Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Letters of reference) | July 2027 (Applicant closing date)
Funding Amounts: R210,000 scholarship; R55,000 annual research travel; R35,000 equipment; maximum three years
Summary: Supports doctoral research on SARAO-approved projects contributing to MeerKAT and/or SKA telescope science or engineering.
Key Information: Applicants need an approved project and signed supervision agreement, and must study at the supervisor’s university.
Description
The SARAO Freestanding Doctoral Scholarships are funded by the National Research Foundation and administered by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory. The programme supports doctoral research contributing to the science or engineering of the MeerKAT radio telescope and/or the SKA radio telescope. Applicants select a SARAO-approved project that builds on relevant research undertaken during their Master’s degree.
Scholarships support up to three years of doctoral study at the university where the project supervisor is based. Alongside the scholarship, support includes research-related travel and equipment, with additional provisions for eligible international students and assistive technology for students living with disabilities. The published application guide and approved-project list cover the 2027 academic year.
