Last Updated: 16 July 2026
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is inviting eligible Grade 6 learners across South Africa to apply for its High School Scholarship Programme for the 2028 academic year. This prestigious scholarship is aimed at learners who demonstrate strong academic ability, entrepreneurial potential, leadership qualities, and financial need.
Unlike many scholarships that only provide financial assistance, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship also focuses on developing future entrepreneurs through mentorship, leadership programmes, workshops, and ongoing personal development throughout high school.
If your child is currently in Grade 6 during 2026 and is expected to start Grade 8 in 2028, this could be an excellent opportunity to receive a fully funded high school education while developing valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Scholarship Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | Allan Gray Orbis Foundation |
| Scholarship Type | High School Scholarship |
| Entry Level | Grade 8 (2028) |
| Current Grade Required | Grade 6 (2026) |
| Eligible Age | Born in 2014 or 2015 |
| Closing Date | 15 September 2026 (17:00 SAST) |
| Application Method | Online or Manual Application |
| Contact | Cape Town: 021 481 5479 • Johannesburg: 011 290 4940 |
About the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship
Established in 2005, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation aims to identify and nurture young South Africans with entrepreneurial potential. The Foundation believes that developing future business leaders from an early age can contribute to economic growth and create lasting opportunities for communities across the country.
Successful learners receive financial support throughout high school while participating in leadership development programmes, entrepreneurial workshops, mentoring sessions, conferences, and other activities designed to build confidence, innovation, and critical thinking skills.
What the Scholarship Covers
Successful applicants may receive comprehensive support, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Boarding fees (where applicable)
- School uniforms
- Textbooks and stationery
- Casual clothing
- Toiletries
- Monthly allowance
- Support for extracurricular activities
- Leadership development workshops
- Entrepreneurial conferences
- Online learning resources
- Personal mentorship from a Programme Officer
The scholarship is designed to remove financial barriers while helping learners develop academically and personally.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Have at least one parent who is also a South African citizen.
- Be born in 2014 or 2015.
- Be currently enrolled in Grade 6 during the 2026 academic year.
- Be entering Grade 8 in 2028.
- Come from a household earning R20,000 or less per month.
- Achieve at least 70% in English for both Grade 5 and Grade 6.
- Achieve at least 70% in Mathematics for both Grade 5 and Grade 6.
- Maintain an overall academic average of 70% or higher.
- Demonstrate entrepreneurial potential, leadership qualities, curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn.
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is ideal for learners who:
- Perform well academically.
- Enjoy solving problems and thinking creatively.
- Show leadership potential at school or within their community.
- Are interested in entrepreneurship or creating future business opportunities.
- Require financial assistance to continue their education.
Selection Process
Applications will go through several stages:
Stage 1
Online or manual application submission.
Stage 2
Eligible applicants will write an assessment in:
- English
- Mathematics
The assessment is expected to take place in December 2026.
Stage 3
Shortlisted learners will attend interviews between February and March 2027, including interviews with participating placement schools.
Stage 4
Successful learners will receive scholarship offers and sign a Memorandum of Agreement together with their parent or guardian and the placement school.
All applicants will receive feedback via SMS, whether successful or unsuccessful.
How to Apply
Applicants can choose one of the following application methods:
Option 1 – Online Application
Visit the official Allan Gray Orbis Foundation website and complete the online application form.
Option 2 – Manual Application
Download the official Scholarship Application Form, complete it, and submit it by post or hand delivery to one of the Foundation’s offices.
Parents and guardians should prepare all required information and documents well before the closing date to avoid last-minute delays.
Closing Date
📅 15 September 2026 at 17:00 (SAST)
Late applications will not be considered.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship is much more than financial assistance. It invests in learners throughout their high school journey by combining quality education with leadership development and entrepreneurial training.
For learners who dream of making a positive impact through business, innovation, or community leadership, this programme provides an opportunity to build the skills and confidence needed for future success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
South African learners currently in Grade 6 during 2026 who will enter Grade 8 in 2028.
Is there an income requirement?
Yes. The total household income must not exceed R20,000 per month.
Does my child need good marks?
Yes. Applicants must achieve at least 70% in English, Mathematics, and overall academic performance.
Does the scholarship only pay school fees?
No. The scholarship also covers uniforms, books, stationery, boarding (where applicable), a monthly allowance, leadership programmes, mentoring, and extracurricular support.
How will applicants receive feedback?
The Foundation communicates the outcome of applications via SMS.
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Disclaimer
CareerConnectSA shares bursary, scholarship, internship, and job opportunities to help South Africans access educational and career opportunities. We are not affiliated with the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation. Applicants should always verify information and submit applications through the official Foundation channels.