Are you an exceptional student looking to further your academic journey? Do you have a passion for research, development, or academia, and wish to make a significant contribution to South Africa’s growth? If so, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship might be your gateway to success.
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) is dedicated to supporting students who demonstrate academic excellence and have the potential to become leaders in their chosen fields. Each year, the Trust awards a limited number of scholarships for postgraduate studies at the Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral levels. If you’re committed to pursuing a career in academia, research, or development, this scholarship could be your stepping stone to success.
What is the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship?
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship aimed at supporting South African students in their postgraduate studies. The scholarship covers Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral level programs and is awarded to candidates who exhibit a proven record of academic excellence and have clear, purposeful career plans. The Trust offers both local and international scholarships, but preference is given to students who intend to study at local South African universities.
Key Highlights:
- Scholarships are awarded bi-annually (twice a year).
- Candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic records and specific career plans in academia, research, development, or related fields.
- Preference is given to students pursuing advanced studies in unique or highly specialized disciplines that are not readily available in South Africa.
- International scholarships are available for exceptional candidates who need to study under global leaders or renowned institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Excellence: A proven record of academic achievement at the undergraduate level.
- Postgraduate Focus: You must be planning to pursue a postgraduate degree (Master’s, Doctoral, or Postdoctoral) in fields such as academia, research, or development. The scholarship is not applicable for MBAs, DBAs, or programs with a narrow commercial focus.
- Career Intentions: You must show that you have a clear plan to use your postgraduate studies to contribute to South Africa’s growth and development in the long term.
- Local vs. International Preference: While preference is given to students who intend to study at South African universities, exceptional candidates with specific needs for international tuition will be considered. This includes students whose chosen disciplines are highly specialized and cannot be studied locally, or those who seek to study under globally recognized experts.
What Makes the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship Unique?
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship stands out because of its focus on supporting exceptional South African students who want to contribute meaningfully to their fields. The scholarship doesn’t just provide financial aid; it helps students develop the expertise and skills necessary to excel in their careers. Here’s why the scholarship is unique:
- Holistic Support: Beyond tuition fees, the scholarship provides an opportunity to be mentored by industry leaders and academics. This mentorship helps students grow not only in their academic capabilities but also in their professional skills.
- Specialized Focus: Scholarships are awarded to students in unique or highly specialized disciplines. If you are pursuing a field that is not widely offered in South Africa, you may have a higher chance of securing a scholarship. This is a great opportunity for students to gain expertise in niche areas that could open doors for innovation and leadership.
- Global Perspective: International scholarships are available for students whose fields require them to study abroad. If you are looking to study under the guidance of renowned global leaders in your field, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship could be your chance to access world-class education.
- Encouraging Diverse Disciplines: The Trust encourages applications from all disciplines except for MBAs, DBAs, or other programs that are narrowly focused on commercial interests. This inclusive approach helps support a wide variety of academic fields, from science and technology to the humanities and social sciences.
Key Deadlines for 2025/2026
If you’re interested in applying for the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship, it’s crucial to adhere to the application deadlines. The scholarship is awarded bi-annually, so make sure to submit your application on time to be considered.
- For studies commencing January to June 2026:
- Submissions Open: 1 June 2025
- Deadline for Submissions: 28 August 2025
- For studies commencing July to December 2025:
- Submissions Open: 6 January 2025
- Deadline for Submissions: 31 March 2025
Read more: Bursary Application Checklist: Documents You Must Have
How to Apply
Applying for the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship is straightforward, but it’s essential to follow the guidelines and submit your application through the official portal. The Trust does not accept incomplete applications or submissions sent via email.
Application Process:
- Visit the Official Portal: Make sure to submit your application only through the online application portal. Applications submitted via email or other means will not be considered.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, including academic transcripts, research proposals, and any other materials required by the Trust.
- Submit the Application: Once your documents are ready, fill out the application form on the portal and submit before the deadline.
Consider the following guidelines when completing the application process:
Masters and Doctoral Guidelines
Important Note: Awards are made at the discretion of the Trustees, and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. So, it’s essential to make sure your application stands out.
For more details or any questions, feel free to reach out to the Trust at:
Email: applicationqueries@omt.org.za
What to Expect After Applying
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Trustees. If your application is shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview or asked for additional information.
After the review process, successful candidates will be notified, and scholarships will be awarded based on academic merit, career intentions, and the potential impact of their studies on South Africa’s development.
Also check: Fully Funded Scholarships You Can Apply for Right Now
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for South African students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in academia, research, or development. With a focus on academic excellence, career-driven students, and specialized disciplines, this scholarship can open doors to a world-class education and the chance to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future.
If you have a passion for your field of study and are committed to contributing to South Africa’s growth, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship could be the key to unlocking your academic and professional future.