SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship Application for 2026/2027

SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with a passion for astronomy, space science, and advanced research in science and technology? The SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial support to talented learners who wish to pursue honours, master’s, or doctoral studies in astronomy, astrophysics, and related fields. As the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a national facility under the South African Department of Science and Innovation, SARAO is dedicated to advancing South Africa’s position in radio astronomy and space science research. Through this scholarship, SARAO invests in nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers who will contribute to cutting-edge astronomical research and global scientific innovation.

The SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship provides comprehensive support, which may include tuition fees, research-related expenses, accommodation, living allowances, and mentorship from leading scientists in astronomy and astrophysics. Recipients also gain access to world-class facilities such as the MeerKAT and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope, as well as opportunities to participate in international collaborations and conferences. This scholarship is particularly aimed at high-achieving students with a strong academic record and a keen interest in contributing to South Africa’s space science and astronomy research initiatives.

By applying for the SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027, students not only receive financial support but also open doors to rewarding career pathways in research, astronomy, astrophysics, and space science innovation.

In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.

Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026

Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026

Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026

Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility criteria, fields of study covered, application process, and closing dates for the SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027.

About South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is a leading facility of the National Research Foundation (NRF), tasked with managing all radio astronomy initiatives and infrastructure in South Africa. SARAO operates the MeerKAT Radio Telescope in the Karoo and oversees geodesy and VLBI activities at the HartRAO facility.

SARAO plays a key role in global radio astronomy research and offers postgraduate students a chance to engage in world-class projects with cutting-edge scientific and technical applications.

About the SARAO Scholarship Programme 2026/2027

Fields of Study

SARAO invites students to apply for Postgraduate Scholarships for the 2026 academic year, with bursaries available for Honours, Masters, and Doctoral studies in fields aligned with the SKA and MeerKAT scientific and technical goals.

Honours Studies

• Bachelor of Science Honours in:
  • Physics and Electronics
  • Astronomy
  • Astrophysics
  • Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science Honours at NASSP (National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme)

Masters Studies

• Postgraduate research in Engineering or Science relevant to SKA and MeerKAT projects

Doctoral Studies

• Postgraduate research in Engineering or Science relevant to SKA and MeerKAT projects

Eligibility Requirements for SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship Application 2026/2027

To be considered, applicants must meet all minimum criteria.

Honours Scholarships

• South African citizen or permanent resident
• 28 years old or younger
• Intending to study one of the approved Honours programmes
• Minimum 65% average in latest undergraduate results
• Enrolled or intending to enroll at a recognised South African tertiary institution

Masters Scholarships

• South African citizen/permanent resident, or citizen of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, or Zambia
• 30 years old or younger
• Research must align with SKA or MeerKAT scientific/technical goals
• Minimum 65% average at Honours level (or undergraduate for a four-year degree)
• Enrolled or intending to enroll at a recognised South African tertiary institution
• Signed supervisor agreement confirming supervision

Doctoral Scholarships

• South African citizen/permanent resident, or citizen of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, or Zambia
• 32 years old or younger
• Research must align with SKA or MeerKAT scientific/technical goals
• Minimum 65% average at Honours level (or undergraduate for a four-year degree)
• Enrolled or intending to enroll at a recognised South African tertiary institution
• Signed supervisor agreement confirming supervision

How to Apply for SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027

All applications must be submitted online via the SARAO Scholarship Application Portal 2026.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit clear copies of the following:

• South African ID document (or passport and permanent residence visa for residents)
• University academic record (compiled into a single PDF, covering all completed degrees and current studies)
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivational letter (as per scholarship guidelines)
• Supervisor agreement letter for Masters and Doctoral applicants (signed on university letterhead)

Important Notes

• Applicants must register an account on the SARAO portal before submitting their application.
• Incomplete submissions may be disqualified.

Scholarship Guidelines

• SARAO Honours Scholarships Guidelines (.pdf)
• SARAO Masters Scholarships Guidelines (.pdf)
• SARAO Doctoral Scholarships Guidelines (.pdf)

Closing Date for SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship Application 2026/2027

The final deadline for submitting applications is:

Application Deadline: 20 August

Note: Some universities may have internal closing dates for applications. Check with your institution to ensure timely submission. Late applications will not be accepted.

Contact Information for SARAO Scholarships

For queries related to the scholarship programme, contact the relevant SARAO personnel:

Honours Studies

• Contact: Mr. Mkhululi Jodwana
• Email: mjodwana@sarao.ac.za

Masters & Doctoral Studies

• Contact: Annah Mashemola
• Email: amashemola@sarao.ac.za