The SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen or permanent resident, or a citizen of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, or Zambia, and you have completed or are completing a BSc degree in Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, or Computer Science, this opportunity could help you pursue your Honours studies. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, 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 South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027 invites students to apply for their Freestanding Honours Scholarship for the 2027 academic year.
Organisation: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) • Type: Honours Scholarship • Focus: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027 will be awarded for BSc Honours studies within the following fields:
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
What Expenses Does the Scholarship Cover?
The SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027 will be awarded to the value of R190,000. Students may also apply for a once-off laptop grant of R15,000.
The scholarship will be awarded for 1 year of study. However, SARAO will provide 2 years of funding to students who are accepted for the NASSP Extended Honours in Astronomy course.
Eligibility Requirements for the SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the SARAO Honours 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 OR a citizen of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, or Zambia
- You must have completed a BSc degree in 2025 or will be completing one in 2026, in one of the following fields:
- Physics and Mathematics (up to third year level)
- Astronomy/Astrophysics, with Physics and Mathematics up to at least second year level
- Computer Science and Mathematics (up to third year level)
- You must have achieved a minimum average of 65% in your BSc degree studies (if you are still studying, your application will be evaluated based on most recent university results)
- You must be studying or intend on studying towards a BSc Honours degree within one of the fields listed above
- You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application for the SARAO Honours 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)
- University academic record, from the start of your degree until current and all other degrees completed to date (compiled into a single PDF document)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivational letter
- 2 letters of reference (1 must be written by a university lecturer)
How to Apply for the SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027. Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Read the Guidelines
Before applying, please read the SARAO Honours Scholarship Guidelines.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including having completed or completing a BSc degree in the required fields with a 65% average, and being a citizen of an eligible country.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are certified copies. Compile your academic records into a 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 Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027: 31 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 Honours 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 Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)
- Scholarship Name: SARAO Freestanding Honours Scholarship
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens/permanent residents OR citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia
- Fields of study: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics
- Study level: BSc Honours
- BSc completion: Completed in 2025 or completing in 2026
- Minimum BSc average: 65%
- Scholarship value: R190,000 + once-off laptop grant of R15,000
- Duration: 1 year (2 years for NASSP Extended Honours in Astronomy)
- Institution type: Recognised and accredited university in South Africa
- Required documents: ID/passport, academic record (single PDF), CV, motivational letter, 2 reference letters (1 from lecturer)
- Application method: Online via NRF Connect
- Closing date: 31 August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply if I am from a country not listed?
The SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027 is open to South African citizens/permanent residents and citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, or Zambia. Applicants from other countries are not eligible.
2. What is the minimum BSc average required?
The SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027 requires a minimum average of 65% in your BSc degree studies.
3. Can I apply if I am still completing my BSc degree?
Yes. The SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027 accepts applications from students who will be completing their BSc degree in 2026. Your application will be evaluated based on your most recent university results.
4. What is the NASSP Extended Honours in Astronomy?
The NASSP Extended Honours in Astronomy is a specialised programme that provides 2 years of funding under the SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027 for students accepted into this course.
5. Can I apply for the laptop grant?
Yes. Students applying for the SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027 may also apply for a once-off laptop grant of R15,000.
6. What documents do I need for my academic record?
You need to compile your university academic record from the start of your degree until current, and all other degrees completed to date, into a single PDF document for the SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027.
7. Who should write my reference letters?
You need 2 letters of reference for the SARAO Honours Scholarship South Africa 2027. One must be written by a university 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)
Honours Scholarship Programme 2027
Advancing radio astronomy • Developing STEM talent • Building African scientific capacity