South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Bursary SA

Bursary Name	SANSA Bursary
Bursary Closing Date	September 30, 2025
Bursary Sponsor	SANSA
Funded Items	Tution Fee

Application Link

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) was established in 2010 and operates as a public entity under the National Department of Science and Technology (DST). SANSA’s core function is to develop and promote aeronautics and space science research. The agency primarily uses remote sensing data from satellites and other platforms to assess natural disasters such as fires and floods, monitor environmental changes, and manage resources across South Africa and Africa.

About the SANSA Bursary Programme – Fields Covered

SANSA invites postgraduate students to apply for bursary funding for the 2026 academic year. The bursary supports Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, including but not limited to:

Applied Mathematics
Applied Remote Sensing
Applied Remote Sensing & GIS
Botany
Computer & Electronic Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Ecology & Resource Management
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Energy Studies
Environmental & Science
Environmental & Geographical Science
Environmental & Water Science
Environmental Geology
Environmental Management
Environmental Science
Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing
Geographical & Environmental Science
Geographical Information Systems
Geographical Science
Geography with Remote Sensing and/or GIS
Geography & Environmental Management
Geography and Environmental Science
Geoinformatics
GIS & Remote Sensing
Information Systems & Remote Sensing
Information Systems
Information Technology
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Physics
Plant & Environmental Science
Space Science
Statistical Ecology

This programme supports South Africa’s National Development Plan by cultivating skilled graduates in science and engineering to advance national progress and sustainability.

Eligibility Requirements for the SANSA Bursary

Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria:

Must be 32 years old or younger
Must be currently studying or intending to study toward a postgraduate STEM qualification
Must have achieved at least a 65% average in your most recent year or final exam
Must show strong academic potential
Must demonstrate proven financial need
Must have an interest in pursuing a career in the space science sector

How to Apply for the SANSA Bursary

Applications must be submitted online via the official SANSA Bursary Application portal for 2026.

When applying, use “SANSA” as the bursary name and mention where you heard about it if asked.

The following supporting documents must be submitted in PDF format:

Certified copy of your South African ID (certified within 3 months)
Full academic record from the first year of university up to final/midyear 2025 results
Official student account statement or NSFAS funding letter for undergraduate studies
Master’s and Doctoral students: completed testimonial by a lecturer or proposed supervisor
Master’s applicants: draft research proposal (max 2 pages, signed and dated)
Doctoral applicants: draft research proposal (max 4 pages, signed and dated)

Ensure all documents are complete to avoid disqualification.