SANSA Bursary 2026 For South Africa Students

SANSA Postgraduate Bursaries 2026: Support for South Africa’s Future STEM Leaders

South Africa urgently needs more graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to meet the goals of the National Development Plan. The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is investing in this future by offering postgraduate bursaries for the 2026 academic year to qualified South African students.

This opportunity aims to build local capacity in space science and technology, helping the country to resource critical and scarce skills for a successful and sustainable future.

Bursary Details

  • Application Deadline: 30 September 2025
  • Location: South Africa (public universities only)
  • Age Limit: Applicants must be 32 years or younger

Fields of Study Funded

SANSA supports a wide range of postgraduate STEM qualifications, including but not limited to:

  • Remote Sensing & GIS, Geoinformatics
  • Environmental Science, Ecology, Botany
  • Computer Science, Information Systems & Technology
  • Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering
  • Physics, Applied Mathematics, Statistical Ecology
  • Space Science, Energy Studies

Note: A full list of supported fields is available on the SANSA website and includes multidisciplinary environmental, space, and data science degrees.

Who Can Apply?

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for the SANSA 2026 postgraduate bursary:

  • South African citizen aged 32 or younger
  • Studying or intending to study a STEM-related postgraduate qualification
  • Achieved a minimum average of 65% in the most recent academic year
  • Submit a complete application with all required documents

Important: Incomplete or password-protected applications will be automatically disqualified.

Required Documents

  • Full academic transcript from 1st year to the latest available results
  • Proof of undergraduate funding (NSFAS letter or student account statement)
  • Certified copy of South African ID (certified within the last 3 months)
  • Master’s applicants: Signed 2-page research proposal + lecturer or supervisor testimonial
  • Doctoral applicants: Signed 4-page research proposal + testimonial

Application Rules to Remember

  • Only applicants in approved STEM fields will be considered
  • All research proposals must be signed and dated by the applicant and their supervisor
  • Applicants with an average below 65% will not be considered
  • Do not encrypt or password-protect your documents

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the SANSA bursary portal:

Click here to apply for the SANSA 2026 Postgraduate Bursary

Frequently Asked Questions: SANSA Postgraduate Bursaries 2026

Who is eligible for the SANSA postgraduate bursary?

South African citizens aged 32 or younger who are studying or planning to study a STEM postgraduate qualification, with at least 65% average in their last academic year.

What documents are required for the application?
  • Full academic record (1st year to latest)
  • Proof of funding (NSFAS letter or student account)
  • Certified ID copy (within 3 months)
  • Master’s: 2-page proposal + testimonial
  • Doctoral: 4-page proposal + testimonial
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Can I apply if I’m doing a non-STEM postgraduate degree?

No, only students studying a recognised STEM qualification are eligible. Refer to the SANSA list for eligible courses.

How do I submit my application?

Visit SANSA Bursary Portal and complete the online application with all the required documents before 30 September 2025.

Can I email or deliver the application in person?

No. All applications must be submitted online via the official SANSA application link.

Is funding available for international study?

No, the bursary only supports postgraduate studies at public universities within South Africa.

What if my proposal is not signed?

Unsigned proposals will lead to disqualification. All research proposals must be signed by both the applicant and the proposed supervisor.

Ensure all documents are final and complete before submitting.
When will successful applicants be notified?

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the closing date. Make sure your contact details are accurate.

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🎓 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.

📥 Download Checklist (PDF)