Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

About the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is a non-profit organisation that develops young entrepreneurial leaders in Southern Africa. Allan Gray set it up in 2005, and it now works in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. Its main office is at 46 Hof Street in Oranjezicht, Cape Town, and it also has an office in Johannesburg. The Foundation now sits under Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies. The Foundation believes that one responsible, high-impact entrepreneur can create jobs and change a community. For that reason, it looks for talent early and supports people over many years. It does not simply hand out money. It builds skills, character and networks as well.

How the Foundation supports students

The best-known programme is the Allan Gray Fellowship. It supports school leavers through their university degrees. The funding is tiered, so the amount depends on household income, and there is no income cap on who may apply. Support has covered tuition, residence, books and living costs. Alongside the money, Fellows join entrepreneurship development programmes and receive mentoring throughout their studies. The programme also looks beyond university, so Fellows keep receiving support as they start careers or businesses.

The Foundation also offers a High School Scholarship for younger learners, and it runs the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge for schools. After graduation, Fellows join an alumni association. The Foundation reports nearly 1,000 alumni Fellows, and over 200 of them have started businesses that employ more than 800 people. Meanwhile, the Association of Allan Gray Fellows lets alumni test ideas, ask for feedback and build useful relationships. Women make up about 56% of alumni Fellows.

What to know before applying

Fellowship applicants should be in Grade 12, no older than 21, and hold citizenship of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana or Eswatini. Past calls asked for a Grade 11 average of at least 70%, excluding Life Orientation. They also asked for at least 60% in Mathematics, or 80% in Mathematical Literacy.

Applicants plan to study a qualifying degree at a partner university. Eligible fields have included commerce, science, engineering, law, humanities, arts and health sciences, although some medical degrees were excluded. Importantly, the Foundation looks for an entrepreneurial mindset and leadership, not only marks. The Foundation also pays attention to personal qualities such as initiative and a sense of responsibility.

The selection process has three steps. First, you submit an application. Next, shortlisted candidates attend interviews. Finally, a smaller group goes to a selection camp. Because criteria and dates can change, read the current requirements on the official website before you apply. Start early and gather your Grade 11 results, since you cannot complete the application without them. Teachers and school counsellors can help you prepare, so share the deadline with them early.