Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2027 – South Africa
Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Latest UpdatesOppenheimer Memorial Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2027 – South Africa
Fully supported Master's, Doctoral and Postdoctoral funding for outstanding researchers in South Africa
Complete guide to eligibility, benefits, fields of study, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust | Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) |
| Location | South Africa (International in exceptional cases) |
| Levels | Master's, Doctoral (PhD), Postdoctoral |
| Fields | All disciplines (except MBA, DBA, narrow commercial programmes) |
| Funding | Fully supported |
| Eligibility | Outstanding academic record, leadership potential |
| Preference | South African universities |
| Deadline | 31 August 2026 (Jan-June 2027 intake) |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) |
| Opportunity Category | Postgraduate Scholarships |
| Location | South Africa (International in exceptional cases) |
| Academic Levels | Master's, Doctoral, Postdoctoral |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Language | English |
About the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust is one of South Africa's leading philanthropic organizations dedicated to supporting higher education, research, youth development, and initiatives that strengthen the country's knowledge economy.
Through its postgraduate scholarship programme, the Trust invests in future academics, researchers, innovators, and professionals whose work has the potential to address national and global challenges.
The Trust believes that investing in highly talented individuals contributes directly to strengthening South Africa's research capacity, universities, innovation ecosystem, and long-term development.
Why You Should Apply
This is among South Africa's most prestigious postgraduate funding opportunities. Beyond financial support, it recognizes academic excellence and empowers scholars to pursue impactful research that addresses societal challenges.
Whether your ambition is to become a university lecturer, researcher, scientist, innovator, or policy expert, this scholarship provides an opportunity to access world-class postgraduate education while contributing to South Africa's academic and research landscape.
Scholarship Levels
| Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | Fully supported postgraduate studies |
| Doctoral (PhD) Degree | Fully supported doctoral research |
| Postdoctoral Research | Fully supported postdoctoral research |
Fields of Study
Applications are welcomed from all academic disciplines, ensuring that scholars from diverse areas of study have an opportunity to compete for funding.
Excluded Programmes:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Programmes with a narrow commercial focus
Included Disciplines:
Sciences
Engineering
Humanities
Social Sciences
Medicine
Agriculture
Environmental Sciences
Education
Arts
Technology
Law
And many other disciplines
International Study Opportunities
The Trust also provides funding for international postgraduate study, although this opportunity is reserved only for exceptional candidates.
Applicants must demonstrate one or more of the following:
The proposed programme is in a unique or highly specialized discipline not readily available in South Africa.
The intended international institution offers expertise unavailable locally.
Study under internationally recognized experts or global leaders will significantly advance their field.
International training will contribute meaningfully to their future academic or research career and ultimately benefit South Africa.
Note: International scholarships are considered only in exceptional circumstances and require strong academic justification.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Record | Exceptional academic excellence |
| Career Aspirations | Intend to pursue careers in academia, research, innovation, development, public policy, or knowledge-intensive sectors |
| Research Plans | Well-developed postgraduate research plans |
| Leadership Potential | Potential to become leaders in their disciplines |
| Commitment | Intend to use expertise to strengthen research and development within South Africa |
| Preference | South African universities (international considered in exceptional cases) |
Selection Process
The Trust follows a highly competitive selection process.
Applications are assessed based on:
Academic excellence
Quality of the proposed study or research
Potential contribution to academia and research
Career aspirations
Relevance and impact of the proposed programme
Availability of specialized training where international study is requested
Note: Awards are made entirely at the discretion of the Trust's Trustees.
Additional Opportunities
Beyond postgraduate scholarships, the Trust also offers:
| Programme | Details |
|---|---|
| Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship | Prestigious fellowship programme |
| New Frontiers Research Award | Research funding initiative |
| Sabbatical Study | Sabbatical opportunities for academics |
Application Guidelines
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Submission | Must be submitted through the official online application portal |
| Incomplete Applications | Will not be considered |
| Email Submissions | Will not be accepted |
| Deadline | Only complete online submissions before the deadline will be reviewed |
| Decision | Awards are made solely at the discretion of the Trustees |
Application Timeline
| Intake | Applications Open | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| January – June 2027 | 1 June 2026 | 31 August 2026 |
| July – December 2026 | 6 January 2026 | 31 March 2026 |
Important Links
| Description | Official URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | |
| Official Website |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What is the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship? | A prestigious postgraduate scholarship for Master's, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral studies in South Africa. |
| Q2. Who can apply? | Outstanding scholars with exceptional academic records and leadership potential. |
| Q3. What fields are supported? | All disciplines except MBA, DBA, and narrow commercial programmes. |
| Q4. Can I study internationally? | Yes, in exceptional cases for specialized programmes not available in South Africa. |
| Q5. What is the deadline? | 31 August 2026 for Jan-June 2027 intake. |
| Q6. Is there preference for South African universities? | Yes, preference is given to local universities. |
| Q7. How do I apply? | Submit through the official online application portal. |
| Q8. What other programmes does OMT offer? | Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship, New Frontiers Research Award, Sabbatical Study. |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Postgraduate Scholarship is among South Africa's most respected postgraduate funding opportunities. The Trust's commitment to developing exceptional academic talent has supported numerous distinguished researchers whose work has gained international recognition.
The programme's flexibility across all disciplines (except MBA/DBA) and its support for international study in exceptional cases make it accessible to a wide range of scholars. The preference for South African universities reflects the Trust's commitment to strengthening local higher education institutions.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Master's Students | Yes |
| PhD Students | Yes |
| Postdoctoral Researchers | Yes |
| South African Citizens | Yes (preference) |
| International Students | Yes (exceptional cases) |
| Academics | Yes |
| Researchers | Yes |
| Innovators | Yes |
| All Disciplines | Yes (except MBA/DBA) |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | Very High |
| Selection Difficulty | Very Difficult |
| Application Complexity | High |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Recommendation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Value | Excellent |
| Career Growth | Very High |
| Application Difficulty | High |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2027 before 31 August 2026.
Visit the official OMT website: https://www.omt.org.za
Read the guidelines carefully.
Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.
Submit your application before the deadline.
Follow CareerFlora for the latest updates.
