The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation has announced the opening of applications for its prestigious High School Scholarship Programme, targeting Grade 6 learners across South Africa who demonstrate a genuine interest in entrepreneurship and business ownership.
With an application deadline of 15 September, the programme offers comprehensive entrepreneurial development support, funding, and targeted interventions designed to nurture young business minds and develop essential skills for future success.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet strict criteria designed to identify academically capable students with entrepreneurial potential and genuine financial need. Candidates must currently be in Grade 6 in 2025 and fall within the age range of 11 to 12 years old, meaning they must have been born in 2013 or 2014.
Academic excellence is a key requirement, with applicants needing to achieve a minimum 70% average in both English and Mathematics for their Grade 5 end-of-year examinations and Grade 6 midyear examinations.
The programme specifically targets students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, with household income capped at a maximum monthly gross income of R20 000, including any business revenue. Additionally, applicants must be South African citizens, with at least one parent holding South African citizenship.
What sets this scholarship apart is its emphasis on entrepreneurial development. The Foundation seeks candidates who can clearly demonstrate an interest in becoming entrepreneurs or business owners, aligning with the programme’s mission to cultivate the next generation of South African business leaders.
The scholarship provides more than just financial support, offering comprehensive entrepreneurial development and targeted interventions to help students develop business acumen and leadership skills throughout their high school years.
Prospective applicants have multiple options for submitting their applications. The most convenient method is through the Foundation’s website at www.allangrayorbis.org, where students can apply online or download application forms.
For those preferring postal submission, completed application forms can be sent to Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, Freepost no: CB 11349 Kloof Street, 8008. The Foundation strongly recommends registering mail to ensure tracking and prevent applications from being lost.
Alternatively, applications can be hand-delivered to two locations: the Foundation’s Cape Town office at 46 Hof Street, Oranjezicht, or their Johannesburg location at 1st Floor, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, 1 Protea Place, corner of Fredman Drive and Protea Place, Sandton.
This scholarship programme represents a significant investment in South Africa’s entrepreneurial future, providing opportunities for academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access quality education while developing crucial business skills.
With the application deadline fast approaching, eligible Grade 6 learners and their families are encouraged to visit the Foundation’s website and begin the application process immediately.
