Allan Gray Orbis Foundation High School Scholarship Bursary 2027 – Closing Date: 15 September 2025 Apply Now

Hey future game-changers! 👋 Are you currently in Grade 6 with big dreams of becoming an entrepreneur? Well, listen up, because the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation High School Scholarship could be your ticket to an amazing future!

This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a chance to join a programme designed to spot and nurture the next generation of South African leaders and innovators. If you’re passionate about making a difference and need a helping hand to get a top-notch high school education, then keep reading!

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation was created back in 2005 by Allan Gray himself, with a powerful vision: to help build a brighter future for Southern Africa by investing in young, entrepreneurial minds. This High School Scholarship is specifically designed to identify talented Grade 6 students who will be entering Grade 8 in 2027. They’re looking for bright individuals who show early signs of entrepreneurial potential, have solid academic results, and genuinely need financial support. It’s all about equipping you with the mindset and tools to not just succeed, but to inspire change!

Who Can Apply?

Think this sounds like you? Here’s what you need to tick off the list to be eligible:

You must be a South African citizen (and at least one of your parents needs to be a South African citizen too).
You must have a proven financial need. Your total household income should be NOT more than R20 000 per month.
You need to be rocking your academics! This means achieving a minimum of 70% for both English and Mathematics in Grade 5 and Grade 6.
Your overall average in Grade 5 and Grade 6 should also be at least 70%.
You should have a genuine interest in becoming an entrepreneur or business owner.
Do you have these entrepreneurial superpowers? They’re looking for: a growth mindset (you believe you can grow your intelligence!), self-efficacy (you believe in yourself to hit those goals!), leadership (you can positively lead and influence others), opportunity identification (you’re great at spotting valuable chances), curiosity (you love to explore and discover new things), and problem-solving (you find creative ways to tackle challenges!).

What Does It Cover?

This scholarship is seriously comprehensive! If you’re successful, it will cover a whole bunch of your expenses, making sure you can focus on your studies and personal growth:

Tuition fees: Yep, your school fees are sorted!
Boarding: If you’re attending a boarding school, those costs are covered too.
Study essentials: Stationery, textbooks – no need to worry about those.
Wardrobe: Uniforms and even casual clothing are included.
Personal care: Toiletries are covered.
Fun stuff: Support for extra-mural activities.
Pocket money: You’ll receive a monthly allowance.

But wait, there’s more! Scholars also get access to incredible opportunities to boost their entrepreneurial journey:

Exclusive workshops, speakers, and seminars.
An annual entrepreneurial conference.
An online learning campus to keep those brain muscles growing.
Mentorship from a dedicated programme officer.
A community of like-minded individuals who are all striving for greatness!

How to Apply?

Ready to jump in? Here’s your step-by-step guide to applying for this amazing scholarship:

Manual Application Process:

Step 1: Download and complete the official Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship Application Form (.pdf).
Step 2: Gather all your supporting documents (check the list below!).
Step 3: Submit your completed application form and all your supporting documents. You can do this by hand delivery or post to one of their offices:

Cape Town: 46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8001
Johannesburg: 1st Floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 1 Protea Place, Cnr of Fredman Drive and Protea Place, Sandton, Johannesburg

Important Supporting Documents (don’t forget these!):

Make sure you submit clear, certified copies of everything listed below. Missing documents could mean your application isn’t considered!

Your unabridged birth certificate (certified copy).
Your parents’ or legal guardians’ ID documents (certified copies).
Your Grade 5 Term 4 report (certified copy).
Your Grade 6 Term 2 report (certified copy).
Proof of income for your parents or guardians (certified copy of latest payslips and 3 months bank statements if employed / certified copy of income tax statement and 6 months business account bank statements if self-employed / original affidavit if unemployed / certified copy of pension income if applicable).
If your parents are deceased, their death certificates.
If your parents are divorced, the divorce decree.
If you live with a legal guardian, proof of legal guardianship.

What Happens After You Apply? (Selection Process)

First, you apply and submit all your documents.
If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to write the Foundation exam in Mathematics and English for Grade 6, usually in December 2025.
Successful exam candidates will then be invited for interviews, typically in February to March 2026.
You might also be invited to placement schools for further interviews.
If you receive recommendations from these placement schools, congratulations – you’ll be awarded the scholarship!
Finally, a Memorandum of Agreement will be signed between the Foundation, the placement school, and your custodian.

The best part? The Foundation will keep you updated via SMS on the status of your application, whether you’re successful or not.

Heads up: The closing date for applications is 15 September 2025 at 17:00 SAST. Don’t be late – get your application in before then to make sure it’s considered!

Got Questions?

If you have any queries, feel free to reach out to the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation directly:

Call centre: 021 481 5479 (Cape Town) / 011 290 4940 (Johannesburg)
Email: scholarship@allangrayorbis.org

If this sounds like the right bursary for you, don’t wait — apply now and explore more amazing South African bursaries on Bursaries Room! Your future starts here!