Allan Gray Scholarship Programme 2026: Fully Supported High School Scholarship for Young South African Entrepreneurs

The Allan Gray Scholarship Programme for Entrepreneurial Development 2026 is an opportunity for academically capable, financially deserving Grade 6 learners in South Africa who demonstrate curiosity, entrepreneurial potential and a desire to create value in their communities.

Offered by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, the programme goes beyond conventional financial assistance. Successful scholars receive support to attend leading partner high schools while also gaining access to mentorship, entrepreneurial development, leadership opportunities, workshops, online learning and a community of like-minded young people.

The programme is designed to identify promising young learners at an early stage and give them the educational environment, resources and developmental support needed to grow their academic abilities and entrepreneurial potential.

The Foundation’s current information confirms that the 2026 application deadline is 15 September 2026. Applications posted after 15 September 2026 will not be considered.

Opportunity Overview

• Opportunity: Allan Gray Scholarship Programme for Entrepreneurial Development
• Category: High School Scholarship
• Provider: Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
• Target group: Current Grade 6 learners
• Country: South Africa
• Citizenship requirement: South African citizenship
• Age requirement: Applicants must be 11 or 12 years old in Grade 6
• Eligible birth years: 2014 or 2015
• Academic requirement: Minimum 70% in English and Mathematics
• Financial requirement: Applicants must demonstrate financial need
• Application status: Applications are currently open
• Application deadline: 15 September 2026
• Programme focus: Education, entrepreneurship, leadership and personal development
• Application methods: Online application and application form, subject to the Foundation’s submission requirements

About the Allan Gray Scholarship Programme

The Allan Gray Scholarship Programme is designed for young learners who demonstrate more than academic ability. The Foundation seeks learners with a curious and entrepreneurial mindset, the potential to excel academically and a genuine financial need.

Rather than treating a scholarship simply as a means of paying school fees, the programme takes a long-term approach to developing young people.

Scholars are introduced to entrepreneurial thinking, leadership, collaboration, problem-solving and value creation while continuing their formal high school education.

The programme is part of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation’s broader commitment to identifying and developing entrepreneurial potential in Southern Africa. The Foundation describes entrepreneurship as an important avenue for creating meaningful employment and contributing to social and economic transformation.

What Makes This Scholarship Different?

Many scholarships focus primarily on academic funding. The Allan Gray Scholarship Programme takes a more holistic approach.

Successful scholars can receive financial assistance for their schooling while simultaneously participating in developmental interventions intended to strengthen their confidence, leadership abilities, entrepreneurial thinking and personal growth.

The Foundation’s model combines:

1. Academic support
2. Financial assistance
3. Entrepreneurial development
4. Mentorship
5. Leadership development
6. Peer learning
7. Online learning
8. Workshops and seminars
9. Community engagement
10. Exposure to entrepreneurship and value creation

This approach means that scholars are not simply supported through high school; they are introduced to a developmental environment intended to prepare them for future opportunities.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is specifically designed for young learners currently in Grade 6.

Applicants must meet the Foundation’s eligibility conditions before submitting an application.

1. Current Grade 6 Learner

The applicant must be a current Grade 6 learner in 2026.

This is an important requirement because the scholarship is intended to support learners transitioning from primary school into high school.

2. South African Citizenship

The applicant must be a South African citizen.

This means the programme is not a general international scholarship and is not open to applicants from other African countries or other continents.

3. Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

• At least 11 years old; and
• Not older than 12 years old in Grade 6.

For the 2026 application cycle, eligible applicants should have been born in 2014 or 2015.

4. Academic Performance

Applicants must obtain a minimum of:

• 70% in English
• 70% in Mathematics

The academic requirement is intended to identify learners who have demonstrated the potential to succeed in a demanding high-school environment.

5. Financial Need

Applicants must demonstrate that they are financially deserving.

Financial need is an important part of the selection process because the programme is intended to provide educational opportunities to learners who may otherwise face financial barriers to accessing leading high schools.

Applicants and their parents or legal guardians should therefore pay close attention to the financial documentation requested as part of the application.

Entrepreneurial Potential Is Important

The Allan Gray Scholarship is not simply a traditional academic scholarship.

The Foundation is looking for young people who demonstrate qualities associated with an entrepreneurial mindset.

These may include:

• Curiosity
• Initiative
• Problem-solving ability
• Leadership potential
• Desire to create value
• Positive attitude
• Growth mindset
• Willingness to collaborate
• Interest in entrepreneurship
• Ability to think creatively
• Confidence and willingness to learn

A learner does not necessarily have to already own a business to demonstrate entrepreneurial potential.

The programme is intended to cultivate and develop entrepreneurial thinking, allowing young people to understand how they can identify problems, develop ideas, create value and contribute positively to society.

What Does the Allan Gray Scholarship Cover?

