The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) offers postgraduate bursaries to support South Africa’s need for more science and engineering graduates.
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These bursaries help build scarce and critical skills required to meet the goals of the National Development Plan and support long-term national development.
If you are studying towards a postgraduate qualification in science, engineering, or related fields, this bursary can help fund your studies in 2026.
About the SANSA Postgraduate Bursary
SANSA provides funding to students pursuing postgraduate qualifications in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The aim is to increase the number of qualified researchers and specialists in strategic science and engineering fields.
The bursary supports Honours, Masters, and Doctoral students who are registered or planning to register at a recognised South African university.
Only students studying in relevant science and engineering fields will be considered.
Fields of Study Covered
You must be studying towards a qualification in one of the following fields, or a closely related discipline:
- Applied Remote Sensing
- Applied Remote Sensing & GIS
- Botany
- Ecology & Resource Management
- Environmental Science
- Environmental & Water Science
- Environmental Geology
- Environmental Management
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Geography with Remote Sensing and/or GIS
- Geoinformatics
- GIS & Remote Sensing
- Information Systems & Remote Sensing
- Plant & Environmental Science
- Statistical Ecology
Engineering and Technology Fields
- Computer & Electronic Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Science and Mathematics Fields
- Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics
- Energy Studies
- Physics
- Space Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
Note: This list is not limited. Closely related science and engineering qualifications may also be considered.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for the SANSA Postgraduate Bursary 2026, you must:
- Be studying towards a relevant postgraduate qualification in science or engineering
- Have achieved an academic average of 65% or higher in your most recent year of study
- Be 32 years old or younger at the time of application
- Be registered or intend to register at a recognised South African university
- Submit a complete application with all required documents
Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Documents Required
You must upload all of the following documents when applying:
- Full official university academic record (from first year, including final or mid-year 2025 results)
- Official undergraduate student account statement or official NSFAS funding letter
- Certified copy of your ID (certified within 3 months)
- Testimonial from a lecturer or proposed supervisor (for Masters and Doctoral applicants)
- Draft research proposal:
- Masters: Maximum 2 pages
- Doctoral: Maximum 4 pages
- All proposals must be signed and dated by both the applicant and the proposed supervisor
Important Notes
- Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Encrypted or password-protected documents will result in automatic disqualification.
- Only students in approved science and engineering fields will be considered.
- Applications from students with an academic average below 65% will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online via SANSA’s official bursary portal.
You must:
- Prepare all required documents in advance.
- Ensure your documents are clear, readable, and not password protected.
- Upload the correct documents under the correct sections.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Apply here: https://www.sansa.org.za/bursaries/
Why You Should Apply
The SANSA bursary is more than just funding. It is an opportunity to:
- Gain support in a scarce skills field
- Contribute to South Africa’s scientific and technological development
- Build a research-focused academic and professional career
If you are passionate about science, engineering, and innovation, this bursary can help you reach your goals.
Apply early. Do not wait until the last day. Most rejections happen because of missing or incorrect documents.
If you meet the requirements and your field is listed above, submit your application as soon as possible.
🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist
Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.
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