Allan Gray Orbis High School Scholarship 2027

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.

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 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

  1. Apply online at allangrayorbis.org, or download the manual form and deliver it to the Cape Town or Johannesburg office.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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.

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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