One of the strongest aspects of the opportunity is the breadth of support available to successful scholars.

1. Tuition and Boarding

The scholarship provides support for tuition and boarding, helping successful learners attend participating leading high schools without carrying the normal financial burden associated with these expenses.

2. Monthly Allowance

Scholars receive a monthly allowance, providing additional financial support during their studies.

3. Toiletries and Clothing

The scholarship also provides support for essential personal items, including:

• Toiletries
• School uniforms
• Casual clothing

4. Extra-Mural Activities

Support is provided for extra-mural activities, enabling scholars to participate in activities outside the traditional classroom environment.

This can contribute to personal development, teamwork, confidence and leadership.

5. Stationery and Textbooks

The scholarship covers educational materials such as:

• Stationery
• Textbooks

This ensures that scholars have important resources needed for their academic work.

Entrepreneurial and Personal Development Benefits

Financial assistance is only one component of the programme.

The Foundation also provides a range of developmental opportunities designed to help scholars become confident and entrepreneurial young people.

Workshops

Scholars participate in workshops that expose them to concepts and experiences beyond their normal school curriculum.

Annual Entrepreneurial Conference

Participants have access to an annual entrepreneurial conference, providing exposure to entrepreneurial ideas, speakers, learning experiences and other participants.

Online Learning Campus

Scholars receive access to an Online Learning Campus, allowing them to participate in digital learning and development opportunities.

Programme Officer Mentorship

Each scholar can benefit from guidance and mentorship from a dedicated Programme Officer.

Mentorship is intended to help learners navigate their personal and developmental journey while encouraging them to explore their potential.

Like-Minded Community

Scholars become part of a community of young people who share an interest in learning, leadership, entrepreneurship and personal development.

This environment can encourage collaboration, peer learning and long-term relationships.

Skills and Qualities Scholars Can Develop

Through the combination of financial support, education and entrepreneurial development, the programme aims to help participants develop several important qualities.

Confidence

Young people are encouraged to develop greater confidence in their abilities, ideas and potential.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Scholars learn to think differently about challenges, opportunities and value creation.

Growth Mindset

The programme encourages learners to view learning and development as an ongoing process.

Leadership

Participants are exposed to experiences designed to strengthen leadership qualities and their ability to positively influence others.

Problem-Solving

Entrepreneurial development encourages learners to identify challenges and think about possible solutions.

Collaboration

The programme places emphasis on community and collaboration, helping scholars understand the importance of working with others.

Mentorship and Development

Mentorship is an important part of the Allan Gray approach.

The Foundation combines face-to-face learning, online learning, peer learning and individual interventions to nurture the potential already demonstrated by participating learners.

Rather than expecting a young person to develop independently, the programme provides structured support throughout the scholar’s journey.

This can help learners develop a stronger understanding of entrepreneurship while also building confidence and leadership skills.

How the Application and Selection Process Works

Applicants should understand that submitting an application does not automatically guarantee a scholarship.

The selection process involves several stages.

Step 1: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit the required application form together with the necessary supporting documentation.

The Foundation provides an online application option as well as an official application form.

Applicants should ensure that all required sections are completed correctly and that the requested supporting documents are included.

Step 2: Foundation Assessment

Successful applicants will be required to write a Foundation assessment in English and Mathematics at Grade 6 level in December 2026.

This assessment forms part of the selection process.

Step 3: Interviews

After the Foundation assessment, successful candidates will be invited to interviews in early 2027.

The interviews provide an opportunity for the selection team to learn more about candidates beyond their academic results.

Step 4: Placement School Interviews

Recommended candidates will subsequently be invited to participating placement schools for interviews.

This means that selection involves both the Foundation and the relevant school.

Step 5: Scholarship Award

Candidates whose recommendations are approved by the placement schools will be awarded the Allan Gray Scholarship.

According to the programme information, scholarship awards are expected in May 2027.

Step 6: Memorandum of Agreement

Once the scholarship has been awarded, the Foundation, placement school and the scholar’s custodian will sign a Memorandum of Agreement.

This formalises the scholarship arrangement and the responsibilities of the relevant parties.

Important Documents and Application Requirements

Applicants should carefully review the official application form before submitting their application.

The 2026 application documentation states that applicants must provide supporting academic documentation, including certified copies of the applicant’s Grade 5 fourth-term report and Grade 6 second-term report. The reports must show the applicant’s name, grade and school. Failure to provide the required documentation can result in automatic disqualification.

Parents or legal guardians should also provide an active cellphone number and valid email address because these may be used for communication concerning the application.

The Foundation’s 2026 application form also states that faxed and emailed copies of the application form will not be accepted. Applicants should therefore follow the official submission instructions carefully rather than simply emailing their completed documents.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the 2026 Allan Gray Scholarship Programme is 15 September 2026.

