The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme is a prestigious university support initiative designed to identify and develop young South Africans with strong academic ability and entrepreneurial potential. The programme provides needs-based university funding together with long-term leadership and entrepreneurship development, enabling participants to build impact-driven careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities and country.
About the Fellowship
The programme targets high-achieving Grade 12 learners transitioning into university who demonstrate leadership potential and a desire to create value through entrepreneurship.
Selected fellows receive financial support alongside intensive personal development, mentorship and business training aimed at cultivating entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving skills.
The programme’s goal is to empower students to transform ideas into viable opportunities and see entrepreneurship as a sustainable career path.
What the Fellowship Covers
Financial and Academic Support
Students from households earning R1 million or less annually receive full funding covering:
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Tuition support (needs-based)
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University accommodation
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Meals
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Textbooks
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Tutoring allowance
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Monthly stipend
Students above this income threshold receive needs-based funding depending on circumstances.
Entrepreneurial Development and Leadership Training
Participants gain access to:
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Personal mentor and business mentor
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Entrepreneurial curriculum via online campus
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Annual entrepreneurship conference
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Workshops and seminars
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Business incubation opportunities
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Venture funding opportunities through E Squared
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Community of entrepreneurial peers
Programme Development Journey
Successful applicants progress through multiple development stages:
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Application submission
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Interview selection (July 2026)
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Selection camp (September 2026)
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Long-term entrepreneurial leadership development during university
The programme supports students throughout their degree while helping them develop viable business ideas and leadership capabilities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
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Be a South African citizen
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Be under 21 years old in the year of application
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Be in Grade 12 during the year of application
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Achieve minimum academic performance:
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60% in Pure Mathematics OR 80% in Mathematical Literacy
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70% overall Grade 11 average (excluding Life Orientation)
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Intend to study an approved degree at one of the partner universities
Eligible study fields include:
Commerce, Science, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Arts and Health Science (excluding Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science)
Partner universities include:
WITS, UJ, UCT, NMU, RU, UWC, SU, UP, UFS, UKZN and TSiBA
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
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Certified Grade 11 report
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Certified ID copy
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Completed application form
Applications can be submitted online, delivered in person, or posted. Late applications are not accepted.
Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 (17:00 SAST)
Visit here to learn more about the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme.
For more fellowship opportunities, click here.
