Allan Gray Scholarship 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status
Applications closed Closed 15 September 2026
Provider
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Study level
Undergraduate, High school
Academic year
2027
Last checked
September 2026

The high school scholarship round closes on 15 September 2026 at 17:00 SAST (after that, watch for the next round from mid-2027), for learners starting Grade 8 in 2028.

Keagan HendricksWritten by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)
Naledi KhumaloReviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified
Closed · applications closed on 15 September 2026 the high school scholarship round closes on 15 September 2026 at 17:00 SAST (after that, watch for the next round from mid-2027) , for learners starting Grade 8 in 2028. Latest update ↓

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation runs two well-known awards for young South Africans: a high school scholarship that starts in Grade 8, and the Orbis Fellowship that funds a full university degree. Both look for entrepreneurial potential rather than marks alone, and both cover the full cost of study.

Which Allan Gray award do you need?

  • Grade 6 learners: the high school scholarship, which covers Grade 8 to Grade 12 at a partner school.
  • Matriculants and first-year students: the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship, which funds a full undergraduate degree and develops entrepreneurs.

What the high school scholarship covers

  • Tuition, boarding, uniforms, textbooks, stationery and toiletries.
  • Support for extracurricular activities and a monthly allowance.
  • Mentorship, workshops and an annual entrepreneurial conference.

Eligibility requirements

  • South African citizen aged 11 or 12, currently in Grade 6.
  • At least 70% overall in Grades 5 and 6, including English and Mathematics.
  • Household income of no more than R20 000 a month.
  • A demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship.

How to apply

  1. Apply online at allangrayorbis.org.
  2. Attach a certified unabridged birth certificate, your parents’ or guardians’ IDs, your Grade 5 and Grade 6 reports and proof of household income.
  3. Submit before 17:00 on the closing date.

Contact details

See also the Allan Gray Makers competition and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy scholarship.

FAQs

1. When does the Allan Gray scholarship close? +
The high school scholarship round closes on 15 September 2026 at 17:00 South African time, for learners starting Grade 8 in 2028. The Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship for university students runs on its own cycle, usually closing in the first half of the year.
2. Which Allan Gray award do I need? +
Grade 6 learners apply for the high school scholarship. Matriculants and first-year university students apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship, which funds a full degree and develops entrepreneurs.
3. What does the high school scholarship cover? +
Tuition, boarding, uniforms, textbooks, stationery, toiletries, extracurricular support and a monthly allowance at a partner high school, plus mentorship and entrepreneurship development.
4. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens aged 11 or 12 in Grade 6, with at least 70% overall in Grades 5 and 6 including English and Mathematics, a household income of no more than R20 000 a month, and an interest in entrepreneurship.
5. How do I apply? +
Online at allangrayorbis.org with a certified unabridged birth certificate, your parents' IDs, your Grade 5 and Grade 6 reports and proof of household income.
6. Where can I read the full details? +
On our Allan Gray Orbis Foundation high school scholarship page, which sets out the coverage, criteria and documents in full.
Update note (checked September 2026): the high school scholarship round closes on 15 September 2026 at 17:00 SAST (after that, watch for the next round from mid-2027), for learners starting Grade 8 in 2028. Our full guide is on the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation high school scholarship page. University applicants should see the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

Visit the provider’s website

About Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

Non-profit foundation (entrepreneurship and education)

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation invests in the education and development of people with entrepreneurial potential in Southern Africa. The foundation believes one responsible, high-impact entrepreneur can change the reality of a city, or even a country, by…

Read the full Allan Gray Orbis Foundation profile →
Address
46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8001
Phone
021 481 5400
Email
info@allangrayorbis.org
Website
allangrayorbis.org

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