The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust has just opened its 2026/2027 scholarship cycle, offering a chance for South Africans to study or research abroad or at home without paying the full cost.
What Are OMT Scholarships?
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship Programme is a prestigious fund that helps bright students and researchers pursue postgraduate studies and advanced research. It covers part of the tuition and related costs for a Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral or Sabbatical programme, whether you’re staying in South Africa or going overseas.
Who Should Apply?
- Master’s and Doctoral Candidates
- South African citizen or permanent resident (or, for certain postdoctoral and sabbatical scholarships, international applicants)
- Strong academic record
- Intend to study a postgraduate qualification that will benefit South Africa’s future
- Postdoctoral Applicants
- Open to South Africans and international researchers
- Strong research background and a clear research plan
- Sabbatical Scholars
- Full‑time academics taking a sabbatical in South Africa
- Planning a research project during the leave period
What You Gain
Beyond partial financial support, the scholarship gives you:
- Access to international or local research facilities
- Networking with leading scholars and industry experts
- The chance to build a career that contributes directly to South Africa’s development
- Annual renewal if you maintain strong performance and meet your study goals
How to Apply
- Download the official OMT scholarship documents and read them carefully to avoid mistakes or disqualification.
- Gather the required paperwork:
- Certified ID or passport
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of university acceptance
- Details of your study or research plan
- Budget and funding plan
- Motivational letter (maximum 500 words)
- Proof of income
- Three recommendation letters
- Log in to the OMT online application portal: https://omt.smartsimpleuk.com/s_Login.jsp
- Complete the application form and upload all required documents.
- Submit before the relevant closing date: 31 March 2026 for the July–December 2026 intake or 31 August 2026 for the January–June 2027 intake.
Practical Tips to Boost Your Chances
Many applicants are turned away because they miss a small detail. From experience, most successful candidates:
- Read the OMT documents in full and follow every guideline.
- Keep the motivational letter concise and focused on how your work will benefit South Africa.
- Provide a clear, realistic budget that shows you understand the costs you need to cover.
- Ask for recommendations from professors who know your research well.
- Double‑check all dates—late applications are not accepted.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to take the next step in your academic career, download the OMT documents now, prepare your application, and submit by the deadline. Even if you’re new to scholarship applications, you can succeed with careful preparation and attention to detail. Good luck, and remember: this opportunity could be the key to unlocking your future in research and innovation.