The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Sabbatical Study Awards stand out from similar programmes by supporting full-time academics at public higher education institutions in South Africa
This award provides financial support for sabbatical study in South Africa or abroad, focusing on research development and academic growth
In this guide:
- About the opportunity
- Who can apply
- What you get
- Application deadline
- How to apply
- Before you hit submit
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
About Sabbatical Study Grant
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust runs this programme to support academics seeking dedicated time for research and academic development during a sabbatical period
The programme supports academics across all disciplines, with a preference for innovative and high-quality research that can contribute to South Africa and the wider academic community
For African and young applicants, this opportunity matters as it provides a chance to undertake research that extends existing knowledge and has potential benefits for South Africa
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for the Sabbatical Study Award, applicants must meet specific academic and institutional requirements
- Institution: applicants must work at a public higher education institution in South Africa
- Employment: applicants must be full-time academics
- Research record: applicants must have a proven record of teaching and research excellence
- Research plan: applicants must present a clearly defined research or academic development plan
- Academic achievements: applicants must provide evidence of academic achievements, research experience, and publications
- Referees: applicants must provide recommendation letters from appropriate referees
What You Get
The Sabbatical Study Award provides financial support to successful applicants
- Financial support: the award provides a partial financial contribution toward the overall costs of the proposed sabbatical study
- Research costs: potential eligible costs may include living expenses, travel, and research materials
- International study: the award can support sabbatical study undertaken locally or internationally
- Academic development: the award supports research development, new academic ideas, teaching improvement, and scholarly work
- Flexibility: the programme allows academics to undertake research in their chosen field
Application Deadline
The deadline is August 31, 2026. The deadline for applications is August 31, 2026, so it’s essential to start preparing your application well in advance
How to Apply for Sabbatical Study Grant
The application process involves submitting a detailed proposal and supporting documents, and it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully
- You’ll need to review the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet the requirements
- You’ll have to prepare a clearly defined research or academic development plan
- You’ll need to gather supporting documents, including academic records and recommendation letters
- You’ll have to submit your application before the deadline
- You’ll receive notification of the outcome of your application, usually within a few months
The button opens the official application on omt.org.za.
Before You Hit Submit
- Make sure you tailor your application to the specific requirements of the programme
- Get feedback on your proposal from colleagues or mentors
- Use clear and concise language in your application
- Double-check your application for errors before submitting it
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of the Sabbatical Study Award
The value of each award is determined on a merit basis by the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust
Can I apply for the award if I’m not a South African citizen
You must be a full-time academic at a public higher education institution in South Africa to be eligible
How long does the sabbatical study period last
The duration of the sabbatical study period varies, but it’s typically several months
What kind of research is supported by the programme
The programme supports research across all disciplines, with a preference for innovative and high-quality research
Do I need to have a host institution
You’ll need to identify a host institution if you plan to undertake your sabbatical study internationally
Final Thoughts
The Sabbatical Study Grant is a unique opportunity for academics to undertake research and academic development, and it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a sabbatical study grant to support your growth
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We summarise opportunity details as published by the organiser. Requirements and deadlines can change without notice, so always confirm on the official application page before you apply. The Opportunity Here is not affiliated with the organisers and never charges a fee to apply.
