SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship
South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO / NRF)
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), part of the NRF, funds undergraduate and Honours students studying Physics, Electronics, Computer Science, Astronomy and Astrophysics. The scholarship is one of the strongest entry points into careers connected to the MeerKAT and Square Kilometre Array (SKA) projects, which are growing South Africa's data science and big-science engineering talent pipeline.
- Amount
- R178,040 per year + R13,000 once-off laptop grant
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO / NRF) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen or permanent resident
- ✓ Studying full-time at a recognised South African university
- ✓ Studying (or planning to study) Physics and Electronics, Computer Science, Astronomy or Astrophysics
- ✓ Strong academic record at school or university level
- ✓ Demonstrated research interest aligned with SARAO's focus areas
- ✓ Honours-level applicants must have completed (or be completing) a relevant BSc
What's Included
- ✓ R178,040 scholarship value per year
- ✓ Once-off laptop grant of R13,000
- ✓ Renewable each year subject to academic performance
- ✓ Access to SARAO research community, MeerKAT and SKA-linked projects
- ✓ Pathway into SARAO honours, masters and PhD funding
- ✓ Conferences and networking events with leading radio astronomers
How to Apply
Steps to complete your South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO / NRF) bursary application
- 1
Download the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship application guide from sarao.ac.za
- 2
Compile your application as a single PDF document containing CV, academic transcripts and research-interest statement (max 1 page)
- 3
Arrange for two reference letters to be sent directly to SARAO by the closing date
- 4
Submit the application to SARAO (closing dates also vary by university — check your institution)
- 5
Attend interviews or follow-up if requested
- 6
Sign the scholarship agreement if successful
Required Documents
- 📄 Curriculum Vitae detailing academic and professional achievements
- 📄 Official university transcripts (or Matric results for first-year applicants)
- 📄 One-page statement of research interests aligned with SARAO topics
- 📄 Two academic reference letters (sent directly by referees to SARAO)
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID or permanent residence permit
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much is the SARAO scholarship worth?
- For 2026 the scholarship value is R178,040 per year, plus a once-off laptop grant of R13,000 to support study and research work.
- Which qualifications does the SARAO scholarship cover?
- Physics and Electronics, Computer Science, Astronomy and Astrophysics — at both Bachelor's and Honours level. Related Engineering and Applied Maths programmes are sometimes funded depending on research alignment.
- When does the SARAO scholarship close?
- Each university sets its own internal deadline for SARAO scholarship submissions, typically between July and September. Confirm the exact date with your university's financial aid office or with SARAO directly.
- Can first-year students apply?
- Yes. SARAO funds students from undergraduate through Honours level, including first-year applicants studying eligible degrees at a recognised South African university.
When do 2027 applications open?
South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO / NRF) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
The last recorded window closed on 14 August 2026. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO / NRF) before you rely on them.
Check South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO / NRF)'s official siteInformation verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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