South African Radio Astronomy Observatory
SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes
14 August 2026
Value
R183 000 per year + R13 000 laptop grant
Level
Undergraduate (1st to 4th year)
For
SA citizens and permanent residents
Sector
Astronomy & Engineering
Type
Scholarship
About this bursary
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory provides financial backing to students in science and engineering streams. The award offers up to R183 000 per year along with a once-off laptop grant valued at R13 000.
This funding aims to expand skill capacity in disciplines supporting major national initiatives, including the MeerKAT telescope and the Square Kilometre Array project. High school leavers and current university students in designated degree programmes are eligible to apply.
Funding duration ranges from one to four years, determined by your qualification and current academic level.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- You must currently be in matric or have completed matric.
- You must plan to register or already be studying toward an approved undergraduate degree at an accredited South African university.
- Engineering applicants must have scored at least 70% in matric Mathematics, or achieved a 65% aggregate at tertiary level.
- Science applicants must have achieved 70% or higher in both matric Mathematics and Physical Science, or maintained a 65% overall average at university.
You do not qualify if
- Applicants without South African citizenship or permanent residency.
- Students studying unlisted courses or enrolled at unaccredited institutions.
- Applicants who fail to meet the required academic percentages in mathematics or physical science.
Documents you need to submit
- South African identity document, or passport with permanent residency permit
- Grade 11 final report and latest matric results for current matriculants
- Matric certificate for applicants who finished high school
- Full academic transcript covering all university years completed so far
- Two written reference letters, including one from a teacher or lecturer
- Motivational letter of roughly 500 words explaining why you should receive the award
Combine all academic reports and result slips into a single PDF document before uploading.
How to apply
- 1Download and read the official SARAO undergraduate scholarship guidelines document.
- 2Go to the NRF Connect website and create or sign in to your profile.
- 3Fill in the personal details section completely.
- 4Under My Applications, choose Undergraduate and Diploma Scholarships, then pick SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship.
- 5When asked where you heard about this opportunity, enter www.zabursaries.co.za.
- 6Attach all required files and submit your form before the closing date.
Late or incomplete applications will be rejected automatically.