South African National Space Agency (SANSA) invites South African postgraduate students to apply for the SANSA Bursary Programme 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
SANSA Bursary South Africa 2027
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is inviting students to apply for its postgraduate bursary programme for the 2027 academic year.
The bursary is aimed at students who want to pursue Honours, Masters or Doctoral studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
SANSA supports the development of critical skills in science and engineering, especially in areas linked to space science, technology, remote sensing, environmental science, GIS and engineering. SANSA also confirms that its bursary programme supports science and engineering skills development in South Africa’s space sector.
Fields of Study Covered by the SANSA Bursary
SANSA will award bursaries for postgraduate STEM-related studies, including but not limited to the following fields:
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 Information Systems, Geography and Environmental Management, Geoinformatics, GIS and Remote Sensing, Information Systems, Information Technology, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Physics, Plant and Environmental Science, Space Science and Statistical Ecology.
Value of the SANSA Bursary
The bursary value depends on the level of postgraduate study.
Honours students will receive funding to the value of R150 000 per annum.
Masters students will receive funding to the value of R160 000 per annum.
Doctoral students will receive funding to the value of R170 000 per annum.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements before applying.
Applicants must be 32 years old or younger.
Applicants must be studying or intending to study towards a postgraduate STEM qualification, including fields related to science, engineering, mathematics, remote sensing, GIS, environmental science, space science and technology.
Applicants must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in their last year of study or last examination.
Applicants must show strong academic potential and proven financial need.
Applicants must also have an interest in working within the space sector.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit clear copies of the required supporting documents with their online application.
Required documents include:
Certified ID document certified within the last three months and submitted in PDF format.
Full university academic record from the first year of study, including final year results or mid-year 2026 results, submitted in PDF format.
Official undergraduate university student account statement or official letter confirming NSFAS funding for undergraduate study fees.
Masters and doctoral applicants must submit a completed SANSA testimonial by an education official, lecturer or proposed supervisor.
Masters applicants must submit a draft proposal of a maximum of two pages, signed and dated by the applicant and proposed supervisor.
Doctoral applicants must submit a draft proposal of a maximum of four pages, signed and dated by the applicant and proposed supervisor.
How to apply
Click here to apply for SANSA Bursary South Africa 2027.
Applicants must complete the online application form and upload all required supporting documents. Missing documents may lead to the application being disqualified.
Closing Date
The closing date for the SANSA Bursary South Africa 2027 is 30 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to apply before the closing date and make sure all documents are submitted correctly.
About SANSA
The South African National Space Agency is responsible for promoting and supporting the peaceful use of outer space, advancing space science and technology, supporting space research, and helping to build South Africa’s space capabilities.
Through its bursary programme, SANSA contributes to developing highly skilled graduates who can support South Africa’s future in science, engineering and the space industry.
Final Thoughts
The SANSA Bursary South Africa 2027 is a valuable opportunity for postgraduate students who are passionate about science, engineering, technology and space-related research.
Students who meet the requirements should apply online before 30 September 2026 and ensure that all supporting documents are included.