The South African National Space Agency is inviting applications for the SANSA 2027 Postgraduate Bursaries. This opportunity supports students pursuing postgraduate science, engineering and technology studies linked to South Africa’s space sector.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
Opportunity type: Postgraduate bursary
Who it’s for: South African postgraduate students in selected STEM fields
Study level: Honours / 4th year, MTech, Masters, DTech and Doctoral
Location: South African universities / research settings aligned to SANSA fields
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Last verified: 29 May 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is a postgraduate bursary for students in science and engineering fields linked to SANSA’s work in Earth Observation, Space Engineering, Space Operations and Space Science. The application form is active for 2027 study-year applications and asks applicants to select a proposed study level and SANSA project field.
Applicants for Masters or PhD study should prepare a research proposal before starting the application. SANSA’s application form indicates that a research proposal is required for MSc and PhD applicants, even if the proposal has not yet been approved by a university.
About the sponsor
SANSA is South Africa’s national space agency. It supports national space science, engineering and technology capacity, including Earth Observation, Space Science, Space Engineering and Space Operations work.
Source Link: SANSA
Fields supported
SANSA lists postgraduate bursary fields that include, but are not limited to, applied remote sensing, GIS, environmental and geographical sciences, computer science, information technology, computer and electronic engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, applied mathematics, energy studies, mathematics, physics and space science.
Eligibility and application indicators
- Applicants should be pursuing postgraduate study linked to SANSA’s listed science, engineering and technology focus areas.
- The online form includes Honours / 4th year, MTech, Masters, DTech and Doctoral options.
- The application form asks applicants to indicate a SANSA project field: Space Science, Space Engineering / Operations or Earth Observation.
- The form asks whether the applicant is a South African citizen and requires identification documentation.
- Applicants must provide study details for the 2027 year of study.
Documents to prepare
- Research proposal for MSc or PhD applicants
- Undergraduate fee statement and proof of undergraduate bursaries or funding
- Full academic record
- Identification document
- Testimonial by an education official
- Study and institution details for the proposed 2027 qualification
Closing date
30 September 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting the form without a research proposal, if applying for MSc or PhD funding
- Uploading documents in the wrong format
- Choosing a field that does not link clearly to SANSA’s space-science, engineering or Earth-observation priorities
- Leaving proposed study details incomplete
- Waiting until the final week to gather academic records and testimonial documents
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against SANSA’s official bursaries page and active 2027 bursary application form. The bursaries page states that applications open in May 2026 and close on 30 September 2026, while the application form is labelled SANSA 2027 Bursary Application.
How to apply
- Review SANSA’s bursary fields and confirm that your proposed postgraduate study fits the listed focus areas.
- Prepare the required academic documents and research proposal, where applicable.
- Open the SANSA 2027 bursary application form.
- Complete each step of the form and submit before the closing date.