Are you a postgraduate student looking for financial aid? The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) calls on all eligible students to apply for its annual scholarship and sabbatical study awards.
Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarships provide financial assistance for Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral studies at public higher education institutions in South Africa and sabbatical study awards for research.
The Trust supports outstanding students pursuing Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral studies at public Higher Education Institutions. Additionally, it provides sabbatical awards for academics researching while on leave from their institutions.
Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarships Details
- Bursary Name: Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarships & Awards for Sabbatical Study
- Provider: Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT)
- Eligible Fields: Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral studies, and Sabbatical research at public Higher Education Institutions in South Africa
- Application Deadline: Postgraduate Scholarships: January to March intake – Apply by 30th September (previous year)
- April to June intake – Apply by 31st January (same year)
- July to October intake – Apply by 31st March (same year)
- Sabbatical Study Awards: Rolling applications throughout the year
- Funding Amount: Varies (not full-cost funding)
- Apply Here: OMT Application Portal
About Oppenheimer Memorial Trust
Following Sir Ernest Oppenheimer’s death in 1957, Harry Oppenheimer established The Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust to honour his father’s memory as a man committed to the common good. With a generous donation of £1 000 000, matching the issued share capital of the Anglo-American Corporation 40 years before, the Trust set out to use its funds for
“… the advancement of science or art or an educational, charitable or ecclesiastical nature, …wholly for purposes which are in the public interest, … primarily for the benefit of the people…, irrespective of race, colour or creed…”
Like his father, Harry Oppenheimer was known for his business acumen and enlightened approach to the role of business in society. These characteristics informed the Trust’s intent, ensuring we have consistently responded to the prevailing environment and that resources are targeted effectively.
The mandated inclusion of non-family members as Trustees, drawing on individuals with different life experiences, offers a broad and invaluable perspective to supporting our philanthropic giving.
In 2012, the Oppenheimer family committed to endow OMT with a further R1 billion, underlining the family’s commitment to making a positive difference in South African society.
Their Vision
To propel South Africa towards equity and excellence by influencing systemic change
Their Purpose
To ignite and multiply the potential to thrive
Eligibility Requirements
For Master’s & Doctoral Scholarships:
- Open to South African citizens or permanent residents
- Must be enrolled in or applying for a Master’s or Doctoral program at a public South African university
- Funding duration:
- Master’s: Up to 2 years
- Doctoral: Up to 3 years
- Not eligible for students applying for a second degree at the same level
- MBA, DBA, and commercially focused programs are not funded
- Download and read the Master’s & Doctoral Scholarships application guidelines
For Postdoctoral Fellowships:
- Open to both South African citizens and foreign nationals
- Must be registered or applying for a postdoctoral research program at a public South African university
- Funding is limited to 2 years.
- Download and read the postdoctoral application guidelines
For Awards for Sabbatical Study:
- Open to permanent or long-term academic staff at public South African universities
- Supports sabbatical leave for research purposes
- Funding is provided for up to 12 months.
- Applicants must provide a research proposal and detailed budget.
- Download and read the Sabbatical Study Award application guidelines
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
For Postgraduate Scholarships & Fellowships:
- Register on the OMT application portal: OMT Portal.
- Log in and navigate to Open Calls, then click Apply Now.
- Complete the application form, including:
- Personal & Academic Details
- Motivation Statement (max. 500 words)
- Study Plan & Research Proposal
- References (minimum of two referees)
- Budget Plan (using the provided template)
- Upload required documents, including:
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Personal statement and study plan
- Financial Disclosure
- 3 Letters of Recommendation (sent directly by referees)
- Submit your application before the relevant deadline.
For Sabbatical Study Awards:
- Download and read the Sabbatical Study Award application guidelines from the OMT website.
- Prepare a research proposal detailing the scope of your study.
- Submit supporting documents, including:
- Institutional approval for sabbatical leave
- Budget estimates
- Academic CV
- Submit the completed application via the OMT portal.
Application Deadline & Contact Details
- Postgraduate Scholarships:
- January to March intake: Apply by 30th September
- April to June intake: Apply by 31st January
- July to October intake: Apply by 31st March
- Sabbatical Study Awards: Applications accepted throughout the year
Contact for Queries: applicationqueries@omt.org.za
Do not miss this chance to get your education or research funded while you focus on your work. Share this opportunity with friends and colleagues looking for bursary support!
