Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Applications and reference letters)
Funding Amounts: R190,000 scholarship for 2027 plus a once-off R15,000 laptop grant; one year, or two years for NASSP Extended Honours
Summary: Supports honours study at South African universities in disciplines relevant to careers in radio astronomy.
Key Information: A minimum 65% average is required, with nationality and undergraduate degree restrictions.
Description
The SARAO Freestanding Honours Scholarships are funded by the National Research Foundation and administered by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory. They support BSc Honours study in Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Computer Science and Mathematics at South African universities, connecting further academic study with students’ interests and career aspirations in radio astronomy.
The programme considers academic progress, achievements and potential to succeed at honours level, alongside the relevance of the selected degree to a future career in radio astronomy. Support normally lasts one year, with two years available for students accepted into the NASSP Extended Honours in Astronomy course. A once-off laptop grant accompanies the scholarship support.
