Allan Gray Scholarship Programme (High School Scholarship for Young Entrepreneurial Development)

1. 1

   Confirm eligibility (Grade 6 learner, citizenship, academic and financial-need criteria)

2. 2

   Apply online through the Foundation's graymatter.allangrayorbis.org portal once applications open mid-year, before the closing date (reported around 15 September at 17:00 SAST)

3. 3

   Submit supporting documents including school reports and proof of household income

4. 4

   Complete the Foundation assessment (held around December)

5. 5

   Attend interviews early the following year if shortlisted

6. 6

   Attend placement-school interviews

7. 7

   Receive scholarship outcomes around May, with successful learners placed at a partner high school for Grade 8

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Allan Gray Scholarship Programme?

South African learners currently in Grade 6 (aged 11 or 12, born in 2014 or 2015) who will enter Grade 8 in the next high-school cycle, with at least one South African parent, a 70% overall average in Grades 5 and 6, 70% in both English and Maths, demonstrated financial need (household income up to R20,000 per month) and entrepreneurial potential.

How is this different from the Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship?

The Fellowship is a full-cost undergraduate scholarship for university students, while the Scholarship Programme is a separate high-school scholarship for Grade 6 learners entering Grade 8. Each has its own eligibility criteria, application portal and selection process.

What does the scholarship cover?

It is a comprehensive, full-cost scholarship covering tuition, boarding, textbooks and stationery, uniforms, toiletries, extra-mural activities and a monthly allowance, plus an entrepreneurial development programme with workshops, an annual conference and mentorship from a dedicated Programme Officer.

When does the programme close?

Applications open mid-year, and the closing date is reported to be around 15 September (17:00 SAST). Because the official page shows a live countdown rather than a fixed published date, verify the exact deadline on allangrayorbis.org each cycle and apply early.