SANSA Bursary 2027

## About the Provider The South African National Space Agency, known as SANSA, was established in 2010 as a public entity and government agency operating under the national department responsible for science and technology. SANSA is responsible for developing and promoting aeronautics and aerospace space research in South Africa, playing a leading role in the country's space programme. Much of SANSA's work focuses on using data acquired through remote sensing from satellites and other sources. This data is used to provide valuable assessments about fires, flooding, environmental phenomena, and resource management, both within South Africa and across the African continent. By observing the earth from space, SANSA helps the country and the region respond to natural disasters, manage resources, and understand the environment. This work is increasingly important in a world facing climate change and growing pressure on natural resources. The space and earth observation sectors depend on highly skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. South Africa, like many countries, needs more graduates in these STEM disciplines to build the critical skills required for the future. The country requires this expertise to fulfil the objectives of the National Development Plan and to secure a prosperous and sustainable future. SANSA understands that developing these skills begins with supporting students through advanced study. For this reason, SANSA offers a bursary programme aimed specifically at postgraduate students. By focusing on Honours, Master's, and Doctoral study, the programme helps to develop the high-level expertise that the space sector and the broader scientific community need. This focus on postgraduate study reflects an understanding that advanced research skills are essential to innovation and to solving complex problems. The bursary is more than just financial support. It is part of a national effort to grow the pool of qualified postgraduates in science and engineering, helping to ensure that South Africa has the talent it needs to participate in the global space and technology sectors. By investing in promising students, SANSA helps to build a pipeline of researchers and professionals who can contribute to the country's development. For postgraduate students with a passion for science, engineering, and the exploration and understanding of our planet and beyond, the SANSA Bursary represents an exciting opportunity. It offers substantial funding, a connection to a leading national space agency, and the chance to work in a field that combines scientific discovery with real-world impact. Through this programme, SANSA invests in the talented young people who will help shape the future of space science and earth observation in South Africa.

## About the Program The SANSA Bursary Programme funds postgraduate studies for the 2027 academic year, specifically at Honours, Master's, and Doctoral level. The programme focuses on STEM disciplines, which cover science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, recognising that South Africa needs more graduates in these areas to build the critical skills the country requires. The range of eligible fields is extensive and reflects the wide scope of SANSA's work. Funded areas include Applied Mathematics, Applied Remote Sensing, Botany, Computer and Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Ecology and Resource Management, various branches of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Energy Studies, Environmental and Geographical Science, Environmental Management, Geographical Information Systems, Geoinformatics, Information Systems, Information Technology, Mathematics, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Physics, Space Science, and Statistical Ecology, among others. This breadth shows how many different scientific and technical disciplines contribute to the space and earth observation sectors. The value of the bursary depends on the level of study. Honours students receive funding to the value of R150 000 per year, Master's students receive R160 000 per year, and Doctoral students receive R170 000 per year. This generous funding helps cover the costs of postgraduate study and supports students as they undertake demanding research. The programme is aimed at students who are studying or intend to study towards a postgraduate STEM qualification and who are interested in working within the space sector. Applicants must be 32 years old or younger and must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in their last year of study or last examination. They must also have strong academic potential and proven financial need. SANSA offers these scholarships to help meet the national goal of having more qualified postgraduates in science and engineering disciplines. South Africa requires more graduates in these fields to adequately equip the country with the critical skills needed to fulfil the objectives of the National Development Plan and to secure a prosperous and sustainable future. Applications are submitted online through SANSA's bursary application system. By funding postgraduate study across such a wide range of STEM fields, the SANSA Bursary helps to develop the high-level expertise that the space sector and the broader science and engineering community need. For postgraduate students with an interest in space science, remote sensing, and related fields, the programme offers both substantial financial support and a pathway into an exciting and important sector.

## Bursary Benefits The SANSA Bursary offers generous financial support for postgraduate study, with the value depending on the level of study. This makes it one of the more substantial postgraduate funding opportunities in the STEM fields. - **Honours students** receive funding to the value of **R150 000 per year** - **Master's students** receive funding to the value of **R160 000 per year** - **Doctoral students** receive funding to the value of **R170 000 per year** This level of funding helps cover the costs of postgraduate study and supports students through the demanding work of research at Honours, Master's, and Doctoral level. The increasing value at each level reflects the greater commitment and depth of research required as students progress. Beyond the financial value, recipients become connected to SANSA and the space sector, gaining exposure to an exciting and important field. The bursary supports students who are interested in working within the space sector, which can open doors to research and career opportunities. For postgraduate students in STEM fields, this combination of substantial funding and sector connection makes the bursary a valuable opportunity.

## Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Failing to satisfy every criterion will result in an application not being considered. - You must be **32 years old or younger** - You must be studying or intend to study towards a **postgraduate STEM qualification** (Honours, Master's, or Doctoral), including but not limited to the listed fields - You must have achieved a minimum overall average of **65%** in your last year of studies or last examination - You must have **strong academic potential** - You must have **proven financial need** - You must be **interested in working within the space sector** These criteria reflect the programme's focus on developing high-level STEM skills relevant to the space and earth observation sectors. Applicants should confirm that they meet all the requirements before applying, as incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.

