Hey future academics and researchers! 🤩 Dreaming of pushing the boundaries of knowledge but worried about the costs? Well, buckle up, because the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarships are here to help you achieve those postgraduate and academic development goals! This isn’t just a scholarship; it’s a launchpad for your career in research, academia, or development, whether you’re studying in sunny South Africa or exploring opportunities abroad.
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) offers prestigious scholarships to support talented individuals in their Masters, Doctoral, Postdoctoral, and Sabbatical studies. It’s designed to foster academic excellence and innovation, helping you focus on your research and studies without the full burden of financial stress. They understand that advanced studies require serious dedication, and they’re here to back you up!
Who Can Apply?
The OMT offers three main types of scholarships, each with specific requirements:
- For Masters and Doctoral Studies:
- You need to be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- You must have a strong academic record (they love bright minds!).
- You can be studying at a university in South Africa or internationally.
- Crucially, you should be aiming for a career in academia, research, or development.
- For Postdoctoral Studies:
- This is open to South Africans, permanent residents, or even foreign nationals.
- Again, a strong academic record is a must.
- If you’re an international applicant, you’ll need to show you have unique, specialized plans or global-level research needs. Think groundbreaking stuff!
- For Sabbatical Studies:
- This one’s for the seasoned pros! You must be a full-time academic.
- You’ll be undertaking sabbatical study at a public university right here in South Africa.
- Preference is given to those with a proven track record in both teaching and research.
What Does It Cover?
The OMT Scholarships are super helpful, but it’s important to know a few things:
- It’s not a full ride: The scholarship doesn’t cover all your costs, so you’ll need to look for additional funding to bridge any gaps. Think of it as significant support to get you closer to your goal!
- One year at a time: Awards are valid for one academic year initially.
- Renewal isn’t automatic: You’ll need to maintain excellent academic performance, comply with reporting, and re-apply to potentially renew your scholarship. Keep those grades up!
How to Apply?
Ready to take the leap? Applying for the OMT Scholarships is straightforward, but make sure you follow every step carefully!
- Apply Online: All applications are submitted digitally via the official OMT portal.
👉 Click here to apply for the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarships 2025 / 2026 - Read the Guidelines: Before you even start filling out forms, download and thoroughly read the official OMT Scholarship Application Guidelines. This PDF is your bible for a successful application!
📄 Download the OMT Scholarship Application Guidelines (.pdf) - Gather Your Documents: You’ll need to upload several compulsory documents. Make sure they are certified where required!
- Certified ID/passport/residence permit
- A recent professional photograph
- Your CV (keep it concise, max 3–4 pages)
- Full academic transcripts and certified degree certificates
- Proof of acceptance or registration at your chosen institution
- A detailed budget plan (including tuition, living costs, and research costs)
- A compelling motivational letter (max 500 words – make it count!)
- Proof of income
- Three letters of recommendation (these need to be uploaded directly by your referees, so give them a heads-up!).
Quick tip: Document requirements might vary slightly depending on whether you’re applying for Masters/Doctoral, Postdoctoral, or Sabbatical studies, so double-check the guidelines!
Important Closing Dates:
There are two key closing dates depending on when your studies begin:
- 31 March 2025 → For studies starting between July and December 2025.
- 28 August 2025 → For studies starting between January and June 2026.
Don’t snooze and lose out! Late applications are a no-go, so make sure you hit that submit button well before the deadline.
If this sounds like the perfect next step for your academic journey, don’t wait — apply now and remember to explore even more awesome bursaries right here on Bursaries Room! Your future in academia awaits!