Key facts
- Status
- Applications closed Closed 15 September 2026
- Provider
- Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
- Study level
- High school
- Academic year
- 2027
- Last checked
- September 2026
The current round closes on 15 September 2026 at 17:00 South African time; after that, watch the foundation's website from mid-2027 for the next round.
VerifiedClosed · applications closed on 15 September 2026 the current round closes on 15 September 2026 at 17:00 South African time ; after that, watch the foundation's website from mid-2027 for the next round. Latest update ↓
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation was set up by the investor Allan Gray to find and develop high-impact entrepreneurs, and its high school scholarship is where that pipeline starts. It takes Grade 6 learners with strong marks, real financial need and entrepreneurial instincts, and carries them through five years at a partner high school with everything paid for.
About the Allan Gray Orbis High School Scholarship
- Covers tuition fees, boarding, stationery, textbooks, uniforms, casual clothing, toiletries, support for extracurricular activities and a monthly allowance.
- Scholars attend a partner high school from Grade 8 to Grade 12.
- Adds workshops, seminars, an annual entrepreneurial conference, online learning resources and mentorship.
Scholarship eligibility requirements
- South African citizen aged 11 or 12, with at least one South African parent.
- Currently in Grade 6, entering Grade 8 two years later.
- An overall average of at least 70% in Grades 5 and 6, including at least 70% for English and Mathematics.
- Household income of no more than R20 000 a month, and a demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship: curiosity, leadership, problem solving and a growth mindset.
How to apply
- Apply online at allangrayorbis.org, or download the manual form and deliver it to the Cape Town or Johannesburg office.
- Attach a certified unabridged birth certificate, your parents’ or guardians’ IDs, your Grade 5 term 4 and Grade 6 term 2 reports, proof of household income and any divorce, death or guardianship documents.
- Submit before 17:00 on the closing date. Shortlisted learners go through assessments and interviews.
Closing date
15 September 2026 at 17:00 SAST, for learners starting Grade 8 in 2028.
Contact details
- Cape Town: 021 481 5479. Johannesburg: 011 290 4940
- Email: scholarship@allangrayorbis.org
See also the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship for university students and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy scholarship.
FAQs
1. When does the Allan Gray Orbis high school scholarship close? +
The current round closes on 15 September 2026 at 17:00 South African time; after that, watch the foundation's website from mid-2027 for the next round. It is for learners in Grade 6 in 2026 who will start Grade 8 in 2028, so there is no separate 2027 intake to apply for now.
2. What is the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation? +
The foundation established by investor Allan Gray to develop high-impact entrepreneurs, through high school scholarships, a university fellowship and support for entrepreneurs.
3. What does the scholarship cover? +
Tuition fees, boarding, stationery, textbooks, uniforms, casual clothing, toiletries, support for extracurricular activities and a monthly allowance, at a partner high school. Scholars also get workshops, seminars, an annual entrepreneurial conference, online learning resources and mentorship.
4. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens aged 11 or 12 with at least one South African parent, currently in Grade 6, with an overall average of at least 70% in Grades 5 and 6 including at least 70% for English and Mathematics, a household income of no more than R20 000 a month, and a demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship.
5. How do I apply? +
Online on the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation website, or by downloading the manual form and delivering it to the Cape Town or Johannesburg office, with a certified unabridged birth certificate, your parents' or guardians' IDs, your Grade 5 term 4 and Grade 6 term 2 reports, proof of household income and any divorce, death or guardianship documents.
6. What if I am already in high school? +
The high school scholarship only takes Grade 6 learners. University students should apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship instead.
Update note (checked September 2026): the current round closes on 15 September 2026 at 17:00 South African time; after that, watch the foundation’s website from mid-2027 for the next round. It is for learners in Grade 6 in 2026 who will start Grade 8 in 2028, so there is no separate 2027 intake to apply for now. University students should apply for the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship instead.
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
- Website
- allangrayorbis.org