Allan Gray Scholarship Program 2026: High School Entrepreneurial Funding for Grade 6 Learners in South Africa

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Closing Date: 15 September 2025

The Allan Gray Scholarship Program is run by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation to spot and support young people who think like entrepreneurs. It starts in Grade 6 and places students in top partner high schools across South Africa. The goal is to build curious, hardworking learners into leaders who can fix problems and create jobs in the country.

South Africa has big challenges like inequality and unemployment. This program helps by giving kids from tough backgrounds a chance at good education. It is not just about school fees – it teaches entrepreneurial skills early. Students learn to think big, solve problems, and take responsibility. The foundation believes entrepreneurs can change society, so they invest in youth who show promise.

The program is for high school only, leading to Matric. After that, many go on to the Allan Gray Fellowship for university. It includes mentoring, camps, and activities to grow leadership. Successful students get placed in schools like top private or semi-private ones with strong academics and values.

This bursary stands out because it looks for more than marks – it wants kids with curiosity and drive. It helps families who cannot afford good schools. By starting young, it builds strong foundations for future success. Many past scholars have started businesses or led in their communities.

If you are in Grade 6 and dream of owning a business or making a difference, this could be perfect. It fits South Africa’s need for more entrepreneurs. For university options, see Open Bursaries or Commerce Bursaries for later stages.

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation has been doing this for years. They partner with schools to give the best environment. Students get support beyond money, like emotional help and networks. This makes it one of the top high school bursaries in SA.

Bursary Overview
Who the Bursary is For
Fields of Study Covered
What the Bursary Covers
Eligibility Requirements
Required Documents
Step-by-Step How to Apply
Closing Date
Selection Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notes & Warnings
Related Searches Section

Quick Summary of the Allan Gray Scholarship Program

Bursary Name	Allan Gray Scholarship Program
Company / Organization	Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Fields Covered	General high school education with focus on entrepreneurial development (not specific university fields)
Who Can Apply	Current Grade 6 learners (South African citizens), aged 11-12, minimum 70% in English & Math, financial need
Closing Date	15 September 2025 (closed for 2026 intake)
How to Apply	Online or submitted form with supporting documents to Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

Who can apply for the Allan Gray Scholarship Program

This bursary is for current Grade 6 learners who will start Grade 8 in 2026. It targets South African kids who are smart, curious, and come from homes that need financial help.

It is ideal for learners who show entrepreneurial traits – like asking questions, trying new things, or leading friends. The program wants to include those from disadvantaged areas to make opportunities fair.

Parents cannot apply alone; the child must show interest. It is for full-time high school at partner placement schools.

If you know a Grade 6 learner like this, encourage them. For similar high school or university bursaries, check Closing Soon.

Fields of Study Covered by Allan Gray Scholarship Program

The Allan Gray Scholarship Program is for general high school education. It does not cover specific university fields yet. The focus is on building an entrepreneurial mindset across all subjects.

Students study the normal school curriculum but get extra entrepreneurial lessons, projects, and activities. This prepares them for any degree later, like commerce, science, or arts.

It is not for university – that is the separate Fellowship Program. But it sets a strong base for future studies. If interested in business later, see Commerce Bursaries.

What the Allan Gray Scholarship Program Covers

The Allan Gray Scholarship Program is fully funded for high school. It covers:

School tuition fees at partner placement schools.
Boarding and accommodation if needed.
Meals and living costs.
Books, stationery, and uniforms.
Extracurricular activities and entrepreneurial program.
Mentoring and personal development support.

It is needs-based, so it helps as much as required. No payback, but students must commit to the program and school rules. This full support lets kids focus on growing without money worries.

Who Qualifies for the Allan Gray Scholarship Program

To qualify, you must:

Be a current Grade 6 learner in the year of application.
Be a South African citizen.
Be aged 11-12 (born in 2013 or 2014).
Show financial need (household gross income usually under R20,000/month).
Have at least 70% in English and Mathematics in Grades 5 and 6.
Demonstrate entrepreneurial interest and potential.
Be ready to attend a partner placement school.

The program is competitive and fair.

Required Documents when applying for the Allan Gray Scholarship Program

You need to submit:

Application form (signed fully).
Certified copies of ID or birth certificate.
Latest school reports (Grades 5-6).
Proof of financial need (payslips, affidavits, bank statements).
Active cellphone number for updates.

All docs must be clear and certified. Missing any can disqualify you.

Step-by-Step How to Apply for the Allan Gray Scholarship Program

Get the application form from the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation website or partners.
Fill it in carefully with parent/guardian help.
Gather all required documents.
Submit online, by hand, or post before deadline (use online or hand delivery to avoid delays).
If shortlisted, write assessment tests in English and Math (around December).
Attend interviews if invited (early next year).
If recommended, go for school placement interviews.
Final approval and award in May.https://allangrayorbis.org/

When does the Allan Gray Scholarship Program closes

15 September 2025 at 17:00 SAST. Closed now for 2026. Late applications not accepted.

Selection Process for the Allan Gray Scholarship Program

The process includes:

Application review for basics.
Assessment tests in December.
Interviews with foundation.
School placement interviews.
Final approval by schools.

It looks at academics, need, and entrepreneurial fit. Feedback given where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions when applying for the Allan Gray Scholarship Program

What age must I be?

11-12 years old in Grade 6 (born 2013 or 2014).

Do I need high marks?

Yes, minimum 70% in English and Math.

Is it only for poor families?

Yes, shows financial need with income proof.

Can I choose my school?

No, placed at partner schools.

What if I miss the deadline?

No late apps; wait for next year.

Is there university after?

Many go to Fellowship Program.

Do I pay anything back?

No, but follow program rules.

Contact details?

Use foundation site or call center (021 481 5479 CPT, 011 290 4940 JHB).

For Grade 12 instead?

That’s the Fellowship Program.

Disability support?

Mention in app for consideration.

Important Notes & Warnings when applying for the Allan Gray Scholarship Program

Applications closed; prepare for next intake.
Submit real documents only; fakes disqualify.
One parent must be SA citizen.
Commit to entrepreneurial activities.
Check official site for updates.
Not for university – see Fellowship for that.
No preference beyond criteria; fair selection.