Key facts
- Status
- Applications closed Closed 31 August 2026
- Provider
- Oppenheimer Memorial Trust
- Study level
- Postgraduate
- Academic year
- 2027
- Last checked
- September 2026
Applications for study starting in January to June 2027 closed on 31 August 2026.
VerifiedClosed · applications closed on 31 August 2026 OMT runs a second deadline each year for studies starting later in the year, so check the Trust's own website for the next window. Latest update ↓
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust has funded South African scholars since 1958. Its postgraduate awards support master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral study, mostly at South African universities.
About the OMT Scholarship
- For master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral study, plus some sabbaticals.
- Up to two years for a master’s, three for a PhD and two for a postdoc.
- Mainly at South African institutions, abroad in special cases.
Eligibility requirements
- South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Registered, or accepted, for postgraduate study.
- A strong academic record.
- A complete application through OMT’s portal.
How to apply
- Read the postgraduate study guidelines on omt.org.za.
- Prepare transcripts, proof of acceptance, a research proposal and referee reports.
- Submit through OMT’s online portal before the deadline for your intake.
Closing date
31 August 2026 for the January 2027 intake. Check OMT for the mid-year intake deadline.
Contact details
- Application queries: applicationqueries@omt.org.za
Postgraduate students should also see the DSI-NRF postgraduate scholarship, the Mandela Rhodes scholarship and the Harry Crossley Foundation fellowship.
FAQs
1. Is the OMT scholarship still open for 2027? +
Not for the January 2027 intake. Applications for study starting between January and June 2027 closed on 31 August 2026. OMT has a later deadline each year for studies starting mid-year, so check omt.org.za.
2. What is the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust? +
A South African trust founded in 1958 in memory of Sir Ernest Oppenheimer that funds postgraduate study, research and education projects.
3. Does OMT fund undergraduates? +
No. It funds master's, doctoral and postdoctoral study, and some sabbaticals.
4. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens and permanent residents with strong academic records, studying at South African institutions and, in special cases, abroad.
5. How long is funding? +
Up to two years for a master's, three years for a PhD and two years for postdoctoral study.
6. How do I apply? +
Only through OMT's online application portal. Incomplete or emailed applications are not accepted.
Update note (checked September 2026): applications for study starting in January to June 2027 closed on 31 August 2026. OMT runs a second deadline each year for studies starting later in the year, so check the Trust’s own website for the next window.
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