Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2025-2026

Omran Aburayya
May 24
3 min read

If you're a high-achieving student from Eswatini, Botswana, or Namibia with a passion for entrepreneurship and leadership, the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2025-2026 offers a transformative opportunity to develop your potential. Applications are now open for this prestigious four-year programme designed to support young leaders through their university journey at one of ten partner universities in South Africa. The Fellowship provides comprehensive support, including financial assistance, mentorship, and entrepreneurial training, to equip you with the skills and mindset needed to drive meaningful change in your community and beyond.

📝 Fellowship Summary

Location: South Africa
Host Institution: Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Level: Undergraduate
Target Group: Citizens of Eswatini, Botswana, or Namibia
Fields of Study: Commerce, Science (excluding Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Dentistry), Engineering, Law, Humanities, or Arts
Coverage: Comprehensive financial support, mentorship, entrepreneurial curriculum, and access to a supportive community
Duration: Four years
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025, 17:00
Start Date: Academic year 2026
Eligible to: Students under 21 years of age in their final year of secondary school (AS Level, Form 5, or Grade 12)

📚 Allan Gray Fellowship Overview

The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme is more than just a scholarship; it's a comprehensive initiative aimed at nurturing future entrepreneurs and socially conscious leaders. Throughout the four-year programme, Candidate Allan Gray Fellows receive:

Personal Development Support: Assistance from a Personal Development Officer to aid in the transition to university life.
Entrepreneurial Leadership Training: Guidance from an Entrepreneurial Leadership Officer to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset.
Industry Mentorship: Support from an Industry Mentor to translate entrepreneurial concepts into practical skills.

The programme emphasizes responsible entrepreneurship, encouraging fellows to turn ideas into impactful ventures, leverage support from the Foundation, build strong networks, and create real value in their communities.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Comprehensive Financial Support: Covers university tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, tutoring, travel allowances, medical aid costs, and a monthly stipend.
Mentorship & Guidance: Receive mentorship from Foundation staff and a dedicated business mentor to support your entrepreneurial journey.
Entrepreneurial Curriculum & Events: Access the Foundation’s Entrepreneurial Curriculum through the AGOF Online Campus, along with annual conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Personal, Entrepreneurial & Leadership Growth: Develop your personal, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills through tailored programmes.
Entrepreneurial Community: Join a network of like-minded individuals committed to growth, collaboration, and success.
Business Incubation & Funding: Gain access to business incubation and venture funding to support your entrepreneurial journey.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Academic Performance: Achieve 60% or higher in Mathematics in AS levels or Form 6 latest results; maintain a 70%+ overall average in latest AS Level or Form 6 results (excluding Life Orientation/Skills).
Citizenship: Be a citizen of Eswatini, Botswana, or Namibia.
Age: Be under 21 years of age in the year of application.
University Admission: Plan to study Commerce, Science (excluding Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Dentistry), Engineering, Law, Humanities, or Arts at one of the following universities:
- 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

📝 Application Procedure

Application Process:

Submit Application: Complete the online application form and upload all required documents by 31 July 2025 at 17:00.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews between August and September 2025.
Selection Camp: Finalists will attend an Entrepreneurial Camp in October 2025.