Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarships 2025

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) is inviting students from South Africa to apply for the Scholarship for the 2025 academic year.

Application Closing: 31 March 2025

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) is offering three prestigious scholarships for postgraduate studies in 2025 and 2026. These scholarships support South African and international students in advancing their academic careers at both local and international institutions.

Types of OMT Scholarships

1. OMT Scholarship for Masters and Doctoral Studies
   • Supports postgraduate study at Master’s and Doctoral levels at local and international institutions.
2. OMT Scholarship for Postdoctoral Studies
   • Covers postdoctoral research at local and international Higher Education Institutions.
3. OMT Scholarship for Sabbatical Studies
   • Supports full-time academics undertaking sabbatical study at South African public Higher Education Institutions.

Scholarship Coverage & Renewal

The OMT Scholarship is not a full-cost scholarship. Recipients must seek additional funding sources to cover outstanding costs. Scholarships are awarded for one academic year at a time, with renewals subject to academic performance and compliance with OMT’s requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

1) OMT Scholarship for Masters and Doctoral Studies

• Open to South African citizens and permanent residents.
• Must pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree in 2025/2026.
• Must have a strong academic record.
• Must plan to contribute to academia, research, or development in South Africa.
• International study applicants must demonstrate exceptional merit and the need for specialized international training.

2) OMT Scholarship for Postdoctoral Studies

• Open to South African citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals.
• Must pursue a postdoctoral qualification in 2025/2026.
• Must have a strong academic record.
• Must aim for a career in academia, research, or development.
• International applicants must show compelling reasons for overseas study.

3) OMT Scholarship for Sabbatical Studies

• Must be a full-time academic undertaking sabbatical study.
• Study must be at a public Higher Education Institution in South Africa.
• Preference given to candidates with a strong research and teaching background.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the OMT Scholarship Application Portal.

• Download and read the OMT Scholarship Application Guidelines (.pdf) before applying.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit clear copies of the following documents (compulsory for application eligibility):

1) Masters and Doctoral Scholarships

• Certified ID document/passport.
• Recent professional photograph.
• Updated CV (max 3 pages).
• Academic transcripts & degree certificates.
• Proof of acceptance or registration.
• Study details (degree, institution, period, etc.).
• Budget breakdown (tuition, living costs, books, travel, etc.).
• Motivational letter (500 words).
• Proof of income.
• 3 letters of recommendation.

2) Postdoctoral Scholarship

• Certified ID document/passport.
• Recent professional photograph.
• Updated CV (max 3 pages).
• Academic transcripts & degree certificates.
• Proof of acceptance or registration.
• Study details.
• Budget breakdown.
• Motivational letter (500 words).
• Proof of income.
• 3 letters of recommendation.

3) Sabbatical Scholarship

• Recent professional photograph (3cm x 4cm).
• Updated CV (max 4 pages).
• Motivational letter (500 words).
• Study details.
• Confirmation or offer letters.
• Budget breakdown.
• Proof of income.
• Synopsis of 2-3 best publications.
• 3 letters of recommendation.

Closing Dates

• 31 March 2025 (for studies starting July – December 2025)
• 28 August 2025 (for studies starting January – June 2026)

Late applications will not be considered, so apply early!