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

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is inviting eligible postgraduate students to apply for its 2027 Bursary Programme. This opportunity supports students pursuing qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Applications close on 30 September 2026.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Up to R170,000 per annum
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the SANSA Bursary Programme

The SANSA Bursary Programme aims to support students undertaking Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies. It focuses on developing postgraduate skills that are important for South Africa’s science, engineering, and space sectors. The bursary is designed for students who show academic promise, have a financial need, and are interested in working within the space industry.

This programme specifically supports postgraduate qualifications in STEM areas. It is a valuable opportunity for students looking to advance their education and contribute to scientific research and development in South Africa.

About SANSA

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is a government agency responsible for promoting the peaceful use of space in South Africa. SANSA conducts research, develops space science and technology, and provides space-related services to government and industry. The agency plays a key role in advancing South Africa’s capabilities in space exploration and Earth observation.

SANSA operates in various sectors, including space science, Earth observation, and space engineering. It aims to foster innovation and build capacity within the South African space community.

Fields of Study Covered

SANSA offers bursaries for a wide range of postgraduate STEM qualifications. While not exhaustive, the supported fields include:

• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Remote Sensing
• Applied Remote Sensing and GIS
• Botany
• Computer and Electronic Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Ecology and Resource Management
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Energy Studies
• Environmental and Geographical Science
• Environmental Science
• Environmental and Water Science
• Environmental Geology
• Environmental Management
• Geographical and Environmental Science
• Geographical Information Systems
• Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
• Geographical Science
• Geography and Environmental Management
• Geography and Environmental Science
• Geography with Remote Sensing and/or GIS
• Geoinformatics
• GIS and Remote Sensing
• Information Systems
• Information Systems and Remote Sensing
• Information Technology
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Physics
• Plant and Environmental Science
• Space Science
• Statistical Ecology

If your postgraduate qualification is in a relevant STEM area supported by SANSA, you may be eligible.

SANSA Bursary Value for 2027

The value of the bursary awarded depends on the applicant’s level of postgraduate study. These amounts are intended to support students throughout their academic journey.

Level of Study	Bursary Value
Honours	R150,000 per annum
Master’s	R160,000 per annum
Doctoral	R170,000 per annum

Minimum Requirements

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

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

Ensure you meet all these requirements before submitting your online application.

Documents Required

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

• An ID document certified within the last three months, in PDF format.
• A complete university academic record from the first year of study. This should include final-year or mid-year 2026 results, submitted in PDF format.
• An official undergraduate university student account statement or an official letter confirming NSFAS funding for undergraduate study fees.

Master’s and Doctoral applicants must also submit:

• A completed SANSA testimonial from an education official, such as a lecturer or proposed supervisor.

Master’s applicants must submit:

• A draft research proposal of no more than 2 pages, signed and dated by both the applicant and proposed supervisor.

Doctoral applicants must submit:

• A draft research proposal of no more than 4 pages, signed and dated by both the applicant and proposed supervisor.

Missing compulsory documentation may lead to your application not being considered.

How to Apply

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

Click here to apply for the SANSA Bursary 2027

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

Contact SANSA

For any questions regarding the bursary programme, you can contact SANSA via email at:

Email: grants@sansa.org.za

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• Applicants must meet all the minimum requirements to be eligible.
• Ensure all submitted documents are clear and certified where required.

Closing Date

The closing date for the SANSA Postgraduate Bursaries 2027 is 30 September 2026.

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