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.
Bursary description
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2024
SANSA will be awarding bursaries for Postgraduate studies, within Solar Physics and Space Weather Forecasting (Hons, MSc, MPhil, PhD).
The value of the bursary will depend on the level of study:
Honours students will receive R130 000 (for 1 year)
Masters students will receive R140 000 (for 2 years)
PhD students will receive R160 000 (for 3 years)
The Bursary recipient may NOT be in receipt of bursaries that exceed the amount above – if applicants have another bursary of a lower amount, SANSA may provide a top-up bursary to the student and not the full bursary amount.
Bursaries are renewable only if students achieve satisfactory academic results.
Requirements and eligibility
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
You must be a South African citizen.
You must have strong academic potential.
You must be studying or intend on studying towards one of the aforementioned postgraduate degree qualifications.
You must satisfy the minimum entry criteria for acceptance into a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
You must be interested in working within the space sector.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
ID document (certified copy).
June 2022 results or progress report of all subjects if no examinations were written (certified copy).
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.
