SKA South Africa/ SARAO Bursaries 2025 – 2026
ABOUT THE COMPANY – SKA SA/ SARAO
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) (previously known as “SKA SA”) is managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF).
SARAO will soon be known as the creators of the biggest multi-radio telescope ever constructed, which will produce science that provides a greater understanding of the universe. The SARAO will be collocated in Africa and Australia, with the African one being built in South Africa and 8 other countries in Africa.
Construction of the SARAO is planned to commence at the start of 2019, it should have a total collection area of 1 km2 and initial observations are scheduled for 2022. The project is headquartered in the United Kingdom.
ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMMES – FIELDS COVERED
SARAO have 3 funding opportunities for academically deserving students.
Bursaries will be awarded to students who are studying (or wish to study) one of the following qualifications
Undergraduate and Honours Block Grant
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor of)
- Electrical Engineering (Bachelor of)
- Electronic Engineering (Bachelor of)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor of)
- Mechatronic Engineering (Bachelor of)
- Computer Science (majoring in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics) (Bachelor of Science)
- Mathematics or Applied Mathematics and Physics (Bachelor of Science)
- Electronics and Physics (Bachelor of Science)
- Astronomy or Astrophysics and Physics (Bachelor of Science)
- NASSP (National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme) (Bachelor of Science: Honours)
- Physics and Electronics or Computer Science or Astronomy or Astrophysics (Bachelor of Science: Honours)
Doctoral and Masters
- Research relevant to SKA and MeerKAT radio telescopes technical and scientific goals
Research Project Proposals for Doctoral and Masters:
- In the following areas: SKA Research Project Proposals for Doctoral and Masters (.pdf)
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Bursaries are renewable each year, based on satisfactory academic performance.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
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):
Undergraduate and Honours applicants:
- South African citizen OR South African permanent resident
- Studying or intend on studying within one of the aforementioned fields of study
- Have read and agreed to all the terms of the Undergraduate and Honours Block Grants Bursary Guide (.pdf)
Doctoral and Masters applicants:
- South African citizen/ South African permanent resident/ Namibian citizen/ Kenyan citizen/ Mozambique citizen/ Botswana citizen/ Zambia citizen/ Mauritius citizen/ Madagascar citizen/ Ghana citizen
- Excellent academic results
- Intend to pursue postgraduate research related to the technical and scientific of SKA
- Have read and agreed to all the terms of the Master’s Bursary Guide (.pdf) and the Doctoral Bursary Guide (.pdf)
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HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BURSARIES
Applications must be done online at; https://skagrants.nrf.ac.za
You will be required to register an account before you can log in and apply.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application be disregarded):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Latest Matric results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
- Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
- Latest tertiary results, if at University (certified copy)
- Proof of University registration
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CLOSING DATES
8 August 2021.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact SKA SA/ SARAO directly:
Undergraduate and Honours Block Grant:
Contact Person: Annah Mashemola
Email: amashemola@ska.ac.za
Tel: 011 442 2434
Research Project Proposals for Doctoral and Masters/ Doctoral and Masters Bursary:
Contact Person: Loyiso Gura
Email: lgura@ska.ac.za
