OOppenheimer Memorial Trust
Partially funded
Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Postgraduate Scholarships (Master's and Doctoral)
Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, South Africa
Scholarship overview
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT), based in Illovo, Johannesburg, awards a limited number of scholarships for postgraduate study at Master's, Doctoral and Postdoctoral level. Awards are made twice a year at the discretion of the Trustees.
Scholarships go to candidates with a proven record of academic excellence who intend to pursue careers in academia, research, development or related fields in South Africa. All disciplines are encouraged except MBAs, DBAs and programmes with a narrow commercial focus. Preference may be given to study at local universities.
International study is considered only for exceptional candidates with specific, purposeful plans in unique or highly specialised disciplines not readily available in South Africa, or who have reached a level where tuition under global leaders in their discipline will contribute meaningfully to their field.
Award Information
- South African citizen or permanent resident applying for Master's or Doctoral study.
- Proven record of academic excellence and an intention to work in academia, research, development or related fields in South Africa.
- A second degree at the same level as one already held is not funded.
- MBAs, DBAs and programmes with a narrow commercial focus are not funded; the Trustees decide this, and applicants are encouraged to confirm validity with the Trust first.
- Students part-way through a programme may apply for later years (for example, the second year of a two-year Master's), but not once the academic year has started.
- Applicants must declare all applications to other funders and report their outcomes to the Trust.
- Foreign nationals must submit a valid visa or permit with their documents.
- Awards are not on a full-cost basis and vary in value depending on circumstances.
- Maximum duration: two years for Master's, three years for PhD, two years at Postdoctoral level; exceptions may be made for Master's scholarship holders upgrading to PhD.
- Awards are annual; renewal depends on satisfactory progress, performance and reporting as set in the award letter.
- Direct research or project costs are not covered.
- The OMT award is reduced by the value of any co-funding secured; candidates are encouraged to seek co-funding including from host institutions.
- Budgets cannot be amended after an award is granted.
- Studies starting January to June 2027: submissions opened 1 June 2026, deadline 31 August 2026.
- Studies starting July to December 2026: submissions opened 6 January 2026, deadline 31 March 2026.
- Rule: a January to June start requires submission by 31 August of the previous year; a July to December start by 31 March of the same year.
- Read the Master's and Doctoral guidelines and the application portal guidelines.
- Register and log in on the OMT application portal. Emailed, late or incomplete submissions are not accepted.
- Complete the intended study section (topic, institution, start date, duration, up to three institution choices in one application, supervisor).
- Complete the budget with costs, income from all sources and secured versus pending funding.
- Write the motivation (maximum 500 words, not AI-generated except for grammar; any AI prompt or tool used must be disclosed).
- Fill in the Personal Information tab and upload the listed documents and academic history.
- Ask three referees to upload reference letters on the portal. At least two must be complete before the application can be considered.
Queries: [email protected].
Official page | Application portal
Official links
Documents you will need
- CV of no more than three pages.
- Copy of South African ID, permanent residence permit or passport; foreign nationals a valid visa or permit.
- Recent professional photograph.
- Transcripts for all degrees and programmes completed or in progress.
- Copies of degrees and certificates (outstanding ones sent when available).
- List of academic awards (for example Dean's list, class medals, Golden Key, subject awards).
- Budget and proof of secured funding.
- Three reference letters uploaded by referees.
How selection works
Awards are made on merit at the discretion of the Trustees. Failure to comply with the Trust's requirements, including the duty to report developments, results in disqualification.
