Allan Gray Fellowship Programme 2026: Four Years of University Support for Young Leaders from Eswatini, Botswana & Namibia

Published: 28 May 2026 | Education & Scholarships

The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme is now accepting applications for its prestigious four-year opportunity designed to support young achievers in their university journey. The programme is open to citizens of Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia who plan to study at one of ten partner universities in South Africa.

Applications close on July 31, 2026.

About the Allan Gray Fellowship Programme

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 entrepreneurship as a career path and provides comprehensive support beyond financial assistance. Fellows are guided to see entrepreneurship as a viable and fulfilling career path.

By the end of the programme, fellows are equipped to turn ideas into impactful ventures, leverage support from the Foundation, build strong networks through collaboration and community, and embody responsible entrepreneurship that creates real value.

What the Fellowship Covers

The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme provides comprehensive financial support that includes university tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, tutoring, travel allowances, medical aid costs, and a monthly stipend.

Beyond financial support, fellows receive mentorship and guidance from Foundation staff and a dedicated business mentor to support their entrepreneurial journey.

Fellows gain access to the Foundation’s Entrepreneurial Curriculum through the AGOF Online Campus, along with annual conferences, seminars, and workshops designed to support their entrepreneurial development.

The programme also focuses on personal, entrepreneurial, and leadership growth through tailored programmes designed to foster success. Fellows join a network of like-minded individuals committed to growth, collaboration, and success.

Additionally, fellows gain access to business incubation and venture funding to support their entrepreneurial journey.

Support Beyond Financial Assistance

Candidate Allan Gray Fellows receive comprehensive support beyond financial and academic assistance. Each fellow is assigned a Personal Development Officer to aid in the transition to university life.

An Entrepreneurial Leadership Officer works with fellows to develop their entrepreneurial mindset. An Industry Mentor helps translate entrepreneurial concepts into practical skills.

This three-pronged support system ensures that fellows receive guidance on personal adjustment, entrepreneurial thinking, and real-world business application throughout their four-year university journey.

Application Requirements

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

Academic Requirements:

Achieve 60 percent or higher in Mathematics in AS levels or Form 6 latest results
Maintain a 70 percent or higher overall average in latest AS Level or Form 6 results (excluding Life Orientation or Skills)

Citizenship and Age:

Be a citizen of Eswatini, Botswana, or Namibia
Be under 21 years of age in the year of application

Field of Study:
Applicants must plan to study one of the following fields at a partner university:

Commerce
Science (excluding Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Dentistry)
Engineering
Law
Humanities
Arts

Partner Universities

The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme is available at ten partner universities in South Africa:

University of the Witwatersrand
University of Johannesburg
University of Cape Town
Nelson Mandela University
Rhodes University
University of the Western Cape
Stellenbosch University
University of Pretoria
University of the Free State
University of KwaZulu-Natal

Applicants must plan to enrol at one of these institutions to be eligible for the fellowship.

Application Process

The Allan Gray Fellowship application process consists of three steps.

Step 1: Submit Application
Complete the online application form and upload all required documents by July 31, 2026, at 17:00. Applicants can also download a paper application form if they prefer to apply offline.

Step 2: Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews between August and September 2026.

Step 3: Selection Camp
Finalists will attend an Entrepreneurial Camp in October 2026, where the final selection decisions will be made.

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:

Certified copy of their national identification document
Certified copy of their most recent AS Level or Form 6 report card

Incomplete applications without the required certified documents will not be considered.

Who Should Apply

The Allan Gray Fellowship Programme is looking for young achievers who demonstrate entrepreneurial potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to their communities. Ideal candidates are those who see themselves as future change-makers and problem-solvers.

The programme particularly values applicants who think creatively, take initiative, and show resilience in the face of challenges. Academic excellence is important, but the fellowship seeks well-rounded individuals with a drive to make a difference.

Why Apply for the Allan Gray Fellowship

This fellowship offers more than financial support. It provides a structured pathway for young people who want to build careers as entrepreneurs and community leaders.

The four-year duration means fellows receive support throughout their entire university journey, not just for a single year. This continuity allows for deeper development of entrepreneurial skills and stronger relationships with mentors and peers.

The business incubation and venture funding component sets this fellowship apart from many other scholarships. Fellows who develop viable business ideas during their studies can access funding and support to launch those ventures after graduation.

The network of Allan Gray Fellows across multiple countries provides ongoing opportunities for collaboration, learning, and mutual support long after the formal programme ends.

Application Deadline

Applications close on July 31, 2026. The countdown clock on the application portal shows the remaining days, hours, minutes, and seconds until the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply online through the Allan Gray Fellowship application portal. Alternatively, they can download application forms specific to their country:

Eswatini applicants: Download the Eswatini application form
Botswana applicants: Download the Botswana application form
Namibia applicants: Download the Namibia application form

All applications must be submitted before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am already in university?
The programme is designed for students who are about to begin or are in the early stages of their university studies. Check the official website for specific eligibility regarding current university students.

Is the fellowship renewable each year?
Yes, the fellowship covers four years of university support, subject to satisfactory academic progress and continued participation in programme activities.

Can I study any degree?
The fellowship supports studies in Commerce, Science (excluding Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Dentistry), Engineering, Law, Humanities, and Arts. Medical and veterinary degrees are not covered.

Do I need to have my final results before applying?
Applicants can apply with their latest AS Level or Form 6 results. Final results can be submitted later if they become available after the application deadline.

Is there an age limit?
Applicants must be under 21 years of age in the year of application.

Final Advice for Applicants

Candidates should start their applications early to allow time for gathering certified documents and completing all required sections. The academic requirements are minimums; stronger results improve the chances of being shortlisted.

The cover letter or personal statement should highlight entrepreneurial experiences, leadership roles, and community involvement. The selection committee looks for evidence of initiative, problem-solving, and a genuine desire to create positive change.

Applicants from Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia are encouraged to apply regardless of their financial background. The fellowship is merit-based and seeks young leaders with potential, not only those with demonstrated financial need.