2026 Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship

1) OMT Scholarship for Master’s and Doctoral Studies

• Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Must be pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral qualification in 2026.
• Must be studying at a local or international university.
• Must have a strong academic record.
• Must plan to work in academia, research, or development in South Africa.
• International applicants must justify why their study cannot be completed in South Africa or why international tuition is necessary.

2) OMT Scholarship for Postdoctoral Studies

• Open to South African citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals.
• Must be pursuing postdoctoral research in 2026.
• Must have a strong academic record.
• Must plan to work in academia, research, or development in South Africa.
• International applicants must justify why their research must be conducted abroad.

3) OMT Scholarship for Sabbatical Studies

• Must be a full-time academic.
• Must be studying at a public South African university.
• Preference is given to applicants with a strong record of teaching and research.

Required Documents

Master’s and Doctoral Scholarship Applicants:

• Certified copy of ID/passport/permanent residence permit.
• Recent professional photograph.
• Updated CV (max 3 pages).
• Certified copies of academic transcripts.
• Certified copies of degree certificates.
• Proof of acceptance or registration (on institution letterhead).
• Study details (degree, programme, institution, duration, research plans, costs, funding sources).
• Budget breakdown (tuition, living costs, books, travel, etc.).
• Proof of additional funding applications.
• Motivational letter (max 500 words) covering:
  • Personal background, values, and interests.
  • Career aspirations.
  • Research/project impact.
• Proof of income.
• Three recommendation letters (uploaded by referees).

Postdoctoral Scholarship Applicants:

Same as above, but motivation must also include:

• Benefits of research to the applicant and South African academia.
• Career development aspirations.

Sabbatical Study Applicants:

• Professional photograph.
• Updated CV (max 4 pages).
• Motivation letter (max 500 words) covering:
  • Academic background.
  • Career impact.
  • Position upon completion.
• Study details and research plan.
• Formal invitations or offer letters.
• Budget (tuition, living costs, books, travel, etc.).
• Proof of income.
• Two or three best publications.
• Three recommendation letters.