OMT Scholarships 2026/2027: Requirements, Funding & Step-by-Step Application Guide
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarships 2026/2027 are now open for applications. These prestigious scholarships support postgraduate, postdoctoral, and sabbatical studies at local and international higher education institutions.
If you are pursuing advanced academic study and aiming to contribute to research, development, and academia in South Africa, this opportunity could help fund your next step.
This comprehensive guide explains the types of OMT scholarships, eligibility criteria, funding details, required documents, application process, and closing dates.
About the Scholarship Provider – Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT)
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) was founded in 1958 by the late Harry Oppenheimer in honour of his father, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer.
The Trust aims to make a positive impact in South African society by investing in:
- Education
- Public interest activities
- Policy research and advocacy
- Civil society development
- Arts and culture
OMT primarily awards grants within the education sector, supporting students and academics who demonstrate strong academic merit and leadership potential.
Types of OMT Scholarships 2026/2027
OMT offers three scholarship categories:
1. OMT Scholarship for Master’s and Doctoral Studies
- For postgraduate study (Master’s or PhD)
- At local or international higher education institutions
2. OMT Scholarship for Postdoctoral Studies
- For postdoctoral research
- At local or international higher education institutions
3. OMT Scholarship for Sabbatical Studies
- For full-time academics
- Undertaking sabbatical study
- At public higher education institutions in South Africa
Scholarship Funding & Renewal
The OMT scholarship:
- Is NOT a full-cost scholarship
- Value depends on personal financial circumstances
- Requires applicants to seek additional funding sources
- Is awarded for one academic year at a time
- Renewal is not automatic
- Renewal depends on academic performance and compliance with reporting requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the requirements specific to each category.
1. Master’s and Doctoral Scholarship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Be studying towards a Master’s or Doctoral qualification in 2026/2027
- Study at a local or international higher education institution
- Have a strong academic record
- Intend to pursue a career in academia, research, or development in South Africa
For International Study Applicants
You must:
- Be an exceptional candidate
- Demonstrate purposeful study plans in highly specialised disciplines not readily available in South Africa
OR - Show that advanced international tuition under global leaders is essential for your academic progression
Applicants must download and read the official OMT guidelines before applying.
2. Postdoctoral Scholarship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or foreign national
- Be undertaking postdoctoral study in 2026/2027
- Study at a local or international higher education institution
- Have a strong academic record
- Intend to pursue a research or academic career in South Africa
International study conditions are the same as above.
3. Sabbatical Scholarship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a full-time academic
- Be undertaking sabbatical study
- Study at a public higher education institution in South Africa
- Have a proven record of teaching and research
Preference is given to strong academic candidates.
Required Documents
Documentation differs slightly by scholarship category.
Documents for Master’s & Doctoral Applicants
- Certified ID or passport
- Recent professional photograph
- CV (max 3 pages)
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Proof of acceptance/registration
- Study details
- Budget and estimated annual expenses
- Research/project costs
- Proof of income
- Details of other funding applied for
- Motivational letter (max 500 words)
- Three recommendation letters (uploaded directly by referees)
Documents for Postdoctoral Applicants
Similar to Master’s/Doctoral, with motivational letter tailored to:
- Career development
- Research motivation
- Personal and community impact
Documents for Sabbatical Applicants
- Professional photograph
- CV (max 4 pages)
- Motivational letter (max 500 words)
- Intended study details
- Confirmation/offer letters
- Budget breakdown
- Proof of income
- Synopsis of best 2–3 publications
- Three recommendation letters
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply for OMT Scholarships 2026/2027 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Download and Read the Guidelines
Before applying, download and carefully review the official OMT scholarship guidelines.
Step 2: Register on the Online Portal
Apply online via:
https://omt.smartsimpleuk.com/s_Login.jsp
Create an account and log in.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Fill in all required sections, including:
- Personal details
- Academic background
- Study plans
- Budget breakdown
- Funding details
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Ensure:
- All documents are clear
- Budget details are accurate
- Referees upload recommendation letters directly
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Two application cycles apply:
31 March 2026
For studies starting July 2026 – December 2026
31 August 2026
For studies starting January 2027 – June 2027
Late applications will not be accepted.
Why Apply for the OMT Scholarship?
The OMT Scholarship offers:
- Support for advanced academic study
- Funding for both local and international study
- Recognition from a prestigious South African trust
- Opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s research and development landscape
If you are academically strong, research-driven, and committed to making a meaningful contribution to South African society, the OMT Scholarship 2026/2027 could help support your academic journey.
Apply early and ensure your application is complete before the relevant closing date.
