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Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship

Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

Bursary Type

Full Bursary

Full bursary + leadership development

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is South Africa's most prestigious entrepreneurship-focused bursary, open to any field of study. No workback obligation.

What's covered

🎓Tuition🏠Accommodation💵Living Allowance📚Books🤝Mentorship

Full cost of study plus leadership development programme

Applications closedApply on Official Website

Eligibility at a Glance

Fields of Study

🏢 Business 💰 Finance 📉 Economics 📊 Accounting ⚖️ Law ⚙️ Mechanical Eng 💻 Computer Sci 🩺 Medicine 🤝 Social Work 📖 Humanities

Study Level

UndergradHonoursMaster's

Available In

All Provinces (Nationwide)

Quick Facts

Workback requiredNo

Financial need requiredNo

NSFAS compatibleNo

Disability friendlyYes

SA citizenship requiredYes

Min academic average70%

About This Bursary

Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is arguably the most prestigious bursary programme in South Africa. Unlike most corporate bursaries, it:

Is open to **any field of study**

Has **no workback obligation**

Focuses on identifying and developing entrepreneurial potential

Includes a 4-year leadership and entrepreneurship development programme

Fellows become part of an elite alumni network of South Africa's future business leaders.

What Makes This Different

This is not a traditional bursary. Fellows are selected primarily for their entrepreneurial mindset, leadership potential, and desire to create economic value — not just academic achievement.

The Fellowship Programme Includes

Full cost of study (tuition, accommodation, books, living allowance)

Annual leadership camps

Mentorship from Allan Gray executives

Business development support

Access to the Orbis Foundation alumni network

Eligibility Requirements

South African citizen
Final-year matric or first/second year university student
Studying ANY field at an accredited South African university
Demonstrated entrepreneurial thinking and leadership
Academic achievement (typically 70%+, but character trumps marks)
No workback obligation

How to Apply

1Visit allangray.co.za/fellowship
2Complete the detailed online application (includes essays and references)
3Shortlisted candidates attend a regional information session
4Final selection via assessment and interview process

Required Documents

SA ID
Academic transcripts/matric results
Two referee letters
Personal essays (required by the application)
Proof of enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can arts students apply for the Allan Gray Fellowship?

Yes. The Allan Gray Fellowship is unique in being open to any field of study. The selection is based on entrepreneurial thinking and leadership potential, not your discipline.

Is there a workback obligation for the Allan Gray Fellowship?

No. The Allan Gray Fellowship has no workback obligation. After graduating, you are free to pursue any career path, including starting your own business.

How competitive is the Allan Gray Fellowship?

Extremely competitive. Thousands apply annually and only a small cohort (typically 30–50 fellows) are selected nationally. The selection process is rigorous.

Ready to Apply?

Visit the official website for the most up-to-date application information and deadlines.

Apply on Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Website

All bursary applications are free. Never pay to apply.

Bursary Summary

ProviderAllan Gray Orbis Foundation

ValueFull bursary + leadership development

DeadlineClosed

Min average70%

WorkbackNone

Apply Now

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