The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) invites South African students to apply for its Postgraduate Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. The programme supports students pursuing postgraduate studies in science, engineering, and technology fields related to the space sector. The bursary aims to build South Africa’s capacity in advanced STEM research and innovation.
Successful applicants will receive financial support while contributing to research areas aligned with the country’s space science and technology priorities.
At a glance
Sponsor / Host: South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
Opportunity type: Postgraduate bursary (Honours, Masters, PhD)
Who it’s for: South African students studying STEM fields related to space science and technology
Study location: Accredited universities in South Africa
Closing date: 30 September 2025
Last verified: 6 March 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
- The bursary primarily supports postgraduate STEM studies aligned with SANSA research priorities.
- Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need.
- Preference may be given to previously disadvantaged candidates and research aligned with national space sector goals.
- Applications must include all required documents, otherwise they will not be considered.
About the sponsor
The South African National Space Agency is South Africa’s national space agency responsible for advancing space science, satellite technology, and earth observation capabilities. The agency supports research, innovation, and skills development to strengthen the country’s space industry and scientific capacity.
Through its bursary programme, SANSA invests in postgraduate students who will contribute to the development of space science, engineering, and technology in South Africa.
Official source:
https://www.sansa.org.za/bursaries/
What it covers
SANSA bursaries provide financial support for postgraduate studies in relevant fields.
Typical funding values (may change):
- Honours: about R100,000 for 1 year
- Master’s: about R120,000 per year (up to 2 years)
- PhD: about R140,000 per year (up to 3 years)
Funding may include tuition support and research-related expenses, depending on the programme.
Fields of study supported
The bursary supports postgraduate qualifications in STEM fields aligned with the space sector, including:
- Remote Sensing and GIS
- Space Science
- Environmental Science
- Computer Science and Information Systems
- Physics
- Applied Mathematics
- Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
- Data Science and Geoinformatics
- Energy Studies
…and other related science or engineering disciplines.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be 32 years old or younger
- Must be studying or intending to study a postgraduate STEM qualification
- Must have achieved a minimum average of 65% in the most recent academic year
- Must show strong academic potential
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must have an interest in pursuing a career in the space science or technology sector
Documents to prepare
Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Full university academic record
- Official university fee statement or NSFAS funding confirmation
- Testimonial from a lecturer or proposed supervisor (for postgraduate applicants)
- Draft research proposal (for Masters or PhD applications)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Closing date
30 September 2025
Late applications are not accepted, so applicants are advised to submit well before the deadline.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Uploading missing or incomplete documents
- Submitting encrypted or password-protected files
- Applying with an academic average below 65%
- Submitting research proposals without supervisor signatures (for postgraduate applicants)
How this bursary was verified
This bursary information was verified using the official SANSA website and bursary application page, including eligibility criteria and required documentation.
How to apply
- Visit the official SANSA bursary page.
- Create an online account if required.
- Complete the bursary application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline.