OMT Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) awards a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies. These scholarships are available for students pursuing Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral studies at public Higher Education Institutions in South Africa and internationally.

South African citizens and permanent residents may apply for Master’s and Doctoral programmes, while foreign nationals may apply for Postdoctoral programmes only.

Types of OMT Scholarships

  • Local Postgraduate Scholarship: Covers Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral studies at public Higher Education Institutions in South Africa.
  • International Postgraduate Scholarship: Covers postgraduate studies abroad for students with strong academic records who aim to build careers in research, academia, or development.
  • Sabbatical Scholarship: Supports full-time academics undertaking sabbatical studies in South Africa.

Funding Duration

  • Master’s: Up to 2 years (extensions possible for PhD upgrades)
  • PhD: Up to 3 years
  • Postdoctoral: Up to 2 years

Candidate Requirements

  • Must be a resident of South Africa (age is not a limiting factor)
  • Must be an outstanding academic achiever
  • Must have a strong track record of research and intellectual contribution
  • Should demonstrate commitment to skills transfer and development in South Africa

Application Deadlines

The following deadlines apply depending on your study start date:

  • 30 September – for studies starting January to March
  • 31 January – for studies starting April to June
  • 31 March – for studies starting July to October

Late applications will not be accepted, so it is important to apply before the deadline.

Bursary Enquiries

  • Local Scholarship: localpostgrad@omt.org.za
  • International Scholarship: intlpostgrad@omt.org.za
  • Sabbatical Scholarship: sabbatical@omt.org.za

Final Thought

The OMT scholarship is a valuable opportunity for students and academics who are committed to excellence and long-term impact in South Africa.

If you are serious about your academic journey, this funding could help you reach the next level.