Frequently
Asked Questions

From understanding the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme and the Entrepreneurship Challenge (AGEC) to learning more about the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation EBN itself – this page covers all your questions.

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General

AGEC

Allan Gray Fellowship

General

I am not from Eswatini, Botswana or Namibia may I apply for the Fellowship opportunity?

The Foundation operates in countries where Allan Gray Limited is represented and, therefore, offers the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme to citizens of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini.

I have been working for a number of years now, can I apply for university funding from the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation?

Yes. As long as you are 21 years or younger if you are a matriculant, or 22 years and younger if you are applying as a first-year university student.

I would like to submit a funding proposal to the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation. How would I go about doing this?

We do not provide funding as all our resources are directed into the Scholarship, Fellowship and Association programmes.

I would like to request a donation from the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation to assist an education project. Is this possible?

We do not provide donations as all our resources are directed into the Scholarship, Fellowship and Association programmes.

I would like to apply for funding for my MBA. Does the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation fund MBA studies?

The Foundation does not provide funding for MBA studies.

If I apply, do I need to be an entrepreneur or want to be an entrepreneur one day?

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation invests in individuals who display entrepreneurial potential. The Scholarship and Fellowship programmes aim to cultivate (grow) that potential further. We believe that an entrepreneurial mindset can benefit an employee and a business owner. So the question should rather be, do you want to make a difference?

Is this opportunity only for black candidates?

No. Selection is based on the region’s demographics, which means that all races are welcome to apply.

How many Fellowships are awarded every year?

We award up to 100 Fellowships every year.

Will I have to work for Allan Gray or the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation after I complete my studies?

No. You will not have to work for either organisation upon completing your studies. There are no post-study contractual obligations.

Are there any additional or preferred requirements for successful Fellowship candidates?

Yes. In addition to the mandatory requirements we consider the following:

Have you played any leadership roles at school or university as either a prefect, member of the SRC, or sports team captain?
Have you attained any formal school or university awards within the Academics, Cultural or Service fields?
In the last three years, have you created an original product or service, developed it and possibly sold it (preferably NOT including any school market days you may have participated in)?
Have you initiated an activity or project that has made an impact in your school, university, community or environment?
Have you recently worked in any environment to generate your own money?
Do you participate in any sporting activities at school, university or outside this environment?
Do you participate in any cultural activities at school, university or outside this environment?
Do you display an ability to manage your emotions effectively?
Are you aware of the emotions of those around you and do you react appropriately?
Do you display an ability to be flexible and adaptable to change?
Are you able to describe an occasion or occasions where you have been able to achieve success despite difficulty?
Do you consistently demonstrate perseverance, tenacity and goal-oriented behaviour?

AGEC

Who is eligible to participate in the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge?

The Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge is open to all high school students in Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia. While anyone is welcome to participate and engage with the challenge, only eligible students from these countries will have the opportunity to win prizes.

What kinds of entrepreneurial activities are included in the Challenge?

The High School Game itself mimics and embodies a vast array of entrepreneurial activities. The Business Pitching Competition focuses on idea generation, creative thinking, and pitching.

Do participants need to have prior entrepreneurial experience to join?

No, prior experience or exposure is not needed. The Challenge is designed to spark entrepreneurial awareness and interest.

How long does the Challenge last, and what is the commitment required?

The Challenge runs from April to September every year, and all activities are voluntary. The game itself is only 30 minutes long.

What do participants gain from taking part in the Challenge?

Participants gain valuable insights and hands-on experience in entrepreneurship through an engaging, virtual platform. The Challenge is designed to teach essential business concepts in a fun and interactive way. By playing repeatedly, learners reinforce their understanding of real-world business principles while tracking their progress through leaderboard scores.

Are there prizes for winners of the Entrepreneurship Challenge?

Yes! Prizes are awarded to the top 10 participants on the High School Game Leaderboard, as well as the top 3 Business Pitch Ideas from each country. Additionally, the top-performing school in each country will receive a prize. Please note that terms and conditions regarding prize eligibility apply.

Can I participate in the Challenge if I am already part of another entrepreneurship programme?

Yes, you can participate even if you are part of another entrepreneurship programme.

How can schools and teachers support their students in participating?

Schools and teachers can support students by helping them register for the game, as some may find it difficult. Since the game is only 30 minutes long, it can be played during a class period. Schools with computer and IT facilities are well-poised to expose each learner to this valuable resource.

Allan Gray Fellowship

Who is eligible to apply for the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme?

Citizens of Eswatini, and Botswana, and Namibia who are under the age of 21 in the year of application and transitioning into their university degree are eligible to apply.

Can I apply for the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme if I already have another bursary or scholarship?

Yes, you can. The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme provides need-based funding and does not require you to work for any of our associated companies or the Foundation. However, you will benefit significantly from being part of our vibrant community, with access to an extensive network and valuable resources.

Can a student who has received the Government Top Achievers Scholarship and plans to study overseas be considered for the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme?

Yes, provided that the university is ranked within the top 100 of the QS rankings.

Can I apply if I am currently studying at university?

You can apply if you are in the first year of your university degree and intend to study at one of our partner universities in South Africa.

I applied when I was in Grade 12 and was not successful. Can I still apply again this year?

Yes, you can reapply. We will evaluate your application based on the noticeable development and improvement in your life since your previous application, both from an entrepreneurial and academic perspective. You will also need to complete a new application form reflecting these developments.

Will I be required to attend any activities outside of my university degree requirements if I am selected?

Yes, the Allan Gray Fellowship includes an Entrepreneurial and Personal Development Programme that requires you to attend events and complete activities outside of your university degree requirements.

Do I need to have a strong academic record to qualify for the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme?

Yes, academic excellence is one of the key criteria for success in our programmes.

What happens if my academic performance drops during the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme?

You may lose your Fellowship at any stage. Each Candidate Allan Gray Fellow is evaluated annually based on academic performance as well as participation in the Entrepreneurial and Personal Development Programmes.

Are Candidate Allan Gray Fellows required to start a business immediately after completing their studies?

No, Candidate Allan Gray Fellows are not required to start a business immediately after completing their studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently
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