The SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen or permanent resident currently in Matric or have completed Matric, and you are pursuing studies in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related fields, this opportunity could help you fund your undergraduate degree. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a facility of the National Research Foundation, is responsible for managing all radio astronomy initiatives and facilities in South Africa. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what the scholarship includes, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a facility of the National Research Foundation, is responsible for managing all radio astronomy initiatives and facilities in South Africa.
The SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 invites students to apply for their Undergraduate Scholarship for the 2027 academic year.
Organisation: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) • Type: Undergraduate Scholarship • Focus: Engineering, Physics, Computer Science • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 will be awarded for Undergraduate degree studies within the following fields:
- Computer Engineering (BEng)
- Computer Science and Mathematics / Applied Mathematics (BSc)
- Electrical Engineering (BEng)
- Electronic Engineering (BEng)
- Mechanical Engineering (BEng)
- Mechatronic Engineering (BEng)
- Physics and Astronomy/Astrophysics (BSc)
- Physics and Electronics (BSc)
- Physics and Mathematics/Applied Mathematics (BSc)
What Is the Value of the SARAO Scholarship?
The SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 is valued at R183,000.
Students will also receive a once-off laptop grant of R13,000.
Duration of the SARAO Scholarship
The SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 will be awarded for the following duration:
Bachelor of Engineering Degrees
- 1 year for 4th year students
- 2 years for 3rd year students
- 3 years for 2nd year students
- 4 years for 1st year students
Bachelor of Science Degrees
- 1 year for 3rd year students
- 2 years for 2nd year students
- 3 years for 1st year students
Eligibility Requirements for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
- You must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying towards one of the undergraduate qualifications listed above
- You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
Engineering Degree Students
- Minimum result of 70% for Mathematics in Matric OR
- Minimum overall average of 65% at undergraduate level
Science Degree Students
- Minimum result of 70% for Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric OR
- Minimum overall average of 65% at undergraduate level
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027. All documents must be certified.
- ID document (if a South African citizen)
- Passport and permanent residence visa (if a permanent resident)
- Grade 11 final results and Matric latest results (if currently in Matric)
- Matric final results / certificate (if completed Matric)
- Full university results, from the start of your degree until current (if currently studying)
- 2 letters of reference (one must be from a teacher or lecturer)
- Motivational letter stating why you should be awarded a SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship (around 500 words)
Note: All school and university results must be submitted in 1 single PDF document.
How to Apply for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027. Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Read the Guidelines
Applicants must read the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship Guidelines before applying.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a South African citizen or permanent resident, and meeting the minimum academic requirements for your chosen field.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are certified copies. Remember to combine all school and university results into 1 single PDF document.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official SARAO application portal on NRF Connect. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
Direct application link: https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027: 14 August 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027, please contact the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) directly:
- Contact person: Mr Mkhululi Jodwana
- Telephone: 011 268 3412
- Email: mjodwana@sarao.ac.za
SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)
- Scholarship Name: SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens or permanent residents
- Fields of study: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Physics and Astronomy/Astrophysics, Physics and Electronics, Physics and Mathematics
- Scholarship value: R183,000 + once-off laptop grant of R13,000
- Duration: 1-4 years depending on year of study and degree type
- Minimum Matric requirements: 70% for Mathematics (Engineering) or 70% for Mathematics and Physical Science (Science)
- Minimum tertiary requirement: 65% overall average
- Required documents: ID/passport, Matric results, university results, 2 reference letters, motivational letter (500 words)
- Application method: Online via NRF Connect
- Closing date: 14 August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply if I am not a South African citizen?
The SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 is open to South African citizens and permanent residents. If you are a permanent resident, you must submit your passport and permanent residence visa.
2. What is the scholarship value?
The SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 is valued at R183,000, with an additional once-off laptop grant of R13,000.
3. What is the duration of the scholarship?
The duration of the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 depends on your year of study: Engineering degrees receive 1-4 years, while Science degrees receive 1-3 years of funding.
4. What is the minimum Matric requirement for Engineering students?
Engineering students applying for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 must have achieved a minimum result of 70% for Mathematics in Matric.
5. What is the minimum Matric requirement for Science students?
Science students applying for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 must have achieved a minimum result of 70% for Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric.
6. What is the minimum tertiary requirement?
Current tertiary students applying for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027 must have a minimum overall average of 65% at undergraduate level.
7. Who should write my reference letters?
You need 2 letters of reference for the SARAO Undergraduate Scholarship South Africa 2027. One must be from a teacher or lecturer.
8. Where can I find more astronomy and physics scholarships?
Visit EduFunds physics bursaries page or astronomy scholarships section for more funding opportunities.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)
Undergraduate Scholarship Programme 2027
Advancing radio astronomy • Developing STEM talent • Building South Africa’s future