The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory invites qualifying South African citizens and permanent residents to apply for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 14 August 2026
Bursary Location: Recognised and accredited tertiary institutions across South Africa
SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship Programme 2027
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory is offering undergraduate scholarships to students studying or intending to study selected Engineering and Science qualifications in 2027.
The scholarship provides substantial financial support and is open to both prospective first-year students and qualifying students already enrolled at university.
Bursary Programme Overview
Organisation: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory
Programme: SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship 2027
Study level: Undergraduate
Scholarship value: R183,000
Laptop grant: R13,000 once-off
Citizenship: South African citizens or permanent residents
Eligible institutions: Recognised and accredited tertiary institutions in South Africa
Closing date: 14 August 2026
Application method: Online via NRF Connect
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship supports the following undergraduate qualifications:
- Computer Engineering (BEng)
- Computer Science and Mathematics or Applied Mathematics (BSc)
- Electrical Engineering (BEng)
- Electronic Engineering (BEng)
- Mechanical Engineering (BEng)
- Mechatronic Engineering (BEng)
- Physics and Astronomy or Astrophysics (BSc)
- Physics and Electronics (BSc)
- Physics and Mathematics or Applied Mathematics (BSc)
Applicants must be studying or intend to study one of the listed programmes.
Scholarship Value
Successful applicants will receive scholarship funding valued at:
R183,000
Students will also receive a once-off laptop grant of:
R13,000
The supplied information does not provide a detailed breakdown of how the R183,000 is allocated across tuition, accommodation, books or living expenses.
Applicants should consult the official SARAO guidelines for the exact funding conditions.
Scholarship Duration for BEng Students
For Bachelor of Engineering students, the scholarship may be awarded for:
- 4 years for first-year students
- 3 years for second-year students
- 2 years for third-year students
- 1 year for fourth-year students
Funding duration therefore depends on the applicant’s current year of study.
Scholarship Duration for BSc Students
For Bachelor of Science students, the scholarship may be awarded for:
- 3 years for first-year students
- 2 years for second-year students
- 1 year for third-year students
The duration is aligned with the remaining period of the undergraduate qualification.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Be currently in Matric or have already completed Matric.
- Be studying or intending to study one of the approved undergraduate qualifications.
- Meet the relevant academic requirements.
- Study or intend to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
Engineering Academic Requirements
Engineering applicants must meet one of the following:
- At least 70% for Mathematics in Matric; or
- At least a 65% overall undergraduate average if already studying at university.
This applies to applicants in the approved Engineering programmes.
Science Academic Requirements
Science applicants must meet one of the following:
- At least 70% for Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric; or
- At least a 65% overall undergraduate average if already studying at university.
Applicants should ensure that their latest academic record clearly reflects these results.
Requirements for Current Matric Learners
Applicants currently in Matric should prepare:
- Grade 11 final results.
- Latest Matric results.
- Most recent Matric report.
Their academic results should demonstrate that they meet the relevant Mathematics and Physical Science requirements for their intended programme.
Requirements for Current University Students
Applicants already studying at university must submit:
- A full academic record from the start of the degree up to the current period.
Current university applicants must generally have an overall average of at least:
65%
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit clear copies of the required supporting documents.
These include:
- South African ID document, if a citizen.
- Passport and permanent residence visa, if a permanent resident.
- Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results, if currently in Matric.
- Matric certificate or final Matric results, if Matric has been completed.
- Full university academic record, if currently studying.
- Two letters of reference.
- A motivational letter of approximately 500 words.
At least one reference letter must be from a:
- Teacher; or
- Lecturer.
Important PDF Requirement
All school and university results must be combined into:
One single PDF document
Applicants should make sure the PDF is clear, readable and complete before uploading it to the application system.
Motivational Letter
Applicants must submit a motivational letter of approximately:
500 words
The letter should explain why the applicant should be awarded a SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship.
Applicants should follow the official scholarship guidelines when preparing the motivation.
Reference Letters
Two reference letters are required.
At least one must come from:
- A teacher; or
- A lecturer.
Applicants should arrange these letters early so that they are ready before the closing date.
How to Apply for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship 2027
Applications must be submitted online through the NRF Connect platform.
Click here to apply for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship 2027
Applicants should first complete their profile on the platform.
From the application dashboard:
- Go to My Applications.
- Select Undergraduate and Diploma Scholarships.
- Select SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Review the information.
- Submit before the closing date.
SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship Guidelines
Applicants should read the official guidelines before submitting their application.
Click here to read the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship Guidelines for 2027
The guidelines provide additional information on application requirements, supporting documents and the scholarship process.
Bursary Application Closing Date
Applications close on:
14 August 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants should complete the application and upload all supporting documents before the deadline.
Scholarship Enquiries
For enquiries about the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship, contact:
Contact person: Mr Mkhululi Jodwana
Telephone: 011 268 3412
Email: mjodwana@sarao.ac.za
The email address is for scholarship enquiries.
Applications must still be submitted through the NRF Connect online platform.
Important Application Conditions
Applicants should note that:
- South African citizens and permanent residents may apply.
- The scholarship is for approved undergraduate qualifications only.
- Matric learners and current university students may apply.
- Engineering applicants require the specified Mathematics performance or university average.
- Science applicants require the specified Mathematics and Physical Science performance or university average.
- Current university students generally require at least a 65% overall average.
- Two reference letters are compulsory.
- A motivational letter is compulsory.
- Academic results must be submitted in one PDF.
- Applications must be submitted online.
- Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Application Checklist
Before applying, confirm that:
- You are a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Your intended qualification is on the approved list.
- You meet the Mathematics requirement.
- You meet the Physical Science requirement where applicable.
- Your academic results are ready.
- Your ID or permanent residence documents are ready.
- Your university record is ready if already studying.
- You have two reference letters.
- At least one reference is from a teacher or lecturer.
- Your 500-word motivational letter is completed.
- Your results are combined into one PDF.
- Your NRF Connect profile is complete.
- You submit the application by 14 August 2026.