South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Bursary Applications

About South African National Space Agency (SANSA)

The South African National Space Agency Act, 36 of 2008, mandated the establishment of a National Space Agency to provide for the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities, foster research in space science, advance scientific engineering through human capital and support the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy.

SANSA has four main Agency programmes: Earth Observation, Space Science, Space Operations and Space Engineering which offer exciting opportunities in space science and technology.

The Space Science Programme leads multi-disciplinary space science research and applications. Key functions include fundamental and applied space science research, the support of space facilitated science through data acquisition, the coordination and administration of scientific data, and the provision of space weather and magnetic technology products and services on a commercial and private basis.

Through the Space Science Programme, SANSA contributes to the worldwide network of magnetic observatories responsible for monitoring the Earth’s magnetic field, and participates in global scientific projects. The programme also provides leadership in post-graduate student training as well as providing science advancement, public engagement, and learner and educator support with STEM subjects. Fundamental, and Applied Scientific Research, as well as Engineering Projects, are available through this programme.

SANSA Bursaries Applications

SANSA is offering bursaries to qualified South African citizens who wish to continue study towards postgraduate degrees (honours and up) in space-related fields at South African Universities. SANSA will also advise students on suitable projects and supervisors if there is a need.

South Africa needs an increase in science and engineering graduates. SANSA provides post-graduate degree bursaries to contribute to the national target for qualified post-graduates in science and engineering.

Currently, SANSA will be awarding bursaries for Postgraduate studies, in Solar Physics and Space Weather Forecasting (Hons, MSc, MPhil, PhD).

The scope of the projects are:
1) How active can the sun be? Learn about this topic here
2) How does hydrogen emission from the Sun change over the solar cycle? Learn about this topic here

For the 2022 academic year successful applicants will receive bursaries with values as stated below:

• Hons – R100 000 (one year).
• Masters – R120 000 per year for two years.
• PhD – R140 000 per year for three years.

Applicants may not hold a combination of bursaries that exceed these amounts. Should an applicant have another bursary of lessor amount, SANSA will consider providing a top-up amount to the student provided the student meets the criteria mentioned above.

Support for continuing years is not guaranteed and will depend on satisfactory progress during the previous year.

SANSA Bursary Requirements and Eligibility

• South African citizen
• Good academic records
• Students who intend to pursue postgraduate studies in space-related degrees and qualifications will be given preference.
• Must satisfy the minimum entry criteria for acceptance into a recognised and accredited university in South Africa
• Proven financial need
• Must be interested in working within the space sector
• Must be driven and forward-thinking

How to Apply and Application Details

Applicants must register and apply online at: SANSA Bursary Application 2022

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application be disregarded):

• ID document (certified copy)
• June results or progress report of all subjects (if no exams were written)
• Completed (.pdf)
• Research proposal, if applying for MSc or PhD funding (does NOT have to be approved by a university yet) (MSc students: maximum of 5 pages, PhD students: maximum of 10 pages)

Note: all supporting documents must be uploaded in PDF format only, up to a maximum file size of 80MB.

Closing Date Of The SANSA Bursary

 30 May Annually 

Contact Details of The Bursar

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact SANSA directly:

Email: grants@sansa.or.za

Email: students@sansa.org.za

Please do not send any questions after the closing date. View our other bursaries/scholarships open for application here:

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Science Bursaries