Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarships support outstanding students and researchers pursuing Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral studies at leading universities in South Africa and internationally. The scholarships are designed for academically excellent candidates who intend to build careers in academia, research, innovation, and development while contributing to South Africa and the wider African region.
International study is funded only in exceptional cases where applicants can clearly demonstrate that the proposed programme or research opportunity is unavailable in South Africa or requires access to internationally recognized experts.
About the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarships
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) provides competitive scholarships each year to support highly talented researchers and postgraduate students with exceptional academic records.
The programme aims to strengthen higher education, research excellence, innovation, and academic leadership by supporting individuals whose studies will generate long-term benefits for South Africa and Africa.
The scholarships are available for study at both South African and international higher education institutions, subject to eligibility requirements.
Scholarship Objectives
The scholarship programme aims to:
- Support academic excellence in postgraduate education.
- Develop future researchers and academic leaders.
- Promote high-quality research and innovation.
- Encourage international academic collaboration where appropriate.
- Strengthen research capacity in South Africa.
- Support knowledge generation that benefits Africa.
Fields of Study Supported
Applications are accepted across a broad range of academic disciplines for:
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral (PhD) degrees
- Postdoctoral research
Research proposals should demonstrate:
- Academic excellence
- Original research
- Clear societal relevance
- Strong research methodology
- Potential impact on South Africa and Africa
Funding Information
The scholarship supports eligible study-related expenses based on the approved budget submitted by the applicant.
Applicants must prepare a comprehensive annual budget that may include:
- Tuition fees (where applicable)
- Living expenses
- Accommodation
- Books and study materials
- Travel expenses
- International flights
- Visa costs
- Health surcharge or insurance (where applicable)
- Other essential study-related costs
Applicants must also disclose all other financial support, including:
- Existing scholarships
- Bursaries
- Assistantships
- Personal savings
- Family contributions
- Student loans
- Other funding sources
Important: Direct research project costs are not funded by the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust and should be identified separately.
Duration of the Scholarship
The maximum funding period is:
- Master’s Degree: Up to 2 years
- Doctoral Degree: Up to 3 years
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: Up to 2 years
Scholarships are awarded annually and renewed based on:
- Satisfactory academic progress
- Submission of required reports
- Continued compliance with scholarship conditions
In exceptional circumstances, Master’s scholarship holders who upgrade to a doctoral programme may receive additional consideration.
International Study Support
The OMT funds international study only in exceptional situations.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate that:
- The programme is unavailable in South Africa.
- The research requires highly specialized international facilities.
- The proposed supervisor is a globally recognized expert.
- International study will significantly enhance research quality.
- The knowledge gained will benefit South Africa upon completion.
Who is Eligible?
Postdoctoral Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- South African citizens
- South African permanent residents
- Foreign nationals
Master’s and Doctoral Applicants
Applicants must be:
- South African citizens, or
- South African permanent residents
In addition, applicants should demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement
- A strong research or study proposal
- Commitment to academic or research careers
- Potential to contribute to South Africa and Africa
Who is Not Eligible?
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Intend to pursue a second qualification at the same academic level already completed.
- Apply for MBA, DBA, or similar commercially focused programmes.
- Fail to meet the scholarship eligibility requirements.
The Trustees make the final determination regarding programme eligibility.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare comprehensive application documents.
Academic Proposal
The proposal should explain:
- Proposed programme of study
- Research problem or topic
- Objectives
- Importance of the research
- Expected outcomes
- Research methodology
- Timeline
- Choice of university
- Choice of supervisor
- Benefits for South Africa and Africa
Budget Information
Applicants must include:
- Annual tuition fees
- Living costs
- Accommodation expenses
- Travel costs
- Books
- Visa expenses
- Health surcharge
- Other educational costs
Financial Disclosure
Applicants must declare:
- Scholarships
- Bursaries
- Savings
- Family support
- Loans
- Assistantships
- Other financial assistance
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Verify that you satisfy the citizenship or residency requirements and the academic eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Prepare Your Study or Research Proposal
Develop a detailed proposal explaining:
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Academic significance
- Contribution to South Africa
Step 3: Develop a Detailed Budget
Prepare a realistic annual budget covering all anticipated educational and living expenses.
Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents
Compile all required academic and financial documentation according to the scholarship guidelines.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the completed scholarship application with all required supporting documents before the published deadline.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research quality
- Innovation
- Feasibility of the proposal
- Potential contribution to South Africa
- Importance of the proposed programme
- Leadership potential
- Budget justification
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship is one of South Africa’s prestigious postgraduate funding opportunities.
It enables talented researchers to:
- Conduct impactful research.
- Access world-class universities.
- Develop advanced research skills.
- Build academic careers.
- Strengthen research capacity across Africa.
- Produce knowledge that addresses national and global challenges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting incomplete research proposals.
- Providing unrealistic or poorly justified budgets.
- Failing to explain why international study is necessary.
- Omitting details of existing funding sources.
- Applying for programmes that are not eligible.
- Waiting until the final deadline to prepare supporting documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can international universities be funded?
Yes. However, international study is funded only in exceptional cases where applicants demonstrate that equivalent opportunities are unavailable in South Africa or that specialized international expertise is essential.
Who can apply for a Master’s or PhD scholarship?
Only South African citizens and permanent residents are eligible for Master’s and Doctoral scholarships.
Can foreign nationals apply?
Foreign nationals are eligible only for Postdoctoral scholarships.
How long does the scholarship last?
The maximum duration is:
- Master’s: 2 years
- Doctorate: 3 years
- Postdoctoral research: 2 years
Does the scholarship cover research project costs?
No. Direct research project expenses are not funded and should be identified separately.
Can I apply if I already have the same degree level?
No. Applicants seeking a second qualification at the same academic level are not eligible.
Is funding automatically renewed each year?
No. Renewal depends on satisfactory academic progress and compliance with scholarship reporting requirements.
Conclusion
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarships provide outstanding support for talented postgraduate students and researchers pursuing Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral studies. By investing in academic excellence, innovative research, and future research leaders, the programme helps strengthen higher education and research capacity in South Africa while creating opportunities for scholars to make lasting contributions to their disciplines and society.
For more information, visit OMT.