South African National Space Agency
SANSA Bursary
Closes
30 September 2026
Value
R150 000 to R170 000 per year
Level
Honours, Masters, Doctorate
For
South African postgraduate students
Sector
Space Science & Engineering
Type
Postgraduate Bursary
About this bursary
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) funds postgraduate students who are pursuing STEM degrees. The bursary covers studies at Honours, Masters, and Doctoral levels at tertiary institutions across South Africa.
SANSA is a government entity operating under the Department of Science and Innovation. The funding initiative aims to build advanced research capacity in engineering, computing, and environmental sciences to support national development.
Bursary amounts vary by degree level, offering annual allowances designed to support full-time postgraduates. Applicants should have a keen interest in contributing to South Africa's growing space sector.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- You must be 32 years old or younger at the time of application.
- You must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a postgraduate STEM degree.
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in your previous year of study.
- You must demonstrate financial need and strong academic capability.
- You must have an interest in working within the space industry.
You do not qualify if
- Applicants over 32 years of age.
- Undergraduate students.
- Applicants with a academic average below 65%.
Documents you need to submit
- Certified copy of South African ID document (certified within the last 3 months, PDF format)
- Full academic transcript from first year to current results (PDF format)
- Official undergraduate fee account statement or NSFAS funding confirmation letter
- SANSA testimonial completed by a supervisor or lecturer (Masters and Doctoral applicants)
- Draft research proposal of up to 2 pages, signed by applicant and supervisor (Masters applicants)
- Draft research proposal of up to 4 pages, signed by applicant and supervisor (Doctoral applicants)
All documents must be uploaded in clear PDF format.
How to apply
- 1Go to the official SANSA online bursary application portal.
- 2Fill in the required personal, contact, and academic details.
- 3Upload all mandatory supporting documents in PDF format.
- 4Attach your research proposal and supervisor testimonial if applying for a Masters or PhD.
- 5Submit your online application before 30 September 2026.
Incomplete or late applications will not be processed.