Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary South Africa 2025

Do you dream of pursuing postgraduate studies in South Africa or abroad?

This prestigious scholarship offers financial support to deserving South Africans seeking to elevate their knowledge and expertise in various fields.

The Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) was established in 1958 by Harry Oppenheimer in honor of his father, Sir Ernest.

Since its inception, the Trust has dedicated itself to making a positive impact on South African society.

It achieves this by investing in education, public interest activities, and philanthropic causes.

Notably, the OMT awards grants to public benefit organizations and institutions, particularly in the education sector.

Additionally, they support the arts and various civil society organizations engaged in policy research and advocacy.

About the Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary

The OMT Bursary program offers three distinct scholarship opportunities for South African postgraduate students:

  1. OMT Scholarship for Masters and Doctoral studies: This scholarship covers postgraduate studies at accredited Master’s and Doctoral level institutions, both locally and internationally.
  2. OMT Scholarship for Postdoctoral studies: Designed to support postdoctoral research at recognized institutions in South Africa or abroad.
  3. OMT Scholarship for sabbatical studies: This scholarship caters to full-time academics undertaking sabbatical research at public universities within South Africa.

It’s important to remember that the OMT Bursary is not a full-cost scholarship.

The awarded amount will depend on your individual circumstances.

You’ll be expected to secure funding from alternative sources to cover any outstanding fees.

Scholarships are awarded for one academic year at a time, and renewals are contingent upon satisfactory academic performance, adherence to reporting requirements, and a formal re-application process.

Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a South African citizen.
  2. Demonstrate a proven record of academic excellence.
  3. Possess financial need.
  4. Intend to pursue a career in academia, research, or related fields (applicable for Masters, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral studies).
  5. Be a full-time academic employed at a public South African university (applicable for Sabbatical Studies only).

Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary Application Requirements

The application process for the OMT Bursary Program is comprehensive.

Before applying, make sure to download and thoroughly review the OMT Scholarship Application Guidelines available on their website.

Here’s a breakdown of the required documents for each bursary type:

OMT Scholarship for Masters and Doctoral Studies:

  1. Certified copy of your ID document, permanent residence permit, or passport.
  2. Recent professional photograph.
  3. Updated CV (maximum 3 pages).
  4. Academic transcripts for all completed and ongoing degrees/programs.
  5. Certified copies of all degree certificates.
  6. Proof of acceptance or registration from the institution (on official letterhead).
  7. Details of your intended study, including degree, program, chosen institution, and study period.
  8. Research/project-related costs and any corresponding funding secured.
  9. Detailed budget outlining estimated annual expenses for studies (tuition fees, living costs, travel, books, subsistence, etc.).
  10. Information on any other funding applications you’ve submitted.
  11. Motivational letter (maximum 500 words) covering:
    • Personal background, schooling, interests, and personal philosophy.
    • Values, priorities, and passions.
    • Short and medium-term plans and goals.
    • Career aspirations.
  12. Proof of income.
  13. Three letters of recommendation from referees familiar with your work, study plans, and academic achievements (submitted directly by referees through the application portal).

OMT Scholarship for Postdoctoral Studies:

The required documents for Postdoctoral studies are similar to those for Masters and Doctoral studies, with slight variations.

OMT Scholarship for Sabbatical Studies:

  1. Recent professional photograph (3cm x 4cm).
  2. Updated CV (maximum 4 pages).
  3. Motivational letter (maximum 500 words) covering:
    • Brief academic background.
    • Motivation for pursuing a career in your research field.
    • Perceived benefits for yourself and the broader community.
    • Career development goals and personal aspirations.
    • Position you plan to return to upon completing the sabbatical.
  4. Details of your intended study program.
  5. Proof of confirmation or offer letters (invitations, university confirmation for the sabbatical, or collaborator offer letters).
  6. Detailed budget outlining estimated expenses (tuition fees, living costs, travel, books, etc.).

How to Apply

Applications for the Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary are submitted electronically through the OMT website.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to download and carefully review the OMT Scholarship Application Guidelines before initiating the application process.

The guidelines provide detailed information regarding the required documents and application procedures.

How to Contact

For any inquiries related to the Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary program, please contact the OMT directly:

Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary Closing Date

The deadline for application submission depends on your intended study start date:

  1. September 30th: For studies commencing between January and June of the following year.
  2. March 31st: For studies commencing between July and December of the same year.

Applications submitted after the closing dates will not be considered.