EMPOWERING YOUNG LEADERS THROUGH FOUR YEARS OF UNIVERSITY SUPPORT

The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme is a prestigious four-year opportunity designed to support young achievers in their university journey at one of 10 partner universities in South Africa.

Until 31 July 2025

Applications are currently closed

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Our Aim

SHAPING FUTURE LEADERS WITH PURPOSE AND IMPACT

The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme is designed to develop well-rounded individuals who graduate as responsible, entrepreneurial thinkers with a deep commitment to their communities. Through personalised support and immersive learning experiences, Candidate Allan Gray Fellows gain the skills, mindset, and network to drive meaningful change. The programme nurtures:

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Entrepreneurship as a career path

Candidate Allan Gray Fellows are guided to see entrepreneurship as a viable and fulfilling career path. By the end of the programme, they are equipped to:

01 Turn ideas into impactful ventures.

02 Leverage support from the Foundation.

03 Build strong networks through collaboration and community.

04 Embody responsible entrepreneurship that creates real value.

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Deepened understanding of entrepreneurship

Candidate Allan Gray Fellows receive comprehensive support beyond financial and academic assistance, including:

01 A Personal Development Officer to aid in the transition to university life.

02 An Entrepreneurial Leadership Officer to develop their entrepreneurial mindset.

03 An Industry Mentor to help translate entrepreneurial concepts into practical skills.

Application requirements

To apply for the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

01

Achieve 60% or higher in Mathematics in AS levels or Form 6 latest results.

02

Maintain 70%+ overall average in latest AS Level or Form 6 results (excluding Life Orientation/Skills)

03

Be a citizen of Eswatini, Botswana, or Namibia.

04

Be under 21 years of age in the year of application.

05

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 logo
University of Johannesburg logo
University of Cape Town logo
Nelson Mandela University logo
Rhodes University logo
University of the Western Cape logo
Stellenbosch University logo
University of Pretoria logo
University of the Free State logo
University of KwaZulu-Natal logo
Two Allan Gray Fellowship Programme participants from Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia talking

Allan Gray Fellowship application process

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Step 1: Submit
Complete the online application form and upload all required documents by 31 July 2025 at 17:00.

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Step 2: Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews between August and September 2025.

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Step 3: Selection Camp
Entrepreneurial Camp. Finalists will attend an Entrepreneurial Camp in October 2025

Required documentation to submit

What the Allan Gray Fellowship COVERS

The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme provides

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Comprehensive Financial Support

Coverage includes university tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, tutoring, travel allowances, medical aid costs, and a monthly stipend.

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Mentorship & Guidance

Receive mentorship from the Foundation staff and a dedicated business mentor to support your entrepreneurial journey.

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Entrepreneurial Curriculum & Events

Gain access to the Foundation’s Entrepreneurial Curriculum through the AGOF Online Campus, along with annual conferences, seminars, and workshops designed to support your entrepreneurial journey.

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Personal, Entrepreneurial & Leadership Growth

Develop your personal, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills through tailored programmes designed to foster growth and success.

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Entrepreneurial Community

Join a network of like-minded individuals committed to growth, collaboration, and success.

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Business Incubation & Funding

Gain access to business incubation and venture funding to support your entrepreneurial journey.

How to GET INVOLVED

This programme is your gateway to a life-changing experience in entrepreneurship and personal growth. Take the first step today:

01

Ready to Apply?
Click the arrow to start your application

02

Enquire
Click on the arrow to get in touch

Collage of photos of smiling Allan Gray Fellowship Programme participants from Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia
Collage of photos of Allan Gray Fellowship Programme participants from Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia

Apply now BY REGION

Begin your application for this life-changing opportunity in entrepreneurship and personal growth.

Eswatini
Click the arrow to download your Eswatini Application Form

Botswana
Click the arrow to download your Botswana Application Form

Namibia
Click the arrow to download your Namibia Application Form

FAQs

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

Citizens of Eswatini, 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.

Yes, you can. The Allan Gray Fellowship 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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