Key Facts
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- Field of Study
- Study Level
Eligibility Requirements
- No applications are being accepted for the Grade 8 2027 intake
- Rules for the new nationwide model have not been published, as far as we could find
- Past intakes asked for South African citizens or permanent residents with academic talent
Documents Needed
The academy has not published a document list for the new model. Do not pay anyone or send personal documents to an unofficial site that claims to take applications.
About Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls Scholarship
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls scholarship has given talented girls from disadvantaged backgrounds a place at a boarding school in Henley-on-Klip, Gauteng. The academy opened in January 2007 and has seen 528 girls graduate so far.
This scholarship is about to change. In July 2026, reports said the school would close in its current form by late 2027 and move to a nationwide scholarship model. The academy's notice about Grade 8 for 2027 says it is not accepting new applications. We found no application process for the new model yet.
Funding Details
Reports describe the new initiative as full educational funding, and they say Winfrey will fully cover tuition for pupils who transfer, through to graduation. The academy says 90% of its students go on to college, including top universities. We found no published list of what the new scholarship will cover, so wait for the official details.
Where You Can Study
Until now, the scholarship has meant attending the academy itself. Under the transition plan, two more senior classes will graduate by late 2027. Lower-grade pupils will move to other leading South African schools. The Henley-on-Klip campus is due to return to the Gauteng Department of Education under the original agreement.
Until the new model is clear, also look at other scholarships for high school learners. Do not turn down another good offer while you wait for details that may take time to appear.
About Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls
About the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, often called OWLAG, is an all-girls boarding school in Henley-on-Klip, Gauteng. Its story began in 2000, at a meeting b…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
The school has served girls in Grades 8 to 12, and its past intakes focused on Grade 8. An older listing asked for Grade 7 or Grade 8 learners, South African citizens or permanent residents, with academic talent. These rules may not carry over to the new model.
Competition has been intense. The academy says more than 6,000 girls apply each year, that only 1% gain a place, and that an average class has about 60 learners. According to Winfrey's representative, the new model aims to double the number of girls who receive support.
Families who are interested should start preparing now, even though no process is open. Keep school reports, identity documents and proof of household income in one safe place. Encourage your child to read widely and to take part in leadership or community activities. These habits help with most high school scholarships, not just this one.
Application Procedure
You cannot apply at the moment. For queries about the scholarship programme, the academy's notice lists Duja Consulting at 012 460 9824 or scholarship@duja.co.za. Check owlag.co.za for official news about the new model.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy closing?
Reports say it will end operations in its current form by late 2027 and move to a nationwide scholarship model.
Can my daughter apply for Grade 8?
Not now. The academy's notice says it is not accepting new applications.
What happens to current pupils?
Two more senior classes will graduate, and lower-grade pupils will transfer to other schools with tuition covered.
