Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship South Africa

Advance your academic career with the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarships 2025/2026! If you are pursuing postgraduate, postdoctoral or sabbatical research in SA or abroad with strong academic credentials and a commitment to research, development or academia, OMT provides partial funding toward your studies. At BursaryForms, we are your guide to success!

About the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT)

The OMT is a philanthropic organisation founded in 1958 by Harry Oppenheimer in memory of his father, Sir Ernest. It invests in education, research, arts and civil society in South Africa. Through its scholarship programmes, it seeks to support scholars who pursue advanced study and research, both locally and internationally, especially in fields where expertise is needed. At BursaryForms, we are thrilled to connect you with this opportunity!

Fields Covered by the OMT Scholarship

This scholarship supports advanced levels of study and research in broad fields; it is not limited to particular subjects. You may apply if your work is for:

  • Master’s level studies (locally or internationally)
  • Doctoral (PhD) studies (local or international)
  • Postdoctoral research (locally or internationally)
  • Sabbatical studies for full-time academics at public higher education institutions in South Africa

Expenses Covered by the OMT Scholarship

The OMT scholarship helps with essentials, but does not cover the full cost. You are generally expected to arrange additional funding to cover remaining fees and associated costs. Covered items typically include:

  • Tuition / registration fees
  • Research costs or project-related expenses (where applicable)
  • Living costs (allowances or stipends, depending on circumstances)
  • Travel, books, and possibly accommodation depending on the study location and level (local vs international)

Eligibility Requirements for the OMT Scholarship

Think you have got what it takes? Here is what you need to qualify for the 2025/2026 cycle:

  • Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident (some international eligibility for postdoctoral/specialised studies)
  • Must be applying for Master’s or Doctoral, Postdoctoral, or Sabbatical level study/research
  • Strong academic record required
  • Must intend to contribute to academia, research, development or related fields in South Africa
  • If applying for international studies: must show a purpose for studying abroad (specialised fields not available locally or access to global leaders in the field)
  • Scholarships are awarded per academic year; renewal depends on performance and reporting compliance
  • Applicants may not apply for a second degree at the same level they already hold (e.g. having a Master’s, you can’t apply for another Master’s)

We are supporting you at BursaryForms! Apply with these tips:

  • Get your academic transcripts and proof of registration / acceptance in order early. Certification may take time.
  • Prepare a clear research proposal or project plan if relevant, especially for Doctoral, Postdoctoral or Sabbatical applications.
  • Collect strong letters of recommendation from academic supervisors or collaborators who know your work well.
  • Understand your budget needs—include living costs, research costs, travel etc., and show where gaps will be filled by other funding sources.
  • Read the official OMT guidelines PDF for your study level carefully before applying. Missing or late documents often lead to disqualification.

This page was updated on October 2, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply for the OMT Scholarship

Here’s how to apply:

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship Application Portal 2025/2026

Strengthen your application with these must-have documents (certified copies):

  • Certified copy of ID or permanent residence permit.
  • Recent photograph (passport style) is sometimes requested.
  • CV (3-4 pages maximum).
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
  • Proof of registration or acceptance/offer at higher education institution.
  • Motivational letter or statement (include your research plan, why this field, and how you hope to contribute).
  • Budget breakdown covering tuition, living expenses, research costs etc.
  • Proof of income (yours or your family/household) if required.
  • Three letters of recommendation from people familiar with your academic work.

Applications must be submitted via: online application portal on the OMT website or via the link provided in their call.

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date for the OMT Scholarship

31 March 2025 for studies commencing July-December 2025

28 August 2025 for studies commencing January-June 2026

This deadline has passed—applications submitted after these dates are no longer accepted.

Contact the OMT

Got questions? We are all about empowering you—reach out to the provider for answers:

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT)
Email: applicationqueries@omt.org.za
Website: https://www.omt.org.za

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship.

1. Who is eligible for the OMT Scholarship?+
South African citizens or permanent residents applying for postgraduate (Master’s or PhD), postdoctoral or sabbatical studies, with excellent academic performance and a plan to contribute to academia or research in South Africa.
2. What study levels are supported?+
Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral, and sabbatical studies for full-time academics.
3. Can international institutions be used?+
Yes, especially for specialised or advanced fields not available locally. But only exceptional candidates qualify.
4. Is the scholarship full-cost?+
No. The scholarship does not cover all costs; applicants should seek co-funding.
5. Can I renew the scholarship?+
Renewals are not automatic—dependent on good academic performance, reporting requirements, and availability of funding.
6. Are MBAs or DBAs funded?+
No. OMT does not fund commercially focused or narrowly business-oriented degrees such as MBAs or DBAs.
7. How do I show financial need?+
You’ll need proof of income (yours or family’s), details of other funding applications, and a clear budget showing what you need funding for.
8. What are the submission deadlines?+
31 March 2025 for studies commencing mid-year (July-December 2025), and 28 August 2025 for studies commencing at the beginning of 2026 (January-June).
9. How do I apply?+
Applications are submitted via the OMT’s online scholarship application portal. Be sure to download and read the guidelines PDF, and include all required documents.
10. When will I be notified?+
Outcomes are usually communicated within 2-3 months after the closing date.