Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship for Sabbatical Studies

About Oppenheimer Memorial Trust

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust or OMT is a Trust set up by Mr. Harry Oppenheimer in 1958 to honour his father, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer. Ernest Oppenheimer was a mining entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.

The trust supports various activities and projects that are of public interest. The most important investment is in education. So far, the Oppenheimer family has donated an excess of R1 billion to the OMT. And the donation has benefitted many students and South African society in general.

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship for Sabbatical Studies 2022

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust runs a scholarship programme to help unprivileged students complete their education by offering financial assistance.

The OMT Scholarship for Sabbatical Studies is intended for students undertaking sabbatical studies. They must have been approved for taking leave and been accepted for a study/research programme. The scholarship is designed to cover some of the costs incurred while taking sabbatical study at a public Higher Education Institution. The exact amount will be determined after evaluation by the selection committee.

However, it is not a full-cost scholarship. Meaning students will not get full coverage for their studies. They should have the financial capability to pay for expenses not covered by the scholarship programme.

Initially, the scholarship will be awarded for one academic year. Based on satisfactory academic performance, sabbaticals may get funding for subsequent years.

Please note that there are other scholarships available for non-sabbatical students. If you’re pursuing a postgraduate degree at a local or international Higher Education institute, apply for OMT Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies instead.

Who should apply?

There are specific eligibility criteria laid out for the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship for Sabbatical Studies programme. Anyone applying for the funding must fulfill all of the criteria. Failing to do so will lead to the rejection of your application since there are a limited number of scholarships on offer.

The eligibility requirements for (OMT) Scholarship for Sabbatical Studies 2022 are:

• A South African citizen or permanent resident (foreign nationals are eligible only for Postdoctoral programmes)
• A full-time academic and not part-time
• Studying at a public Higher Education Institution in South Africa
• Have a strong academic track record
• Preferably have proven record of research and/or teaching

Fulfilling all the requirements doesn’t guarantee funding. This is a merit-based scholarship programme, and priority is given to those with a stronger academic track record.

How do I apply?

If you’re interested in the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship programme for Sabbatical Studies, consider applying for it. You need to undergo the application process and submit your candidature. OMT will review all the applicants and select the best candidates. While submitting your candidature, it’s important to follow the instructions and guidelines. Incorrect or incomplete submissions are not considered.

There is no application form available for Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship programme. All you need to do is prepare and submit the following requested documents:

• Recent photos of yourself (3cm X 4cm)
• Updated CV (include your personal details, academic details, and work experience) (maximum four pages)
• Details of the intended study programme
• Proof of acceptance into the university (formal invitation or offer letters from the university for Sabbatical studies)
• An estimated budget of with expenses like tuition fees, accommodation, travel, books, and stationary on the OMT Study Budget template
• A 500-word motivation letter including the following things (must be signed by the candidate):
  • The reasons for choosing the programme of work
  • The reasons for taking a sabbatical study
  • How do you think is the study programme is relevant to South Africa
  • Expected outcomes and how you believe the programme will help expand your knowledge and how you can impact society with that knowledge
  • Positions you wish to take after completing the sabbatical study programme
• Details of the funding programme applied for but not yet approved
• Proof of income (latest payslips)
• Synopsis of the best-published works (2-3 nos.)
• Letter of recommendation from referees familiar with your current profession and future study plans and can attest to your past achievements in academia (3 nos.)

Finally, send the documents to sabbatical@omt.org.za. In the subject line, insert ‘OMT Scholarship Application – Your Full Name’.

Application Deadline?

The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship programme for Sabbatical Studies is currently open, and the last date to apply for it is 31 March 2022 (for programmes commencing between July to October 2022).

Contact Information

For more details regarding the sabbatical scholarship programme, contact OMT at sabbatical@omt.org.za.

If this scholarship has already been closed, please do not make any queries. View our other open scholarships or international scholarships for application.

Don’t miss out on the latest learnership updates. Like us on Facebook and follow @GoCareersSA for more information OR leave a comment below for further inquiries.