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About the SANSA 2026 Postgraduate Bursaries
The SANSA 2026 Postgraduate Bursaries are offered by the South African National Space Agency to support deserving postgraduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). SANSA plays a central role in advancing space science research, technology, and innovation in South Africa, and this bursary program is part of its commitment to building a skilled and dynamic scientific community.
Through this program, SANSA seeks to nurture the next generation of South African scientists, engineers, and innovators, helping them unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to the country’s future in space and earth observation research.
Are you a passionate STEM student dreaming of advancing your studies and making a difference in science, engineering, or space-related research? The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) 2026 Postgraduate Bursaries offer a rare and powerful opportunity to fund your postgraduate education while contributing to the scientific growth and development of South Africa.
Eligible Fields
The SANSA bursary supports students pursuing postgraduate degrees (Honours, Masters, and Doctoral) in a wide range of STEM disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Remote Sensing and GIS
- Applied Remote Sensing
- Applied Remote Sensing & GIS
- Geographical Information Systems
- Geography with Remote Sensing/GIS
- Geoinformatics
- Statistical Ecology
- Environmental & Earth Sciences
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Management
- Ecology & Resource Management
- Environmental & Geographical Science
- Environmental Geology
- Botany
- Geography and Environmental Science
- Plant & Environmental Science
- Energy Studies
- Environmental & Water Science
- Computer and Engineering Disciplines
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Computer & Electronic Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mathematics and Physics
- Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics
- Physics
- Space Science
Applicants in any of the above or closely related STEM fields are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the SANSA 2026 postgraduate bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be 32 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a relevant postgraduate degree (Honours, Masters, or PhD) in a STEM field aligned with SANSA’s research focus.
- Must have a minimum academic average of 65% for the most recent year of study.
- Must not be receiving full funding from another bursary or scholarship provider.
- Must demonstrate strong academic performance, research potential, and a commitment to contributing to the scientific community in South Africa.
Selection Criteria
Selection for the SANSA bursary is highly competitive. Applications will be assessed using the following criteria:
- Academic Merit: Strong academic records and consistent performance.
- Field Relevance: Alignment of the proposed study with SANSA’s priority areas.
- Quality of Research Proposal (Masters/PhD only): Relevance, feasibility, and innovation.
- Supervisor Support: Strong recommendation/testimonial from a lecturer or supervisor.
- Commitment and Motivation: Genuine interest in contributing to science and technology in South Africa.
Only complete applications will be reviewed. Incomplete or password-protected documents will result in automatic disqualification.
Eligible Countries
Only South African citizens are eligible for this bursary program. The bursary is designed to build local capacity by investing in home-grown talent.
Documents Required
To complete your application, the following documents must be submitted:
- Full official university academic record, including all years of study up to the latest results (mid-year or final 2025).
- Official undergraduate student account statement or letter confirming NSFAS funding.
- Certified copy of your South African ID, dated within 3 months of the application submission.
- Lecturer or Supervisor Testimonial (mandatory for Masters and PhD applicants).
- Draft research proposal (for postgraduate students only):
- Masters: Maximum 2 pages
- Doctoral: Maximum 4 pages
- All proposals must be signed and dated by both the applicant and the proposed supervisor.
Important:
- Any application missing required documents will be considered incomplete and disqualified.
- Do not encrypt or password-protect your documents.
Benefits of the SANSA 2026 Postgraduate Bursaries
Recipients of the SANSA bursary gain access to a host of life-changing benefits:
- Full or partial tuition coverage, depending on financial need and available funding.
- Support for research costs, conference participation, and academic development.
- Opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in SANSA’s areas of interest.
- Access to SANSA’s scientific community, facilities, and mentorship.
- Enhanced career prospects in space science, remote sensing, environmental research, and related fields.
- Contribution to national development goals and positioning South Africa in global science networks.
This bursary is not just financial aid—it is a stepping stone to becoming a leader in science and innovation.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should complete their applications by following these steps:
- Visit the official SANSA Bursary Portal
- Prepare and upload all required documents, ensuring:
- Documents are clear, certified, and complete.
- No password-protected files are submitted.
- Proposals (where required) are signed by both you and your supervisor.
- Submit your application before the deadline: September 30, 2025.
Early submission is strongly encouraged to avoid last-minute issues.
Final Thoughts
The SANSA 2026 Postgraduate Bursaries represent a powerful opportunity for ambitious and talented STEM students in South Africa. If you are passionate about making a difference through science and research, this bursary could be your gateway to impactful work in fields such as space science, environmental management, GIS, remote sensing, and more.
This is your chance to receive world-class training, join a national network of innovators, and make your mark in the scientific development of South Africa. Don’t miss the deadline. Prepare your documents and apply today.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
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