SOLTRAIN Postgraduate Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on SOLTRAIN Postgraduate Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a postgraduate student passionate about renewable energy, sustainable development, and climate-resilient solutions in Africa? The SOLTRAIN Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering valuable financial support to eligible students pursuing postgraduate studies in solar thermal energy and related fields. The bursary is supported by SOLTRAIN (Solar Thermal Training and Certification of Installers in Africa), a regional initiative focused on building technical capacity and advancing solar thermal technologies across Southern and Eastern Africa.

The SOLTRAIN Postgraduate Bursary is designed to support Honours, Master’s, and PhD students whose research aligns with solar thermal systems, renewable energy engineering, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy policy. The bursary may cover key study-related costs such as tuition fees, research expenses, and a stipend or living allowance, depending on the level of study and available funding. In addition to financial assistance, beneficiaries benefit from academic supervision, regional collaboration opportunities, and exposure to applied research that directly contributes to Africa’s clean energy transition.

By applying for the SOLTRAIN Postgraduate Bursary 2026/2027, students gain more than just funding, they become part of a growing network of researchers and professionals committed to expanding access to sustainable energy solutions, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting green economic growth across the continent.

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 requirements, fields of study covered, application process, and closing date for the SOLTRAIN Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026/2027.

About SOLTRAIN – Southern African Solar Thermal Training and Demonstration Initiative

SOLTRAIN was established in 2009 as a regional programme aimed at building capacity and demonstrating solar thermal systems across the SADC region. Funded by the Austrian Development Agency and OFID, SOLTRAIN supports partner countries in transitioning from fossil-based energy systems to renewable energy, with a focus on solar thermal technologies.

In South Africa, SOLTRAIN collaborates with:

SANEDI: South African National Energy Development Institute
CRSES: Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Stellenbosch University

The initiative is dedicated to developing practical knowledge, research, and implementation strategies for solar thermal energy in sectors such as health, tourism, education, and industry.

About the SOLTRAIN Bursary Programme 2026/2027

Fields Covered and Funding Value

The SOLTRAIN Solar Thermal Project Support Scheme is open for postgraduate students pursuing research during the first half of the 2026 academic year. The bursary supports innovative research in solar thermal systems and related applications.

Eligible Study Topics

Preference will be given to projects focusing on:

Health Sector: Potential analysis for solar thermal systems in hospitals and clinics in South Africa and Mozambique, including hot water usage and system potential
Educational & Social Institutions: Solar thermal potential analyses, energy savings, and system applications
Tourism Sector: Solar thermal system potential in tourism regions, bed numbers, and water usage analyses
Industrial Applications: Heating, drying, or cooling using solar thermal technologies
Mass Housing Programmes: Documentation and analysis of solar water heater installations in Namibia and South Africa, including user satisfaction and lessons learned
Measurement Data Analysis: Analysis of SOLTRAIN project system data with technical or economic insights

Bursary Value

The bursary provides funding of up to €2,500 (over R43,000 ZAR) to support project costs, research, and related academic expenses. Previous funded students’ abstracts are available for review to guide applicants.

Eligibility Requirements for SOLTRAIN Postgraduate Bursary Application 2026/2027

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must be a citizen of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, or Mozambique
Must be registered for postgraduate studies during the first half of 2026
Must be pursuing research in solar thermal energy
Preference is given to research topics outlined above

Failure to meet any of these criteria will disqualify the application.

How to Apply for SOLTRAIN Postgraduate Bursary 2026/2027

Applications are submitted online via the official SOLTRAIN portal: Click here to access the SOLTRAIN Postgraduate Bursary Application Portal for 2026.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit the following with their online application:

Certified copy of ID document for proof of citizenship
Project description (300–600 words) detailing your solar thermal research
Motivational letter (300–600 words) explaining why you should receive the bursary
Estimated budget for the funding request (up to €2,500)
Proof of tertiary registration for 2026 (on institution letterhead)
Full academic transcript or record to date
Letter of support from your academic supervisor

Incomplete applications will be disqualified.

Closing Date for SOLTRAIN Postgraduate Bursary Application 2026/2027

Application Deadline: 16 February

Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. Applicants are advised to apply well before the deadline to ensure their application is accepted.

Contact SOLTRAIN for Bursary Enquiries

For any questions or additional information regarding the bursary programme, contact your nearest SOLTRAIN partner institute: SOLTRAIN Contact Directory