SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status
Applications closed Closed 14 August 2026
Provider
SARAO
Study level
Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Academic year
2027
Applications open
1 June 2026
Last checked
September 2026

The 2027 round has closed.

Naledi KhumaloReviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory runs the MeerKAT telescope and leads South Africa’s role in the Square Kilometre Array. Its undergraduate scholarships build the scientists and engineers these projects need.

About the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship

  • For BSc and BEng undergraduate degrees in science and engineering.
  • Linked to SARAO’s human capital development programme.
  • Applications run through the National Research Foundation’s online system.

Eligibility requirements

  • South African citizen or permanent resident.
  • Studying, or accepted to study, a qualifying BSc or BEng degree.
  • Strong results in Mathematics and Physical Science.
  • See SARAO’s application guide for the full criteria.

How to apply

  1. Read the application guide on sarao.ac.za when the next call opens.
  2. Register on the NRF online application system.
  3. Complete the application and upload documents before the closing date.

Closing date

14 August 2026 for 2027. The 2028 dates are not yet published.

Contact details

Science students should also see the SKA South Africa bursaries, the DSI-NRF postgraduate scholarship and the iThemba LABS bursary.

FAQs

1. Is the SARAO undergraduate scholarship still open for 2027? +
No. SARAO's 2027 BSc and BEng undergraduate scholarships opened on 1 June 2026 and closed on 14 August 2026. Watch SARAO's website from May 2027 for the 2028 round.
2. What is SARAO? +
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, a National Research Foundation facility that runs the MeerKAT telescope and South Africa's part in the Square Kilometre Array.
3. Which fields? +
BSc degrees in physics, mathematics, computer science and related sciences, and BEng degrees in electrical, electronic, computer and mechanical engineering, as set out in SARAO's application guide.
4. What does it offer? +
A scholarship for undergraduate study plus access to SARAO's human capital development programme, including workshops, vacation work and networking in radio astronomy.
5. How do I apply? +
Online through the NRF's application system, following SARAO's application guide, during the application window.
6. Does SARAO fund postgraduates? +
Yes. It also offers honours, master's, doctoral and postdoctoral funding, with separate calls on its website.
Update note (checked September 2026): the 2027 round has closed. SARAO’s undergraduate scholarships opened on 1 June 2026 and closed on 14 August 2026. Watch SARAO’s own website from about May 2027 for the 2028 round.

About SARAO

National research facility (National Research Foundation)

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is a national facility managed by the National Research Foundation. SARAO incorporates all of South Africa's national radio astronomy telescopes and programmes, including the MeerKAT radio telescope, the Hartebeesthoek site, and…

Read the full SARAO profile →
Website
sarao.ac.za

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