Our programme
Allan Gray Postgraduate Fellowship Programme
The Allan Gray Postgraduate Fellowship Programme is a dynamic programme focused on equipping participants to become entrepreneurially competent individuals. It aims to empower youth with the skills needed to successfully start and grow businesses, shaping high-impact, responsible entrepreneurs who can drive meaningful change and create lasting value.
Our offer to you
The Aim Of The Allan Gray Postgraduate Fellowship Programme
- Become Part of an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
On the completion of the Allan Gray Postgraduate Fellowship Programme, and having met all the requirements, and graduate into the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation.
- Cultivating a Passion for Responsible Entrepreneurship
Allan Gray Fellows are encouraged and nurtured so that they can gain deliberate industry experience, find an entrepreneurial flair within their context, engage in entrepreneurial action and create socio-economic value through responsible entrepreneurship.
The Allan Gray Postgraduate Fellowship Programme is an 11-month competency building programme that runs alongside your existing postgraduate studies.
Requirements
- The applicant must be a South African citizen
- The applicant needs to show evidence of entrepreneurial competence against set criteria
- A minimum average of 60% for their Undergraduate degree
- The applicant must either be enrolled in an eligible Postgraduate University Programme in 2026 or hold a minimum of an honours degree from an eligible university. (Eligible universities include WITS, UJ, UCT, NMU, RU, UWC, SU, UP, UFS, UKZN, or TSiBA)
- The applicant must be under 35 years of age
- The applicant must have an Undergraduate degree from one of these universities: WITS, UJ, UCT, NMU, RU, UWC, SU, UP, UFS, UKZN, or TSiBA
- The applicant must be available to commit to an 11-month programme consisting of approximately 350 hours of blending learning (in person and online)
Process
- Submit your application form and supporting documentation online before or on 23 October 2026
- Successful applicant candidates will be invited to interviews and simulations in November 2026
- Successful interview and simulation candidates will be notified of their selection in December 2026 to January 2027, subject to the final approved selection timeline.
- Selected candidates will begin onboarding in January to February 2027.
What the Allan Gray Postgraduate Fellowship Programme Covers
Financial & Entrepreneurial Support
- Mentorship from an individually assigned Foundation staff member as well as a business mentor
- Access to the Foundation’s online entrepreneurial curriculum
- Annual entrepreneurship conference, seminars and workshops
- Access to a community of like-minded individuals
- Access to business incubation
- Access to an entrepreneurship coach
Testimonials
What People Have To Say About Our Programmes
The programme gave me something I didn’t know I needed: permission to grow. It helped me heal old doubts, embrace leadership, and step into entrepreneurship with courage. It has changed the trajectory of my life.Allan Gray Fellow
Not only do I intend to start a business, I’ve already begun building one… I’ve always known I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I never imagined it would feel this natural, this aligned, or this possible. For me, entrepreneurship is not about creating something for myself; it’s about creating something that serves.Allan Gray Fellow
The AGOF community has become a genuine family to me. It is a space where I felt supported, challenged, and encouraged in ways I did not expect. The AGOF community represents connection, possibility, and a network of people who truly want to see each other thrive.Allan Gray Fellow
The impact has been profound. It changed how I think, how I make decisions, and how I understand my own potential. The programme pushed me to grow intellectually, emotionally, and professionally.Allan Gray Fellow
How to Apply:
Online only
Required Documentation
Certified copy of your ID
Certified copy of your Undergraduate degree
We’re the ones 
who watch the ones to watch. The ones with the ability to change not only their own fortune, but the fortunes of many.
who watch the ones to watch. The ones with the ability to change not only their own fortune, but the fortunes of many.FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs are written for applicants interested in the 2027 Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Postgraduate Fellowship. Applications open on 1 September 2026 and close on 23 October 2026.
Eligibility
Who can apply for the 2027 Postgraduate Fellowship?
You may apply if you are an eligible graduate under 35 years of age who is currently studying, working, self-employed, building a venture, exploring an entrepreneurial opportunity or not currently studying. The Fellowship is open to eligible applicants across South Africa.
Do I need to be registered for postgraduate study to apply?
No. You do not need to be registered for postgraduate study to apply. You may apply if you meet the eligibility requirements, whether you are currently studying, working, building a venture or taking your next step after completing your undergraduate qualification.
What academic requirement do I need to meet?
You must have completed your undergraduate qualification at one of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation partner universities and achieved a final undergraduate result of at least 60%.
Does my undergraduate university matter?
Yes. Your undergraduate qualification must have been completed at a current Allan Gray Orbis Foundation partner university: WITS, UJ, UCT, NMU, RU, UWC, SU, UP, UFS, UKZN, or TSiBA.
Can I apply if I am already working?
Yes. Young working professionals are encouraged to apply if they meet the eligibility requirements and want to develop their entrepreneurial leadership, value-creation capability and contribution to South Africa.
Can I apply if I am an entrepreneur or building a side venture?
Yes. You may apply if you are a founder, startup team member, independent professional or someone developing a side venture, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and can show entrepreneurial potential, initiative and commitment to growth.
Application dates and process
When do applications open and close?
Applications open on 8 September 2026 and close on 23 October 2026. You should complete your online application and upload all required supporting documents before the closing date.
What documents should I prepare?
You should prepare the documents requested on the application platform. These may include your academic record, proof of undergraduate qualification, identification documents and any other supporting information required for your application.
Can I submit my application after 23 October 2026?
No. Applications close on 23 October 2026. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered, so you are encouraged to submit well before the deadline.
Can I apply if I am currently receiving another Allan Gray Orbis Foundation opportunity?
No. If you are currently a recipient of another Allan Gray Orbis Foundation opportunity, your application will not be considered for the Postgraduate Fellowship.
Programme offering and support
What does the Postgraduate Fellowship offer?
The Allan Gray Fellowship offers entrepreneurial development, leadership growth, mentorship, coaching, access to networks, workshops, seminars, community and appropriate support pathways. It is designed to help you grow your entrepreneurial capability and create meaningful value in South Africa.
Does the Fellowship pay academic fees?
No. The Postgraduate Fellowship does not pay academic fees. The programme provides developmental support and may include needs-based support where approved and applicable.
Will every participant receive the same support?
No. Some forms of support are needs-based and depend on approved criteria, available resources and programme decisions. Not every participant will receive the same type or level of support.
Is venture funding available?
Selected ventures may be considered for funding opportunities where approved and applicable. Venture funding is not guaranteed for every participant.
How many applicants will be selected?
The Foundation expects to select approximately 70-100 participants for the final 2027 Postgraduate Fellowship cohort. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection
What qualities is the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation looking for?
The Foundation is looking for applicants who show entrepreneurial potential, leadership promise, initiative, growth orientation, value-creation potential, academic readiness and a commitment to contributing positively to South Africa.
Communication and support
Who can I contact if I need help with my application?
If you need help, contact us on acceleratedfellowship@allangrayorbis.org