## Required Documents Submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with your online application, in PDF format. Missing documents may lead to disqualification, so prepare them carefully before you begin. - A certified copy of your **ID document** (certified within three months, in PDF format) - Your **full university academic record**, from first year of study, including your final year or mid-year 2026 results (in PDF format) - Your official **undergraduate university student account statement** or an official letter confirming national funding for your undergraduate study fees - For Master's and Doctoral students, a completed **SANSA testimonial** by an education official, such as a lecturer or proposed supervisor (in PDF format) - For Master's applicants, a **draft research proposal** of a maximum of two pages, signed and dated by the applicant and proposed supervisor - For Doctoral applicants, a **draft research proposal** of a maximum of four pages, signed and dated by the applicant and proposed supervisor

## How to Apply Applications for the SANSA Bursary must be submitted online through SANSA's bursary application system. Follow these steps to apply successfully: 1. Prepare all your required documents in PDF format, ensuring certified documents are recent where required. 2. Visit the online application portal for the SANSA Bursary. 3. Complete the online application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic details. 4. When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter the referral information as requested on the form. 5. Upload your full university academic record, your student account statement or funding letter, and any required testimonials or proposals. 6. Master's and Doctoral applicants must include a signed and dated research proposal of the required length, along with a completed testimonial from an education official. 7. Review your application carefully to confirm there are no errors or missing documents. 8. Submit your application before the closing date. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, so it is wise to apply well in advance. Because this is a postgraduate research bursary, your academic record and research proposal are especially important. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.

## Tips for Success A strong bursary application is well prepared, complete, and honest. The following tips can help you give yourself the best chance with the SANSA Bursary. - **Prepare a strong research proposal.** For Master's and Doctoral applicants, the proposal is a key part of the application. Make sure it is clear, focused, and within the required page limit, and that it is signed and dated by you and your proposed supervisor. - **Confirm your average and age.** You need a minimum average of 65% and must be 32 years old or younger. Check that you meet these before applying. - **Get your documents in PDF format.** SANSA requires documents in PDF format, so prepare clear, properly formatted files in advance. - **Secure your testimonial early.** Master's and Doctoral applicants need a testimonial from an education official. Approach a lecturer or supervisor in good time so they can complete it. - **Show your interest in the space sector.** The bursary is for students interested in working within the space sector, so let this interest come through where the application allows. - **Prepare your academic record.** You need your full academic record from first year, including recent results. Make sure this is complete and up to date. - **Apply early.** Avoid last-minute technical problems by submitting your application well before the closing date. - **Certify documents recently.** Your ID must be certified within three months, so plan ahead to get this done in time. - **Proofread your application.** Errors and missing documents create a poor impression. Review everything before submitting, or ask someone to check it for you. - **Be truthful.** Provide only accurate information. Dishonesty can lead to disqualification and damage your reputation. Because this is a competitive postgraduate bursary, a complete, well-presented application with a strong research proposal will give you the best chance of success.

## Career Prospects The SANSA Bursary prepares postgraduate students for careers at the cutting edge of science, technology, engineering, and the space sector. Because the funded fields are so varied, graduates can pursue a wide range of careers across research, industry, and government. Graduates in **Space Science, Applied Remote Sensing, and Geoinformatics** can work as space scientists, remote sensing specialists, and geospatial analysts. These professionals use satellite data and earth observation to study the planet, monitor the environment, and respond to challenges such as fires, flooding, and resource management. SANSA itself relies on these skills, and there are growing opportunities in this field both locally and internationally. Those who study **Engineering disciplines**, including electrical, electronic, computer, mechanical, and mechatronics engineering, can pursue careers in systems design, satellite technology, instrumentation, and product development. Engineers are essential to building and maintaining the technology that the space and earth observation sectors depend on. Graduates in **Physics, Mathematics, and Applied Mathematics** can become researchers, data analysts, and scientists, working on the theoretical and computational foundations that underpin space science and many other fields. These skills are highly valued in research institutions, universities, and industry. Those who study **Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Ecology, and Resource Management** can pursue careers in environmental management, conservation, and sustainability. As the world increasingly focuses on understanding and protecting the environment, these skills are in growing demand. Graduates in **Computer Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology** can work as software developers, data scientists, and IT specialists, supporting the processing and analysis of the vast amounts of data generated by satellites and other sources. Many SANSA bursary recipients go on to careers in research, at universities, in government agencies, or in private companies working in space, technology, and the environment. Because the bursary supports advanced postgraduate study, graduates emerge with deep expertise that positions them for specialised and leadership roles. The space and STEM sectors are important to South Africa's development and offer exciting, meaningful work. By training postgraduates in these fields, SANSA helps to build the high-level skills the country needs, while giving talented students the chance to contribute to research and innovation that has real impact on society and the environment.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the SANSA Bursary? Students aged 32 or younger who are studying or intend to study towards a postgraduate STEM qualification, with a minimum average of 65%, strong academic potential, proven financial need, and an interest in the space sector, may apply. ## What levels of study does the bursary cover? The bursary covers postgraduate study at Honours, Master's, and Doctoral level. ## How much funding is available? Honours students receive R150 000 per year, Master's students receive R160 000 per year, and Doctoral students receive R170 000 per year. ## What fields of study does the bursary cover? The bursary covers a wide range of STEM fields, including Space Science, Applied Remote Sensing, Engineering disciplines, Physics, Mathematics, Geoinformatics, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, and Information Technology, among others. ## What average do I need? You need a minimum overall average of 65% in your last year of study or last examination. ## When is the closing date? Applications close on **30 September 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted. ## How do I apply? Applications are submitted online through SANSA's bursary application system. Documents must be provided in PDF format. ## Do Master's and Doctoral applicants need a research proposal? Yes. Master's applicants need a draft proposal of up to two pages, and Doctoral applicants need a draft proposal of up to four pages, signed and dated by the applicant and proposed supervisor. ## Is there an age limit? Yes. Applicants must be 32 years old or younger.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 30 September 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so prepare your academic record and research proposal early and submit well before the deadline.

About the Organization

South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Email: grants@sansa.org.za