The official 2026 application form specifically states that application forms posted after 15 September 2026 will not be considered.

Applicants should not wait until the final day to begin the application process.

Parents and guardians should allow sufficient time to:

1. Review the eligibility criteria.
2. Obtain the application form.
3. Gather supporting documentation.
4. Obtain certified copies where required.
5. Complete the application accurately.
6. Ensure that the form is properly signed.
7. Submit the application according to the official instructions.
8. Allow sufficient time for postal delivery where applicable.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This opportunity may be particularly suitable for a Grade 6 learner who:

• Performs strongly in Mathematics and English.
• Is curious and eager to learn.
• Shows interest in entrepreneurship or business.
• Demonstrates leadership potential.
• Enjoys solving problems.
• Has ideas and enjoys finding ways to improve things.
• Wants to develop confidence.
• Is willing to work with other young people.
• Comes from a financially deserving household.
• Wants to attend a leading high school.
• Is interested in developing an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age.

Parents and guardians should also consider whether the learner is comfortable participating in assessments, interviews, mentorship, workshops and other programme activities.

Why Parents and Guardians Should Pay Attention to This Opportunity

For a financially deserving learner, gaining access to a high-quality high-school environment can have a significant impact on educational and personal development.

The Allan Gray Scholarship Programme goes further by combining school support with entrepreneurial development.

A successful scholar can therefore receive assistance with important educational and living costs while also gaining exposure to:

• Mentorship
• Entrepreneurship
• Leadership
• Personal development
• Workshops
• Conferences
• Online learning
• Peer learning
• Collaboration
• Speakers and seminars
• A community of like-minded young people

The Foundation’s wider work also places significant emphasis on developing entrepreneurial potential early. Its Scholarship Programme has supported hundreds of young people and places scholars in partner schools where academic development is combined with personal and entrepreneurial development.

Important Application Advice

Start Early

Do not wait until the deadline before gathering documents.

Some supporting documents may take time to obtain, particularly certified copies.

Check the Academic Requirements

Make sure the learner meets the minimum 70% requirement for English and Mathematics before applying.

Complete the Application Carefully

Incorrect, incomplete or missing information can negatively affect an application.

Prepare the Supporting Documents

Review the official application form carefully and ensure that all required documentation is attached.

Pay Attention to Submission Instructions

The Foundation’s 2026 form specifically states that faxed and emailed application forms will not be accepted. Follow the official submission process provided by the Foundation.

Keep Copies of Submitted Documents

Parents or guardians should retain copies of the completed application and supporting documentation for their own records.

Monitor Communication Channels

Make sure the contact information provided is active and regularly monitored because the Foundation may use the supplied cellphone number and email address to communicate with applicants.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should use the official Allan Gray Orbis Foundation application channels.

Online Application:
Apply Online through Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

Application Form:
Download the 2026 Allan Gray Scholarship Application Form

Applicants and parents or guardians should rely on the official Foundation instructions for the most accurate information regarding submission requirements and procedures.

More information, visit the school website HERE

Visit the OFY Website HERE for more scholarships

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Programme	Allan Gray Scholarship Programme for Entrepreneurial Development
Provider	Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Level	High School
Target learner	Current Grade 6 learner
Citizenship	South African citizen
Age	11–12 years
Birth years for 2026	2014 or 2015
English requirement	Minimum 70%
Mathematics requirement	Minimum 70%
Financial need	Required
Tuition	Covered
Boarding	Covered
Monthly allowance	Provided
Uniforms and clothing	Covered
Toiletries	Covered
Extra murals	Supported
Stationery and textbooks	Covered
Mentorship	Provided
Workshops	Included
Entrepreneurial conference	Included
Online Learning Campus	Included
Application deadline	15 September 2026
Foundation assessment	December 2026
Interviews	Early 2027
Expected scholarship award	May 2027

Conclusion

The Allan Gray Scholarship Programme for Entrepreneurial Development 2026 presents a comprehensive educational opportunity for eligible South African Grade 6 learners who demonstrate academic potential, entrepreneurial curiosity and financial need.

The programme is particularly valuable because it does not stop at paying for education. Successful scholars can receive support for tuition, boarding, clothing, toiletries, textbooks, stationery, extra-mural activities and a monthly allowance while also gaining access to mentorship, workshops, entrepreneurial conferences, online learning and a community of like-minded young people.

The long-term objective is to help young learners develop into confident individuals who can think entrepreneurially, solve problems, create value, collaborate with others and demonstrate leadership.

Eligible families should begin preparing their applications early and carefully follow the official submission requirements. With the 15 September 2026 deadline approaching, applicants should ensure that their forms and supporting documentation are complete and submitted through the approved channels before the closing date.

For the official programme information and application materials, visit the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and use the official application channels provided above.