Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarships

Are you a South African student with an excellent academic record and a dream to pursue postgraduate studies at one of the world’s top universities? The prestigious Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship is now open for 2025 applications!

This scholarship presents an incredible opportunity for bright minds who are ready to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s future.

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship Programme 2025 

About the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship:

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship was established in honour of Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, a prominent South African mining magnate and philanthropist. The trust supports advanced study and research by South Africans at internationally recognized universities.

Each year, a select number of South Africa's most talented postgraduate students are awarded funding to study at top institutions around the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, and many more. The scholarship is highly competitive and is aimed at students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to contributing to South Africa’s growth and development.

FIELD OF STUDY

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship programme for the 2025 academic year is open to students who want to pursue or are pursuing a postgraduate qualification. Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship is currently offering 3 scholarships for:

• Masters and Doctoral studies 
• Postdoctoral studies 
• Sabbatical studies

NOTE: Students can study these postgraduate studies at local or international higher education institution except for the sabbatical studies which need to be completed at a higher education institution in South Africa. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OPPENHEIMER MEMORIAL TRUST SCHOLARSHIP

Masters and Doctoral studies/Postdoctoral studies 

• Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident in South Africa
• Must study towards a Master’s or Doctoral level qualification in 2025 or 2026
• Must study at a local or international Higher Education Institution
• Must have a strong academic record
• Must intend to pursue a career in academia, research, development or related fields in South Africa
• International study applicants: Must be an exceptional candidate with specific and purposeful plans to undertake programmes in unique or highly specialised disciplines in which advanced studies are not readily available in South Africa OR you must demonstrate that you have advanced to a level where international tuition under the direction of global leaders in your discipline is appropriate to proceed meaningfully in your chosen field
• For more information about the Masters and Doctoral Studies Scholarship click HERE.
• For more information about the Postdoctoral Studies Scholarship click HERE.

Sabbatical studies

• Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident in South Africa
• Must be a full-time academic undertaking sabbatical study
• Must study at a public Higher Education Institution in South Africa
• Preference is given to applicants with a proven record of teaching and research
• For more information about the Sabbatical Studies Scholarship click HERE.

OPPENHEIMER MEMORIAL TRUST SCHOLARSHIP REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Required documents for the Masters, Doctoral and Postdoctoral Studies Scholarship:

• Certified ID document or permanent residence permit or passport 
• Recent professional photograph
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages)
• Certified Academic transcripts for all all degrees and programmes completed or currently in progress
• Certified Degree certificates
• Proof of acceptance or registration
• Details of intended study, including: degree, programme of study, chosen institution, period of study etc
• Research or project-related costs and any corresponding funding
• Budget, including: estimated annual expenses for studies (tuition fees, living costs, travel, books, subsistence and other relevant costs)
• Details of funding applied for but not yet approved
• Motivational letter, including the following details: 1) personal background, schooling, general interests and personal philosophy; 2) your Values, priorities and passions; 3) short to medium term plans and priorities; 4) career goals (maximum 500 words)
• Proof of income
• 3 letters of recommendation, by referees who are familiar with your current work and study plans and can attest to your academic achievements (to be uploaded directly on the application portal by your referees)

Required documents for the Sabbatical Studies Scholarship:

• Recent professional photograph (3cm x 4cm)
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages)
• Motivational letter, including the following details: 1) brief background on you, including your academic history; 2) your motivation for following a career in your field of research; 3) the perceived benefits to you personally, and to the broader community; 4) your career development and personal aspirations; 5) position to be filled on completion of the sabbatical (maximum 500 words
• Details of intended study
• Proof of confirmation or offer letters (formal invitations, confirmation from your University for the Sabbatical or offer letters from relevant collaborators)
• Budget, including: estimated annual expenses for studies (tuition fees, living costs, travel, books, subsistence and other relevant costs)
• Proof of income
• Synopsis of your best 2 or 3 publications
• 3 letters of recommendation, by referees who are familiar with your current work and study plans and can attest to your academic achievements (to be uploaded directly on the application portal by your referees)

A guide to apply for the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship for the 2025 academic year

Follow these simple steps to complete your Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship application successfully for 2025:

• Visit the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship Applications Site
• Click on the Register button to go to the Registration Page
• Complete all the mandatory fields to create your account
• Tick off the captcha field and click on the Submit button to submit your details to the system
• After registering, you will receive an email with a link to create a password within the next 5 minutes
• Once the login credentials are received, follow the steps in the Login Page section of this document
  to enter the system
• Once you are registered login 
• Enter your Email and Password in the corresponding fields and click on the Log In button
• If you do not remember your password, click on Forgot Password? below the Log In button. Insert your
  email address in the Request Password window that pops up, confirm that you are not a robot, and hit
  Submit to receive an email with the instructions to reset your password 
• ill in your personal information 
• Fill in your education details
• Attach supporting documents
• Submit your application 

For application guidelines click HERE

OPPENHEIMER MEMORIAL TRUST SCHOLARSHIP CLOSING DATE:

The closing date for the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship for the 2025 academic year is 31 March 2025. All prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their complete applications before this deadline, as late submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.

It’s important to ensure that all required supporting documents, including academic transcripts, proof of acceptance (or application) to your chosen institution, reference letters, and any other specified materials, are included and submitted on time. Applications should be thoroughly completed to avoid disqualification due to incomplete submissions.

CONTACT DETAILS:

For any queries contact Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship: 

Email: [email protected]

Final Thoughts

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for South Africa’s brightest minds to advance their studies and contribute meaningfully to the country’s future. 

Whether you are aiming for Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral, or Sabbatical studies, this prestigious scholarship can open doors to world-renowned institutions and cutting-edge research opportunities. 

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about making a lasting impact in your field, don’t miss this chance. Submit your complete application before the closing date on 31 March 2025, and take the next step toward academic and professional excellence.