Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2026: Fully Funded University Support and Entrepreneurial Leadership Development for South African Students

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:

• Tuition support (needs-based)

• University accommodation

• Meals

• Textbooks

• Tutoring allowance

• Monthly stipend

Students above this income threshold receive needs-based funding depending on circumstances.

Entrepreneurial Development and Leadership Training

Participants gain access to:

• Personal mentor and business mentor

• Entrepreneurial curriculum via online campus

• Annual entrepreneurship conference

• Workshops and seminars

• Business incubation opportunities

• Venture funding opportunities through E Squared

• Community of entrepreneurial peers

Programme Development Journey

Successful applicants progress through multiple development stages:

1. Application submission

2. Interview selection (July 2026)

3. Selection camp (September 2026)

4. 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:

• Be a South African citizen

• Be under 21 years old in the year of application

• Be in Grade 12 during the year of application

• Achieve minimum academic performance:

  • 60% in Pure Mathematics OR 80% in Mathematical Literacy

  • 70% overall Grade 11 average (excluding Life Orientation)

• 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:

• Certified Grade 11 report

• Certified ID copy

• 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)

APPLY HERE

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