a combined annual household income of R1 million and below receive full funding, while applicants above that threshold receive needs-based funding, with potential funding communicated to successful candidates after camp stage.
What extra support do fellows receive?
The value of this opportunity goes beyond fees. The programme includes personalised mentorship from foundation staff and business mentors, access to an online entrepreneurial curriculum, entrepreneurship conferences, seminars, workshops, community support, business incubation, and possible venture funding access through E Squared, a sister entity of the Foundation.
For students who want more than classroom success, that support can be powerful.
It creates a space where academic growth and entrepreneurial thinking happen together.
Which documents are required?
Applicants should prepare a certified copy of their ID document, a certified copy of their Grade 11 final academic record if that is their most recent report, and a certified copy of their latest Grade 12 academic record if available. The application form also states that only applications received in English will be accepted.
Because supporting documents are part of the eligibility check, students should make sure every copy is clear, current, and properly certified before submitting. This is an inference based on the Foundation’s stated document and submission requirements.
How can students apply?
The Foundation says the preferred method is the online route. Applications must be submitted through the official Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship application portal, and first-time applicants must create an account through the official registration page before signing in and completing the application.
Students who want to apply offline can use the official Fellowship application form PDF.
Can hard copy applications still be submitted?
Yes. The Fellowship page says hard copy applications can be posted to Freepost no: CB 11349, Kloof Street, 8008, or hand delivered to the Foundation’s listed addresses in Cape Town and Sandton. The Foundation also advises applicants to use the online application or hand delivery option to avoid delays by post.
That advice is worth taking seriously.
Deadlines and delivery delays do not work well together.
When is the closing date?
Applications close on 30 April 2026. The PDF application form states that application forms received after Thursday, 30 April 2026, 17h00 SAST will not be considered, and incomplete application forms will also not be considered.
That means applicants should not wait for the final day.
A rushed bursary application is where avoidable mistakes usually happen.
What should students do before submitting?
Before applying, students should confirm that their intended degree is on the approved list, check that their target university is one of the partner institutions, verify that their marks meet the minimum threshold, and gather all certified documents early. These steps are based directly on the programme’s stated entry requirements and application instructions.
A strong application is usually not about luck.
It is about eligibility, preparation, and following the process properly.
Explore More Career Opportunities in South Africa
Find more jobs, learnerships, internships, bursaries, career advice, and graduate programmes for South African job seekers, students, and graduates.
Final Thoughts
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Bursaries 2027 stand out because they combine university funding with entrepreneurial development, mentorship, and long-term support. For Matric learners who meet the academic requirements and want to build something meaningful in the future, this fellowship offers far more than financial relief alone. The key now is to prepare the required documents, use the official application portal, and submit before 30 April 2026.
About the Author
