SANSA Postgraduate Bursaries 2027: Up to R170,000 Per Year

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is offering postgraduate bursaries for the 2027 academic year. This opportunity is for students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) qualifications. The bursaries aim to support Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies, contributing to the development of skills needed in South Africa’s space sector.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Up to R170,000 per annum
Minimum Qualification: Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degree
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the SANSA Bursary Programme

The SANSA Bursary Programme supports students who want to further their studies in STEM fields. It focuses on developing postgraduate talent that is relevant to the country’s science, engineering, and space industries. The programme is designed for individuals who show academic promise, have a financial need, and are interested in a career within the space sector.

About SANSA

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a government entity responsible for space science and technology in South Africa. It plays a key role in advancing space research, developing space capabilities, and promoting the peaceful use of outer space for the benefit of humanity. SANSA operates in various areas, including space weather, Earth observation, and space engineering.

Fields of Study Covered

SANSA offers bursaries for a wide range of postgraduate STEM qualifications. These include, but are not limited to, fields such as Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, and Space Science. The bursary may cover other STEM areas if the proposed postgraduate qualification aligns with SANSA’s supported research.

SANSA Bursary Value for 2027

The value of the bursary awarded depends on the level of study:

• Honours: R150,000 per annum
• Master’s: R160,000 per annum
• Doctoral: R170,000 per annum

This funding is intended to cover study-related expenses for successful applicants.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the SANSA Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be 32 years old or younger.
• Be studying or planning to study for a postgraduate STEM qualification.
• Have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in their most recent academic year.
• Show strong academic potential.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Express an interest in working within the space sector.

Applicants are advised to confirm they meet all requirements before applying.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with their online application:

• Certified ID document (within the last three months, in PDF format).
• Complete university academic record from the first year, including 2026 mid-year or final-year results (in PDF format).
• Official undergraduate university student account statement or a letter confirming NSFAS funding for undergraduate fees.

Master’s and Doctoral applicants must also provide:

• A completed SANSA testimonial from an education official.

Master’s applicants need to submit:

• A draft research proposal (maximum 2 pages), signed and dated by the applicant and proposed supervisor.

Doctoral applicants need to submit:

• A draft research proposal (maximum 4 pages), signed and dated by the applicant and proposed supervisor.

Incomplete applications with missing compulsory documents may not be considered.

How to Apply

Applications for the SANSA Bursary 2027 must be submitted online via the official SANSA bursary application system.

Click here to apply for the SANSA Bursary 2027

Ensure you complete the online application form and upload all required supporting documents before the closing date of 30 September 2026.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Applicants must ensure they meet all the minimum eligibility requirements. Late applications will not be considered. It is important to submit all required documents in the correct format to avoid disqualification.

Closing Date

The closing date for the SANSA Postgraduate Bursaries 2027 is 30 September 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before this date.

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