Time is running out to secure funding for your Honours year, and the SARAO Freestanding Honours Scholarship could be the key to starting a career in radio astronomy right now.
What is the SARAO Freestanding Honours Scholarship 2027?
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is offering a one‑year scholarship for students who want to study a BSc Honours degree in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Computer Science or Mathematics at a South African university.
Eligibility
You may apply if you meet all of the following criteria:
- South African citizen or permanent resident, or a citizen of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia or Zambia.
- Completed a BSc degree in 2025 or will finish one in 2026 in one of the eligible streams:
- Physics and Mathematics (up to third year)
- Astronomy/Astrophysics with at least second‑year Physics and Mathematics
- Computer Science and Mathematics (up to third year)
- Current or final average of at least 65 %. If you are still studying, your latest results must meet this threshold, and you must maintain it until graduation.
- Plan to enrol in a BSc Honours programme in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics or Computer Science & Mathematics at a South African university.
What the scholarship covers
- R190 000 for the Honours year.
- R15 000 one‑off laptop grant.
The scholarship normally lasts one year. If you are accepted into the NASSP Extended Honours in Astronomy programme, SARAO may fund you for two years.
Required supporting documents
Upload the following four files with your online application:
- Identity document (South African ID) or passport (for non‑South Africans).
- All university academic results from the start of your studies to the current year (single PDF per qualification).
- Current Curriculum Vitae.
- Motivation letter of about 750 words covering:
- Academic progress and favourite undergraduate courses.
- Key achievements and why you chose the Honours field.
- Relevance to a career in radio astronomy.
- Personal strengths, passions, community work, and future goals.
Reference letters
You must provide two letters of reference, one of which must come from a university lecturer. Family or friends cannot act as referees. Send the letters directly to study.research@sarao.ac.za before 31 August 2026. Each letter should explain:
- How the referee knows you and for how long.
- Your academic performance and attitude.
- Potential to succeed at Honours level.
- Notable skills, attributes or achievements.
- Any other supportive information.
How to apply
- Visit the official NRF Connect portal: Apply here.
- Complete the “Profile” section.
- Navigate to My Applications → NRF Postgraduate Scholarships.
- Select SARAO Honours Scholarship.
- Upload all required documents (ID/passport, results, CV, motivation letter).
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Only one application per applicant will be considered.
Tips for a stronger application
- Double‑check that the motivation letter stays around 750 words and follows the suggested structure.
- If your university grades are shown as letters, convert them to percentage equivalents.
- Ask a lecturer for a reference early; give them plenty of time to write a detailed letter.
- Proofread every document for spelling and formatting errors.
- Keep a copy of all uploaded files in case you need to resend them.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, gather the documents, write a clear motivation letter, and submit your application before 31 August 2026. For any questions, contact Mkhululi Jodwana at 011 268 3412 or mjodwana@sarao.ac.za. Good luck – this could be the first step toward a rewarding career in radio astronomy.
