Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship South Africa 2025

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) was established in 1958 in honor of Sir Ernest Oppenheimer.

With a commitment to social good, the OMT invests in education, public interest activities, and philanthropic causes within South Africa.

They offer scholarships and grants to public institutions and organizations, particularly in the education sector, while also supporting the arts and civil society organizations involved in research and advocacy.

About the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship

The OMT Scholarship program offers three distinct scholarship opportunities:

  1. OMT Scholarship for Masters and Doctoral studies: This scholarship supports postgraduate studies at both local and international institutions.
  2. OMT Scholarship for Postdoctoral studies: This scholarship provides funding for postdoctoral research at local and international institutions.
  3. OMT Scholarship for Sabbatical studies: This scholarship is designed for full-time academics at South African public universities undertaking sabbatical research.

The OMT Scholarship is not a full-cost scholarship.

While it helps with educational expenses, students may need to seek additional funding sources to cover all costs.

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the following minimum requirements is crucial for your application to be considered:

OMT Scholarship for Masters and Doctoral studies:

  1. South African citizen or permanent resident
  2. Pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral qualification in 2025
  3. Studying at a local or international accredited institution
  4. Strong academic record
  5. Commitment to a career in academia, research, development, or related fields in South Africa
  6. For international study: exceptional candidate with specific reasons for pursuing unique or highly specialized disciplines unavailable in South Africa, or demonstrating a need for international guidance under leading experts in your field.
  7. Downloaded and reviewed the OMT Scholarship for Masters and Doctoral studies guidelines (.pdf)

OMT Scholarship for Postdoctoral studies:

  1. South African citizen, permanent resident, or foreign national
  2. Pursuing a Postdoctoral qualification in 2025
  3. Studying at a local or international accredited institution
  4. Strong academic record
  5. Commitment to a career in academia, research, development, or related fields in South Africa
  6. For international study: exceptional candidate with specific reasons for pursuing unique or highly specialized disciplines unavailable in South Africa, or demonstrating a need for international guidance under leading experts in your field.
  7. Downloaded and reviewed the OMT Scholarship for Postdoctoral studies guidelines (.pdf)

OMT Scholarship for Sabbatical studies:

  1. Full-time academic undertaking sabbatical research
  2. Studying at a public university in South Africa
  3. Preference given to applicants with a proven record of teaching and research
  4. Downloaded and reviewed the OMT Scholarship for Sabbatical studies guidelines (.pdf)

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship Application Requirements

Applications are submitted exclusively online.

It’s important to download and thoroughly review the OMT Scholarship Application Guidelines before applying.

Additionally, ensure you submit clear copies of the following documents with your application:

  1. Identity document, permanent residence permit, or passport (certified copy)
  2. Recent professional photograph
  3. Updated Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3-4 pages)
  4. Academic transcripts for all completed or ongoing degrees
  5. Certified copies of degree certificates
  6. Proof of acceptance or registration (on institution letterhead)
  7. Details of intended study (degree, program, institution, duration)
  8. Research/project-related costs and corresponding funding (if applicable)
  9. Detailed budget outlining estimated annual expenses (tuition fees, living costs, travel, books, etc.)
  10. Details of funding applied for elsewhere
  11. Motivational letter (maximum 500 words) outlining:
    • Personal background, education, interests, and philosophy
    • Values, priorities, and passions
    • Short and medium-term plans and goals
    • Career aspirations (for Masters/Doctoral and Postdoctoral) or career development and aspirations (for Sabbatical)
  12. Proof of income
  13. Three letters of recommendation from referees familiar with your work, study plans, and academic achievements (submitted directly by referees through the application portal)

How to Apply

Applications are submitted electronically via the OMT website.

Ensure you follow the specific instructions and meet the deadlines to avoid disqualification.

How to Contact Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship

For any questions related to the OMT Scholarship program, please contact the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust directly:

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship Closing Date

The application deadlines for the OMT Scholarship program are as follows:

  1. September 30, 2024 (for studies commencing January 2025 to June 2025)
  2. March 31, 2024 (for studies commencing July 2024 to December 2024)