The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is offering postgraduate students a chance to advance their studies in STEM fields through its Bursary Programme for 2027. This initiative aims to foster critical skills development within South Africa’s growing space sector. If you are a postgraduate student looking for financial support in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, the SANSA Bursary Programme could be the opportunity you need.
About the SANSA Bursary Programme
The SANSA Bursary Programme is designed to support South African students pursuing Honours, Masters, or Doctoral degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). SANSA is committed to building expertise in areas crucial to the space industry, including space science, technology, remote sensing, environmental science, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). By funding postgraduate studies, SANSA directly contributes to the nation’s capacity in these advanced fields.
Fields of Study Supported
SANSA offers bursaries for a wide range of postgraduate STEM disciplines. These include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Remote Sensing and GIS
- Botany
- Computer and Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Ecology and Resource Management
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Energy Studies
- Environmental Science and Management
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Geoinformatics
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Space Science
This broad scope ensures that students in various specialized STEM fields can find support for their postgraduate aspirations.
Value of the Bursary
The financial support provided by the SANSA Bursary Programme varies based on the level of study. For the 2027 academic year, the bursary values are as follows:
- Honours students: R150,000 per annum
- Masters students: R160,000 per annum
- Doctoral students: R170,000 per annum
These amounts are intended to cover study-related expenses and help students focus on their academic pursuits.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the SANSA Bursary Programme, applicants must meet specific requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be 32 years old or younger.
- Academic Level: Must be studying or planning to study towards a postgraduate STEM qualification. This includes fields related to science, engineering, mathematics, remote sensing, GIS, environmental science, and space science and technology.
- Academic Performance: A minimum overall average of 65% in the applicant’s last year of study or examination is required.
- Potential and Need: Applicants should demonstrate strong academic potential and a proven financial need.
- Interest in Space Sector: A genuine interest in working within the space sector is also a key requirement.
Meeting these criteria is essential for a successful application.
Required Documents for Application
Prospective applicants must submit clear, certified copies of several supporting documents with their online application. These include:
- Certified ID Document: A copy certified within the last three months and submitted in PDF format.
- Full University Academic Record: This should include results from the first year of study up to the mid-year 2026 results, all submitted in PDF format.
- University Account Statement: An official university student account statement or a letter confirming NSFAS funding for undergraduate study fees.
- Testimonial: For Masters and Doctoral applicants, a completed SANSA testimonial from an education official, lecturer, or proposed supervisor is necessary.
- Study Proposal: Masters applicants need to submit a draft proposal (maximum two pages), signed and dated by the applicant and proposed supervisor. Doctoral applicants must submit a draft proposal (maximum four pages), also signed and dated by both parties.
Carefully preparing and submitting all required documents in the correct format is critical.
How to Apply
Applications for the SANSA Bursary Programme are submitted online. Interested students can visit the SANSA website to access the application form and upload all necessary supporting documents. It is important to complete the online form accurately and ensure that all required files are uploaded. Incomplete applications or those missing documents may be disqualified.
Application Closing Date
The deadline for submitting applications for the SANSA Bursary Programme 2027 is 30 September 2026. Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications well before this date to avoid any last-minute technical issues and to ensure all documentation is correctly submitted.
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