SARAO Undergraduate Scholarships 2027: Apply for BSc and BEng Funding
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) is inviting applications for its SARAO Undergraduate Scholarships 2027, providing financial support to South African citizens and permanent residents pursuing selected engineering and science degrees at South African universities.
The scholarship is aimed at students whose studies can contribute to the skills and knowledge needed for careers connected to radio astronomy. For the 2027 academic year, the scholarship is valued at R183,000, with eligible students also able to receive a once-off laptop grant of R13,000.
Applications close on 14 August 2026, so prospective applicants should begin preparing their documents and references well before the deadline.
About the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarships 2027
SARAO is offering freestanding undergraduate scholarships for students who are currently studying, or intend to study, selected BSc and BEng degrees at a South African university.
The scholarship supports students in disciplines such as engineering, physics, astronomy, astrophysics and computer science. These fields are closely connected to the scientific and technical expertise required for radio astronomy and related areas.
Who Can Apply?
The SARAO Undergraduate Scholarships 2027 are open to:
- South African citizens.
- South African permanent residents.
- Students currently studying an eligible undergraduate degree.
- Students planning to study an eligible degree at a South African university.
Applicants must also meet the academic requirements for their chosen field of study.
Eligible Degrees
Students must be studying, or planning to study, one of the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering
- Bachelor of Computer Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics or Applied Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science in Physics and Electronics
- Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy or Astrophysics
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics or Applied Mathematics
The degree must be offered by a South African university.
Academic Requirements
The academic requirements depend on whether the applicant is pursuing an engineering or science degree.
Engineering Students
Students applying for the eligible engineering degrees must have:
- At least 70% in Mathematics in Grade 12, or
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 65%.
Science Students
Students applying for the eligible science degrees must have:
- At least 70% in Mathematics and Physical Science in Grade 12, or
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 65%.
For Grade 12 learners, applications are assessed using their final Grade 11 and/or most recent Grade 12 results. However, a scholarship offer can be withdrawn if the learner does not achieve the required academic results after completing Grade 12.
Current university students are assessed using their most recent university results. Students who receive a scholarship based on their current results must maintain the required academic standard, including achieving at least 65% at the end of their current year of study.
How Much Does the SARAO Scholarship Provide?
For 2027, the SARAO undergraduate scholarship is valued at:
R183,000
Eligible students can also receive a:
R13,000 once-off laptop grant
The scholarship period depends on the student’s degree and current year of study.
How Long Is the Scholarship?
For BEng students, the scholarship can provide support for:
- Fourth-year students: 1 year
- Third-year students: 2 years
- Second-year students: 3 years
- First-year students: 4 years
For BSc students, the support period is:
- Third-year students: 1 year
- Second-year students: 2 years
- First-year students: 3 years
The duration therefore depends on the student’s current academic level and programme.
Documents Required
Applicants must upload all three required documents to their application.
These are:
- A copy of their South African ID.
- School and university results.
- A letter of motivation.
School and university results must be combined into one PDF document. Applicants should include their final Grade 11 results, latest Grade 12 results and all university results from the beginning of their degree up to the present, where applicable.
It is important to submit all three documents. SARAO states that applications missing any of the required documents will not be considered.
Your Motivation Letter Is Important
The motivation letter is a particularly important part of the application.
SARAO asks applicants to provide a motivation of approximately 500 words explaining why they should receive the scholarship.
The motivation should cover areas such as:
- Academic progress at school or university.
- Subjects or university courses that interested the applicant most.
- Academic achievements.
- Why the applicant chose their degree.
- How the chosen degree relates to a career in radio astronomy.
- Personal strengths and passions.
- Career aspirations.
- Achievements and interests outside academics.
- Community outreach experience.
SARAO specifically instructs applicants not to use AI when preparing the motivation letter. Applicants should therefore write an authentic motivation based on their own experiences, achievements and aspirations.
Two Reference Letters Are Required
Every application must be supported by two letters of reference.
Where possible, one reference should come from a teacher or university lecturer. Family members and friends cannot provide the required references.
Referees must send their letters directly to:
The reference letters must reach SARAO by 14 August 2026.
Referees should explain how they know the applicant, describe the applicant’s academic performance and attitude towards studies, and highlight relevant skills, achievements and personal qualities.
How to Apply
Applications are completed online through the NRF Connect system.
Applicants should:
- Complete the Profile section first.
- Go to My Applications.
- Select Undergraduate and Diploma Scholarships.
- Select SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship.
- Upload all three required documents.
- Ensure that two reference letters are submitted by the required deadline.
- Review the application carefully before submitting it.
Applicants may submit only one application. Once submitted, the application is automatically routed to the institution where the applicant intends to study.
Application Closing Date
The closing date for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarships 2027 is:
14 August 2026
Applicants should not wait until the final day to complete their application, particularly because reference letters must also reach SARAO before the deadline.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This scholarship could be particularly valuable for students who have a strong interest in:
- Engineering
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Electronics
- Technology
- Scientific research
Students should also have a genuine interest in developing a career related to radio astronomy or the broader scientific and engineering fields.
Why Apply for the SARAO Scholarship?
University costs can place significant financial pressure on students and their families. The SARAO scholarship provides substantial financial support while also offering funding for a laptop.
More importantly, the scholarship is targeted at fields that contribute to South Africa’s scientific and technological development.
For a student interested in engineering, physics, astronomy or computing, receiving this support could make it easier to focus on academic development and prepare for a specialised career.
Final Thoughts
The SARAO Undergraduate Scholarships 2027 provide substantial funding for eligible students pursuing selected BSc and BEng degrees at South African universities.
With funding of R183,000 and a possible R13,000 laptop grant, the opportunity is worth considering for students who meet the academic and degree requirements.
If you are eligible, start preparing your results, identification document, motivation letter and reference arrangements early. Pay particular attention to the motivation because SARAO describes it as a critical part of the application.
Visit the official website to apply
Closing date: 14 August 2026
Enquiries
Mkhululi Jodwana
Telephone: 011 268 3412
Email: mjodwana@sarao.ac.za
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