Now is the perfect time to secure funding for your postgraduate studies – the SANSA Bursary Programme for 2027 closes on 30 September 2026, so don’t wait.
What the opportunity is
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is offering bursaries for Honours, Master’s and Doctoral studies in STEM fields. The funding can be as high as R170 000 per year and is aimed at building skills for South Africa’s space, science and engineering sectors.
Who can apply – eligibility
- You must be 32 years old or younger.
- You need to be studying, or planning to study, a postgraduate qualification in a STEM discipline.
- Your most recent academic average must be at least 65 %.
- You should show strong academic potential and genuine financial need.
- You must be interested in a future career in the space sector.
Make sure you meet all the criteria before you start the online form.
What you gain
- Up to R150 000 per year for Honours, R160 000 for Master’s and R170 000 for Doctoral studies.
- Financial relief that lets you focus on research and coursework.
- Opportunity to network with SANSA engineers and scientists.
- Potential to work in South Africa’s growing space industry after graduation.
Fields of study covered
Any postgraduate STEM qualification is eligible, including but not limited to:
- Applied Mathematics, Applied Remote Sensing, Botany, Computer Science, Ecology and Resource Management
- Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering
- Energy Studies, Environmental Science, Geographical Information Systems, GIS & Remote Sensing
- Information Systems, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, Space Science
- Statistical Ecology and many others.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather all required documents in PDF format:
- Certified ID (within the last 3 months).
- Full university academic record, including 2026 results.
- Official statement of NSFAS funding or undergraduate fee confirmation.
- For Master’s and Doctoral candidates – a completed SANSA testimonial from a lecturer or proposed supervisor.
- Draft research proposal – max 2 pages for Master’s, max 4 pages for Doctoral, signed by you and your supervisor.
- Visit the official SANSA bursary portal and create an account.
- Fill in the personal and academic details exactly as they appear on your documents.
- Upload each PDF in the correct field.
- Review everything carefully and submit before 30 September 2026.
- Click Apply for the SANSA Bursary 2027 to open the application system.
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that every PDF is clear and legible; blurry scans are rejected.
- Ask your supervisor to review your research proposal for relevance to space or engineering topics.
- Write a concise personal statement that links your career goals to SANSA’s mission.
- Submit early – late applications risk technical glitches.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation email as proof of submission.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, start gathering your documents today. The deadline is fast approaching, and early preparation gives you the best chance of success. For any questions, email SANSA at grants@sansa.org.za. Good luck – your future in South Africa’s space sector could begin now.
