Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary Requirements and Online Application

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) was established in 1958 by the late Harry Oppenheimer in memory of his father, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer. 

The Trust invests in postgraduate education (Master’s, Doctoral, Post-doctoral, and sabbatical studies) both in South Africa and abroad. 

It aims to develop academic leadership, research capacity, and specialist fields that serve South Africa’s national development.

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust bursary must meet the following key criteria:

1. Must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident.
2. For Master’s/Doctoral candidates: Must be applying for their first postgraduate qualification at the relevant level (i.e., you cannot apply for a second Master’s if you already hold one).
3. For Post-doctoral grants: Open to South African nationals and, in special cases, foreign nationals (especially for international institutional study) with strong academic credentials.
4. For Sabbatical study: Full-time academics employed at a public higher education institution in South Africa with a research agenda and teaching track record.
5. Must demonstrate academic excellence (strong previous record) and present a clear plan for research, academia, or national development contribution.
6. Must provide a budget showing costs of study, living, travel, and must disclose other bursary/funding applications.

What Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary Covers

1. The bursary offers partial funding for the selected study levels. It is not a full-cost scholarship, and recipients are expected to secure additional funding or cover remaining costs.
2. Depending on level, Master’s candidates may receive funding for up to 2 years; Doctoral candidates up to 3 years in some cases.
3. The funding may cover tuition, registration fees, research costs, living costs, travel, and books – the extent depends on the level and the individual’s circumstances.
4. International institutional study may be considered for specialised fields, provided the applicant makes a strong case that the study cannot be done locally.

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary Application Process

1. Review the official guidelines published by Oppenheimer Memorial Trust carefully to understand specific document requirements, eligibility, budget breakdown, and submission instructions.
2. Prepare the required documentation: certified ID or residence permit; CV (max 3–4 pages); academic transcripts and degree certificates; proof of university acceptance/registration; detailed budget of costs and other funding sources; motivation letter; letters of recommendation (usually three); for sabbatical and international study – additional materials.
3. Apply via the official OMT portal (or designated email addresses) by the closing date. Note: there are separate streams (local postgraduate, international postgraduate, post-doctoral, sabbatical), each with its own submission instructions.
4. Await the outcome: OMT indicates that awards are made at the discretion of the Trustees, and outcomes may be communicated 2-3 months after the deadline.

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary Closing Date

For the 2026 intake, application deadlines vary depending on the start date of studies:

• For studies commencing January to June 2026: deadline 28 August 2025.
• For studies commencing July to December 2025: deadline 31 March 2025.

Applicants should verify the specific closing date for the specific study stream for which they are applying.

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary Contact Details

• Website: Visit the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust official site – download the guidelines and application portal.
• Email for enquiries: [email protected] 
• Address: 1st Floor, No. 9 St. David’s Park, St. David’s Place, Parktown 2193, South Africa. 

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