Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Bursaries 2027

Programme Overview

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is inviting students to apply for their Fellowship Programme, for the 2027 academic year. The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship programme aims to provide funding for students to study at university level, as well as providing support and development for those who demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset.

Fields of study Covered By the Bursary

The fellowship (bursary) will be awarded for undergraduate degree studies within these fields, at selected institutions:

• Commerce
• Engineering
• Humanities
• Law
• Science
• Arts
• Health Science (excluding Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science)

What the Bursary Covers

The value of the bursary will depend on the students household income:

• Students from a household with a total annual income of less than R1 million, will receive full funding, which will cover: tuition fees, university accommodation and meals, book allowance, general monthly allowance, tutoring sessions and counselling services (ICAS).
• Students from a household with a total annual income of between R1 million and R1.5 million, will receive funding for: tuition fees, university accommodation and meals, tutoring sessions and counselling services (ICAS).
• Students from a household with a total annual income of more than R1.5 million, will receive funding for: tuition fees, tutoring sessions and counselling services (ICAS).

Students will benefit from a range of entrepreneurial support services, including personalized mentorship from a dedicated foundation staff member and an experienced business mentor. They will also gain access to the foundation’s exclusive online entrepreneurial curriculum, participate in an annual entrepreneurship conference, and attend specialized seminars and workshops.

Additionally, students will be part of a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs, have opportunities for business incubation, and explore funding avenues through E Squared, a sister entity of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must NOT be older than 21 years old in 2026
• You must be currently in Matric, in 2026
• You must have achieved a minimum result of 60% for Mathematics OR a minimum result of 80% for Mathematical Literacy in Grade 11 final results
• You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% for Grade 11 final results (excluding Life Orientation)
• You must intend on studying towards a degree qualification within one of the fields of study listed above, in 2027
• You must intend on studying at one of the following partner universities:

1. University of the Witwatersrand,
2. University of Johannesburg,
3. University of Cape Town,
4. Nelson Mandela University,
5. Rhodes University,
6. University of the Western Cape,
7. Stellenbosch University,
8. University of Pretoria,
9. University of the Free State,
10. University of KwaZulu-Natal
11. or TSIBA Business School

• You must believe in the future of South Africa
• You must have strong entrepreneurial flair and passion