If you are a South African postgraduate eager to study space‑related science, technology or engineering, the SANSA Bursary Programme 2027 is now open – but you must apply before 30 September 2026.
What the opportunity is
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is offering fully funded bursaries for the 2027 academic year. The bursaries support Honours, Masters and Doctoral studies in STEM subjects that feed into the country’s space sector.
Who can apply – eligibility
- South African citizens, 32 years old or younger.
- Enrolled or planning to enrol in a postgraduate programme (Honours, Masters or PhD) in a STEM field.
- Minimum overall average of 65 % in the most recent year of study.
- Demonstrated financial need and a genuine interest in working in the space industry.
Fields of study covered
Applicable subjects include, but are not limited to:
- Applied Mathematics, Physics, Statistics
- Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer & Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics & Space Engineering
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics
- Environmental Science, Ecology, Water & Resource Management
- Botany, Plant & Environmental Science
- Space Science, Energy Studies
What you gain – bursary value
- Honours: up to R150 000 per year
- Masters: up to R160 000 per year
- Doctoral: up to R170 000 per year
The funding covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses and research costs, allowing you to focus on your studies.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Visit the official SANSA application portal and create an account.
- Complete the online form with your personal details and study information.
- Upload all required documents (see list below) in PDF format.
- Submit the application before the 30 September 2026 deadline. You will receive a confirmation email once the submission is successful.
Apply here: SANSA Bursary Application
Documents you must upload
- Certified copy of your ID (issued within the last three months, PDF).
- Full academic transcript from your first year of study, including the latest results (PDF).
- Official statement of NSFAS funding or an undergraduate fee‑account statement.
- If applying for Masters or PhD: a signed SANSA testimonial from a lecturer or prospective supervisor.
- Masters applicants – a two‑page research proposal, signed and dated.
- Doctoral applicants – a four‑page research proposal, signed and dated.
Tips to improve your chances
- Ensure every document is clear, legible and certified within the last three months.
- Have your supervisor review the research proposal for clarity and relevance to space science.
- Double‑check that PDFs are not corrupted and that file names contain no special characters.
- Submit well before the deadline; last‑minute uploads increase the risk of technical errors.
- Highlight any previous experience with GIS, remote sensing or related projects in the application form.
Next steps
Take a moment now to gather your transcripts and contact a potential supervisor. Then log on to the SANSA portal and start the application. This bursary can fund your entire postgraduate journey, so don’t let the 30 September 2026 deadline slip by.
