The Allan Gray Scholarship Programme 2026 is open to young South African learners with strong academic potential, financial need and an entrepreneurial mindset.
The programme supports learners through high school while helping them build leadership, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills. In addition, successful scholars receive financial support for tuition, boarding and other school-related needs.
Application Deadline: 15th September, 2026
Who Can Apply for the Allan Gray Scholarship?
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a current Grade 6 learner in the year of application.
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 11 and 12 years old in Grade 6.
- Have been born in 2014 or 2015.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Have a minimum mark of 70% in English and Mathematics.
Therefore, parents, guardians and eligible learners should check these requirements carefully before starting an application.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Successful scholars can receive support for several education-related costs.
The scholarship covers:
- Tuition and boarding
- Monthly allowance
- Toiletries
- Uniforms and casual clothing
- Extra-mural activities
- Stationery
- Textbooks
Furthermore, scholars receive development opportunities beyond financial support.
These include:
- Entrepreneurship workshops
- Annual entrepreneurial conferences
- Online learning
- Mentorship from a Programme Officer
- Peer learning
- Access to speakers and seminars
- Leadership development
- Entrepreneurial mindset training
As a result, the programme helps learners develop skills that can benefit them well beyond high school.
Entrepreneurial and Leadership Development
The programme does more than provide school funding. It also helps young learners develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
Through mentorship, online learning and collaboration, scholars can improve their:
- Confidence
- Leadership skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Growth mindset
- Ability to create value
- Understanding of entrepreneurship
In addition, learners become part of a community where they can learn from peers and other experienced people.
Allan Gray Scholarship Application Process
The application process involves several stages.
First, applicants must submit the completed application form and supporting documents.
Next, successful applicants will take a Foundation assessment in English and Mathematics at Grade 6 level in December 2026.
After that, candidates who progress will attend interviews in early 2027. Recommended candidates will then attend interviews with the relevant placement schools.
Finally, candidates whose recommendations receive school approval can receive the scholarship in May 2027.
Once the scholarship is awarded, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, placement school and scholar’s custodian will sign an agreement.
Why Apply for This High School Scholarship?
The opportunity can help families who may struggle with the cost of quality secondary education.
More importantly, scholars gain access to mentorship, learning resources and an entrepreneurial community. Therefore, the programme can support both academic growth and personal development.
How to Apply for the Allan Gray Scholarship
Eligible applicants can apply online through the official Allan Gray Orbis Foundation platform.
You can also download the official application form before completing the process.
Applicants should carefully review the requirements and provide all requested supporting documents.
If you are looking for other scholarship opportunities, you can explore: https://opportunitylab.net/category/scholarships/
The Allan Gray Scholarship Programme 2026 offers more than financial assistance. It combines school funding with mentorship, entrepreneurship training and leadership development.
However, the programme has specific age, citizenship, academic and financial requirements. Eligible Grade 6 learners and their guardians should therefore review the requirements carefully and submit their applications before the stated deadline.
