South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Bursary 2026 – Closing Date: 30 September 2025

Hey future space explorer! Are you passionate about science, technology, engineering, or maths (STEM) and dream of contributing to South Africa’s vibrant space industry? Well, get ready because the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Bursary for the 2026 academic year is calling your name!

This isn’t just any funding; it’s your launchpad to a postgraduate degree and an exciting career with SANSA. SANSA, established in 2010, is a super cool government agency that’s all about developing and promoting space research in South Africa. They use satellite data to help us understand everything from fires and floods to managing our precious natural resources across the continent. This bursary is designed to support bright, young South Africans like you who want to pursue postgraduate studies (Honours, Masters, or Doctoral) in vital STEM fields. It’s their way of investing in the next generation of space scientists and engineers!

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for this awesome opportunity, make sure you tick all these boxes:

You must be 32 years old or younger.
You must be currently studying or planning to study towards a postgraduate (Honours, Masters, or Doctoral) STEM qualification. Think fields like: Applied Mathematics, Applied Remote Sensing, Computer Science, various Engineering disciplines (Computer, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronics), Environmental Sciences (Ecology, Geographical Science, Management, Water Science), Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Geoinformatics, Information Technology, Physics, Plant & Environmental Science, and Space Science, among others.
You need to have achieved a minimum overall academic average of 65% in your last year of studies or your most recent examination.
You must demonstrate strong academic potential.
You must have a proven financial need.
You should be genuinely interested in working within the exciting space sector.

What Does It Cover?

While the specific details of what the SANSA Bursary covers can vary, it’s designed to significantly ease your financial burden and allow you to focus purely on your studies. Typically, bursaries like this assist with essential university expenses. This could include your tuition fees, study materials, and potentially even accommodation or a living allowance. It’s all about making sure you have the resources you need to excel in your chosen postgraduate STEM field and launch your career in space research!

How to Apply?

Ready to launch your application? Here’s how you can do it:

All applications must be submitted online. Head over to the official SANSA Bursary Application portal: SANSA Bursary Application 2026.
Make sure you submit clear copies of all the following supporting documents with your online application. Missing documents might lead to your application being disqualified, so double-check everything!

Your ID document (it must be certified within the last 3 months, in PDF format).
Your full university academic record, from your first year of study, including your final year or mid-year 2025 results (in PDF format).
An official undergraduate university student account statement or an official letter confirming NSFAS funding for your undergraduate study fees.
If you’re applying for Masters or Doctoral studies: A completed SANSA testimonial from an education official like a lecturer or your proposed supervisor (in PDF format). You can find the form here: SANSA Testimonial Form.
For Masters applicants: A draft proposal (maximum 2 pages), signed and dated by both you and your proposed supervisor.
For Doctoral applicants: A draft proposal (maximum 4 pages), signed and dated by both you and your proposed supervisor.

The closing date for the SANSA Bursary is 30 September 2025. Don’t leave it until the last minute – get your application in before this date to ensure it’s considered!

For any queries about this bursary program, feel free to contact SANSA directly via email: grants@sansa.org.za.

Ready to launch your career into space? If the SANSA Bursary sounds like your perfect fit, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Get your application in before the closing date. Good luck, future innovators, and remember to explore more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!