South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Bursary South Africa 2025 – 2026

ABOUT THE COMPANY – SAAO

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the country’s leading astronomy research institute and home to the Southern African Large Telescope- the biggest optical telescope within the southern hemisphere. SAAO was founded in 1820 and is the national centre for infrared and optical astronomy in the country. The main role of SAAO is to ensure fundamental research in astrophysics and astronomy is successfully conducted by providing first-class facilities to young scientists. SAAO also continues to promote both astrophysics and astronomy within the country and it does this by participating in outreach activities (aimed to get the citizens excited about the fields) and sharing their many discoveries and findings.

The SAAO is part of the National Research Foundation, operating within the South African Department of Science and Innovation. The SAAO headquarters are based in Observatory, Cape Town and Sutherland within the Northern Cape where SAAO has a number of research and observation stations as well as many working telescopes that include SALT.

ABOUT THE SAAO BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED | COVERAGE VALUE

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) had its 200th anniversary in 2020. To celebrate this anniversary, SAAO is awarding 10 bursaries to university students from the Northern Cape, to the value of R20 000 each.

SAAO bursaries will be awarded for studies in these fields:

Engineering
Mathematics
Science
Science Education
Tourism

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The partial bursary will provide financial assistance for expenses such as travelling, textbooks, meals, study equipment and computers.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SAAO BURSARY

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

You must have completed Matric in the Northern Cape province
You must be studying towards a qualification in any of the following fields: Science Education, Mathematics, Science, Tourism, or Engineering
You must be in your first or second year of study
You must be studying at a recognised University in South Africa
You must have a household income of NO MORE than R600 000 per annum

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HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SAAO BURSARY

Students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply by submitting clear copies of the following documentation (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application be disregarded):
First-year students:

An application letter stating the following: your household income, student number, the field of study, and a motivation as to why you should be selected for the bursary award
Proof of your admission to study at a University in South Africa
Copy of your Matric Certificate

Second-year students:

An application letter stating the following: your household income, student number, the field of study, and a motivation as to why you should be selected for the bursary award
Study results/ academic record from your first-year

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Applications must be submitted electronically via email to: saao200bursary@saao.ac.za
(Insert the words “SAAO Bursary Application – Your Full Name” in the email subject line).

CLOSING DATE FOR THE SAAO BURSARY

15 May 2021.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

CONTACT THE SAAO BURSARY PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact SAAO directly:
Email: saao200bursary@saao.ac.za

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