SANSA Postgraduate Bursaries 2027: Requirements, Funding Amounts and How to Apply

Applications for the SANSA Postgraduate Bursaries 2027 are now open, giving South African science and engineering students the chance to fund their honours, master’s or doctoral studies while contributing to the country’s growing space science sector.

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) offers these bursaries as part of a national push to grow the pool of qualified postgraduates in science and engineering, in line with the National Development Plan’s skills targets.

Who the SANSA Postgraduate Bursaries 2027 Are For

The bursaries are open to Bachelor of Science and engineering graduates pursuing honours, master’s or doctoral qualifications in fields linked to SANSA’s core work — Earth Observation, Space Engineering and Space Science. Eligible fields include, but aren’t limited to:

Earth Observation (EO): Applied Remote Sensing, Applied Remote Sensing & GIS, Botany, Ecology & Resource Management, Environmental Science, Environmental & Geographical Science, Environmental & Water Science, Environmental Geology, Environmental Management, Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, GIS & Remote Sensing, Plant & Environmental Science, and Statistical Ecology.

Space Engineering (SE): Computer & Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, and Mechatronics Engineering.

Space Science (SS): Applied Mathematics, Energy Studies, Mathematics, Physics, and Space Science.

Information Systems and Information Technology students are also considered across all three programme areas.

SANSA Postgraduate Bursaries 2027: Funding Amounts

The bursary pays out annually according to your level of study:

• Honours: R150,000 per year
• Master’s: R160,000 per year
• Doctoral: R170,000 per year

What You’ll Need to Apply

Before starting your application, make sure you have the following documents ready:

1. Your full, official university academic record from first year of study, including final year or mid-year 2026 results
2. An official undergraduate student account statement, or an official NSFAS funding letter covering your undergraduate fees
3. A certified ID copy, certified within the last three months
4. A testimonial from a lecturer or your proposed supervisor (master’s and doctoral applicants only)
5. A draft research proposal — no longer than 2 pages for master’s applicants, or 4 pages for doctoral applicants
6. Proposals must be signed and dated by both you and your proposed supervisor

Important Requirements to Note

• Incomplete applications — including missing documents or password-protected files — won’t be considered
• Only applicants studying towards relevant science and engineering qualifications will be considered
• You’ll need an academic average of at least 65% in your most recent year of study or last set of exams to qualify

How to Apply

Applications for the SANSA Postgraduate Bursaries 2027 can be submitted through SANSA’s official application portal. For any questions about the process, contact SANSA Student Queries directly at students@sansa.org.za.

Why This Bursary Is Worth Applying For

Beyond the funding, a SANSA bursary connects postgraduate students to real research happening across South Africa’s space science sector — from Earth observation and remote sensing to space weather monitoring and satellite engineering. It’s a solid option for STEM postgrads looking to build a research career with direct relevance to South Africa’s national space and technology goals.

Source: SANSA Bursaries, South African National Space Agency.