Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship

Apply now Application guidelines (PDF)

Closes

31 August 2026

Value

Partial funding based on need

Level

Master's, PhD, Postdoc & Sabbatical

For

SA citizens, permanent residents, scholars

Sector

Higher Education & Research

Type

Partial Scholarship

About this bursary

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust scholarship supports postgraduate students undertaking Master's, Doctoral, postdoctoral, and academic sabbatical studies. Funding applies to public South African tertiary institutions as well as approved overseas universities.

The trust aims to build advanced research capacity and strengthen higher education across South Africa. Candidates are expected to pursue long-term careers in academia, development, or scientific research within the country.

This grant offers partial financial assistance rather than a full-cost award. Selected recipients must secure supplementary funding from other sources to cover remaining study and living expenses.

Courses of study covered

Master's Degrees (All Fields)

Doctoral Studies / PhD (All Fields)

Postdoctoral Research (All Fields)

Academic Sabbatical Research

What the bursary covers

Partial financial contribution towards tertiary tuition fees

Support for prescribed textbooks and study material

Contribution towards living expenses and accommodation

Funding support for travel costs and research expenses

Who can apply

You qualify if

South African citizens and permanent residents can apply for Master's and Doctoral funding.
Postdoctoral funding is open to South African citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals.
Sabbatical awards require applicants to be full-time academic staff at public South African universities.
Master's and PhD candidates must hold strong academic records and intend to work in research or higher education in South Africa.
Applicants planning international study must show that their specialized field is unavailable locally or requires top foreign supervision.

You do not qualify if

Undergraduate students are not eligible to apply.
Candidates who rely solely on this grant without applying for secondary funding will not be accepted.
Sabbatical funding is not open to part-time academic staff or private college employees.

Documents you need to submit

Certified copy of identity document, passport, or permanent residence permit
Recent professional headshot photograph
Curriculum Vitae (up to 3 or 4 pages depending on category)
Academic transcripts for all completed and active qualifications
Certified copies of official degree certificates
Proof of university registration or conditional acceptance on official letterhead
Comprehensive study plan, itemized research budget, and expense breakdown
Motivational letter detailing personal background, values, and career goals
Proof of household income
Three recommendation letters uploaded directly by academic referees

Referees must upload their reference letters directly through the online application portal.

How to apply

1
Download and review the specific OMT scholarship guidelines document for your qualification level.
2
Prepare all mandatory documentation, including proof of income and your detailed study budget.
3
Contact three academic referees to prepare recommendation letters for direct portal upload.
4
Create an account and complete the application on the official OMT online portal.
5
Submit your online application and confirm that your referees complete their uploads before the closing deadline.

Applications submitted after the cutoff date will not be evaluated.