Allan Gray Bursary South Africa

The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is dedicated to creating a sustainable, long-term contribution to Southern Africa by nurturing the region’s emerging entrepreneurial talent. 

The foundation was created with the belief that entrepreneurship has the power to reduce inequalities and promote economic and social transformation across Southern Africa. 

The foundation offers a variety of initiatives aimed at identifying, developing, and supporting young individuals with strong entrepreneurial potential.

One of the best initiatives of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation is its High School Scholarship Programme.

It is designed to equip young minds with the tools and mindset needed to thrive as future leaders and entrepreneurs.

The scholarship aims to support students entering Grade 8 who exhibit a passion for entrepreneurship and have a demonstrated academic record.

Key Details About the Allan Gray Orbis High School Scholarship

The Allan Gray Orbis High School Scholarship provides an opportunity for South African students entering Grade 8 in 2026 to receive support throughout their high school years. 

The scholarship is open to students currently in Grade 6 and is aimed at those who demonstrate entrepreneurial promise, academic excellence, and a financial need. 

The scholarship is designed to cover the full range of costs associated with schooling, as well as provide additional resources to foster the development of entrepreneurial skills.

Expenses Covered and Benefits of the Scholarship

The Allan Gray Orbis High School Scholarship covers a comprehensive range of expenses, including:

1. Tuition Fees: Full coverage for all tuition costs, ensuring that scholars have access to quality education without financial barriers.
2. Boarding: Accommodation for students, making it easier for scholars to focus on their academic and personal growth.
3. Stationery, Textbooks, and Uniforms: Essential school supplies and uniform costs are included, removing the burden of these expenses from scholars and their families.
4. Casual Clothing and Toiletries: Allowances for personal clothing and toiletries are also provided to ensure the well-being of scholars.
5. Support for Extracurricular Activities: The scholarship includes financial support for extra-mural activities, enabling scholars to explore interests outside the classroom.

In addition to covering these expenses, the scholarship offers several non-financial benefits:

1. Workshops, Speakers, and Seminars: Scholars have access to a variety of learning opportunities through workshops and seminars hosted by the Foundation.
2. Entrepreneurial Conference: An annual event where scholars engage with successful entrepreneurs, learning valuable insights and gaining inspiration.
3. Mentorship: Scholars receive guidance from a dedicated program officer and become part of a like-minded community focused on personal and entrepreneurial development.
4. Online Learning Campus: The scholarship provides access to an online platform that fosters independent learning and skill-building.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Allan Gray Orbis High School Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria. 

The following requirements must be satisfied to ensure eligibility:

1. Applicants must be South African citizens, with at least one parent also being a South African citizen.
2. Applicants must be between the ages of 11 and 12 years old, born in 2012 or 2013.
3. Applicants must be in Grade 6 during the 2024 academic year.
4. Applicants’ household income must not exceed R20,000 per month.
5. Applicants must have achieved a minimum result of 70% in English and Mathematics in both Grade 5 and Grade 6, with an overall average of 70%.
6. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in becoming an entrepreneur or business owner, showcasing qualities such as growth mindset, leadership, opportunity identification, and problem-solving skills.

How to Apply for the Allan Gray Orbis High School Scholarship

The application process for the Allan Gray Orbis High School Scholarship can be completed in two ways: online or manually. 

Both options require submitting essential documents as part of the application.

Online Application

1. Register: Create an account on the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship website.
2. Login: Once registered, log into the website to begin your application.
3. Complete the Form: Fill out the online application form with all necessary information.
4. Upload Documents: Submit the required supporting documents.

Manual Application

1. Download the Application Form: Download and complete the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship Application Form in PDF format from their website.
2. Prepare Your Documents: Collect the necessary documents.
3. Submit Your Application: Submit your completed form and documents via hand delivery (to Cape Town or Johannesburg offices) or by post to the Foundation’s address.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must include the following documents when submitting their application:

1. Unabridged Birth Certificate: A certified copy of the student’s birth certificate.
2. Parent/Guardian ID Documents: Certified copies of both parents’ or legal guardians’ ID documents.
3. Grade Reports: Certified copies of the Grade 5 term 4 report and the Grade 6 term 2 report.
4. Proof of Income: Certified copies of the latest payslips, bank statements, income tax statements, or affidavit if unemployed.
5. Proof of Legal Guardianship (if applicable): If the student lives with a legal guardian, documentation proving legal guardianship must be submitted.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Allan Gray Orbis High School Scholarship is rigorous and involves multiple stages:

1. Application Review: After submitting the application, the Foundation will review all applications for completeness and eligibility.
2. Exams: Successful applicants will be required to write the Foundation exam in Mathematics and English for Grade 6, which will take place in December 2024.
3. Interviews: Candidates who pass the exams will be invited for interviews, which will be held from February to March 2025.
4. Placement School Interviews: Finalists will attend interviews at placement schools.
5. Scholarship Award: Those recommended by the placement schools will be offered the scholarship.
6. Feedback: All applicants will receive feedback via SMS, whether they are successful or not.

Contact Information

For any queries or further information about the Allan Gray Orbis High School Scholarship, applicants can contact the Foundation directly through the following channels:

• Call Centre:
  • Cape Town: 021 481 5479
  • Johannesburg: 011 290 4940
• Email: scholarship@allangrayorbis.org

Deadlines

The application for the Allan Gray Orbis High School Scholarship is currently closed for the 2025 academic year.

For those looking to apply for future scholarships, be sure to stay updated on the official website for details about the next application period and deadlines.