The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is inviting South African citizens aged 32 or younger to apply for its 2026 postgraduate bursary programme—supporting Honours, Master’s and Doctoral study in STEM fields aligned with SANSA’s space, remote sensing and environmental science objectives.

About the Bursary Provider

SANSA, established in 2010 under the Department of Science and Innovation, advances aeronautics, space science and Earth observation in Southern Africa. The agency invests in human capital by awarding bursaries to build skills critical to South Africa’s space sector and the National Development Plan.

Fields Covered

The bursary supports full-time postgraduate study (Honours, Master’s or PhD) in SANSA‑aligned STEM disciplines, including:

  • Applied Remote Sensing & GIS, Geoinformatics, Earth Observation
  • Environmental Science, Ecology, Geology, Botany
  • Computer Science, Information Systems & Software Engineering
  • Mechanical, Electronic, Mechatronic and Electrical Engineering
  • Space Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Statistical Ecology

Expenses Covered

SANSA bursaries offer annual funding typically as follows:

  • Honours: up to R100 000 for 1 year
  • Master’s: up to R120 000 per year for 2 years
  • PhD: up to R140 000 per year for up to 3 years

Bursary amounts are inclusive of tuition, subsistence, and academic resources; lower-value awards may be topped up instead of awarding full amounts.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • South African citizen aged ≤ 32
  • Accepted or enrolled in full‑time Honours/MSc or PhD in a SANSA-supported field at a South African public university
  • Minimum average of 65% in most recent academic year or qualification
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Interest in contributing to the South African space sector

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via SANSA’s bursary portal; first register an account and complete the application form.

Upload clear, certified PDF or Word documents including:

  • Certified South African ID
  • Full academic record from 1st year to the latest results
  • Proof of undergraduate funding (NSFAS letter or student account)
  • Final-year students: completed SANSA testimonial form signed by lecturer or supervisor
  • Master’s: signed 2‑page research proposal; PhD: signed 4‑page proposal

Incomplete or password-protected files will disqualify applications.

Closing Date

30 September 2025 at 17:00 CAT. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.

Contact the Bursary Provider

South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
Email: grants@sansa.org.za
Tel: 012 334 5000 (general enquiries)
Website: sansa.org.za/bursaries

1. Who is eligible for the SANSA bursary?
South African citizens aged 32 or younger studying or intending to study full-time postgraduate STEM (Honours, MSc, PhD) at a public university and meeting academic and financial criteria.
2. What fields are covered?
Disciplines in Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Space Science, Engineering (electrical, mechatronic, mechanical), Computer Science, GIS, Applied Mathematics, Botany, and related STEM areas aligned with SANSA focus.
3. How much does the bursary cover?
Honours: R100 000 for one year; Master’s: R120 000/year (2 years); PhD: R140 000/year (up to 3 years). Awards are inclusive of tuition, living costs, and study resources.
4. Do I need a proposal?
Yes. Master’s applicants must submit a signed 2-page proposal; PhD applicants a signed 4-page proposal, both endorsed by your supervisor.
5. What GPA do I need?
You need a minimum average of 65% in your most recent qualification (Honours, final-year undergraduate, etc.).
6. How do I apply?
Register on SANSA’s bursary portal, complete the online form, and upload certified academic transcripts, ID, proof of funding, testimonial form, proposal (if applicable), and motivation summary.
7. When is the closing date?
30 September 2025 at 17:00 CAT. Submissions after this deadline will be disqualified.
8. What if I already have partial funding?
If you hold a bursary of lesser value than SANSA’s rates, SANSA may award a top-up amount instead of the full bursary value.
9. Do I need to reapply each year?
Yes. Master’s and PhD recipients must reapply annually and supply progress reports to secure funding renewal.
10. Who can I contact for queries?
Contact SANSA bursary office at grants@sansa.org.za or call 012 334 5000 for bursary and application assistance.