The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) has opened applications for its 2027 Scholarship Programme, supporting South Africans pursuing postgraduate study. The scholarship funds Masters, Doctoral, postdoctoral and sabbatical studies at local and, in special cases, international institutions. It is aimed at academically strong students who plan to build careers in academia, research and development in South Africa. For studies starting between January 2027 and June 2027, applications close on 31 August 2026. If you are completing your degree and want to take the next step, this is an opportunity worth pursuing.
About the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust was founded in 1958 by the late Mr Harry Oppenheimer in honour of his father, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer. The Trust strives to make a positive difference to South African society by investing in education, public interest work and other philanthropic causes. It awards grants to organisations and institutions, mainly in the education sector, and also supports the arts and civil society organisations engaged in policy research and advocacy.
Its scholarship programme is one of the most respected sources of postgraduate funding in the country. Rather than focusing on a single field, the Trust supports talented postgraduate students across disciplines who show the potential to contribute to academia, research and the development of South Africa. For young researchers, an OMT scholarship is both financial support and a mark of recognition that can strengthen an academic career. It helps capable graduates continue to honours, masters and doctoral level study that might otherwise be out of reach.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Funding towards postgraduate study, with the value depending on the student’s personal circumstances
- Support for Masters and Doctoral studies at local and, in special cases, international institutions
- Support for postdoctoral and sabbatical study
- Please note this is not a full-cost scholarship, so students must also apply for other funding to cover any outstanding fees
- Awards are made one academic year at a time and renewals are based on academic performance and compliance with reporting requirements
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- For Masters and Doctoral scholarships: be a South African citizen or permanent resident, studying towards a Masters or Doctoral qualification in 2027
- Have a strong academic record
- Intend to pursue a career in academia, research, development or a related field in South Africa
- For postdoctoral scholarships: South African citizens, permanent residents or foreign nationals may apply, at postdoctoral level
- For sabbatical scholarships: be a full-time academic undertaking sabbatical study at a public South African institution
- Study at a local institution, or an international institution in exceptional cases involving highly specialised disciplines not readily available in South Africa
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Required Documents
- Certified copy of your ID, permanent residence permit or passport
- A recent professional photograph
- A curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
- Academic transcripts for all degrees and programmes
- Certified copies of your degree certificates
- Proof of acceptance or registration on the institution’s letterhead
- Details of your intended study, project costs and a full budget
- Details of other funding you have applied for but not yet secured
- A motivational letter (maximum 500 words)
- Proof of income
- Three letters of recommendation, uploaded directly by your referees through the portal
How to Apply
- Visit the official Oppenheimer Memorial Trust website and download the scholarship application guidelines for your study level.
- Register and complete your application on the OMT online application portal.
- Upload all compulsory documents and arrange for your three referees to submit their letters through the portal.
- Submit your application before the closing date and keep your confirmation.
For queries, email applicationqueries@omt.org.za. Apply at the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship for studies starting between January 2027 and June 2027 is 31 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
South Africa needs more home-grown researchers, lecturers and specialists, yet postgraduate study is expensive and funding is scarce. Many talented graduates stop at their first degree simply because they cannot afford to continue. An Oppenheimer Memorial Trust scholarship helps bridge that gap, supporting the masters, doctoral and postdoctoral work that produces the country’s next generation of academics and experts.
Because the award carries the prestige of one of South Africa’s oldest education trusts, it also strengthens a young researcher’s profile and opens doors to further opportunities. For a graduate who dreams of a career in research, teaching or development, this scholarship can be the support that turns ambition into achievement, and that knowledge ultimately benefits the whole country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship for undergraduate study?
No. The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship supports postgraduate study, namely Masters, Doctoral, postdoctoral and sabbatical studies.
Does the scholarship cover all my costs?
No. It is not a full-cost scholarship. The value depends on your personal circumstances, and you must also apply for other funding to cover any outstanding fees.
Can I study abroad with this scholarship?
Mainly you study at a local institution. International study is supported only in exceptional cases involving highly specialised disciplines that are not readily available in South Africa.
How long does the funding last?
Awards are made one academic year at a time. Renewal is not automatic and depends on your academic performance and meeting the Trust’s reporting and re-application requirements.
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