The SARAO Freestanding Undergraduate Scholarships for 2027 are open for students in selected BSc and BEng study pathways linked to radio astronomy, engineering and related scarce skills. The call opened on 1 June 2026 and applications close on 14 August 2026.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) / NRF
Opportunity type: Freestanding undergraduate scholarship
Who it’s for: Students applying for or continuing selected undergraduate BSc or BEng studies linked to SARAO’s skills pipeline
Study level: Undergraduate BSc / BEng
Closing date: 14 August 2026
Last verified: 29 June 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is a SARAO/NRF scholarship linked to radio astronomy, the SKA and related science and engineering capacity. Applicants should read the official application guide carefully before starting on NRF Connect.
The SARAO page gives a fixed applicant closing date of 14 August 2026. Late or incomplete NRF Connect applications are unlikely to be considered.
About the sponsor
SARAO is responsible for managing South Africa’s radio astronomy initiatives and leading the country’s involvement in the Square Kilometre Array on behalf of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Source Link: SARAO Freestanding Undergraduate Scholarships for 2027
What it covers
The scholarship supports selected undergraduate students in SARAO-relevant fields. Applicants should consult the official 2027 application guide for the final scholarship value, conditions and supported study fields.
Eligibility
- Must apply for an eligible SARAO undergraduate scholarship route
- Must meet the academic and study-field requirements in the official application guide
- Must submit through the NRF Connect system
- Must upload all required supporting documents before the closing date
- Must comply with SARAO’s scholarship conditions if awarded
Documents to prepare
- Identity document or passport
- Latest academic results
- Proof of registration, acceptance or application where applicable
- Motivation or other documents requested in the NRF Connect form
- Any additional documents listed in the SARAO 2027 application guide
Closing date
14 August 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for a study field not covered by the SARAO undergraduate guide
- Missing the NRF Connect upload requirements
- Submitting incomplete academic records
- Waiting until the final day to create or update the NRF Connect profile
- Confusing this freestanding undergraduate route with the separate SARAO Sol Plaatje University scholarship route
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against SARAO’s official undergraduate scholarship page and the NRF-hosted 2027 application guide, including the opening date and 14 August 2026 applicant closing date.
How to apply
- Open the SARAO undergraduate scholarship page and download the application guide.
- Confirm that your intended BSc/BEng route is eligible.
- Create or update your NRF Connect profile.
- Complete the relevant SARAO undergraduate scholarship application.
- Submit before the closing date.