SARAO Doctoral Scholarships for the 2025 Academic Year
The NRF SARAO Doctoral Scholarship supports doctoral research in radio astronomy and related fields linked to South Africa’s SKA and MeerKAT telescope projects.
Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2026: Full application deadline | July 2026: Designated Authority (DA) submission to NRF (both projected)
Funding Amounts: R188,820 per year (Full Cost of Study, doctoral) or R131,320 per year (Partial Cost of Study); funded up to 3 years; annual device and assistive tech allowances possible.
Summary: Supports doctoral studies in radio astronomy and related fields linked to the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), via competitive national scholarships.
Key Information: Forecasted call; dates and details may shift—check program page for latest updates.
Description
This opportunity provides funding for doctoral-level research in radio astronomy and related fields, specifically aligned with the scientific and technical goals of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), including SKA and MeerKAT telescope projects. The scholarships are awarded through the National Research Foundation (NRF) as part of South Africa’s national postgraduate funding drive, aiming to build research capacity in priority areas and support the next generation of scientific leaders.
Successful applicants receive financial support for up to three years of full-time doctoral study at a South African public university. Funding is available at both Full Cost of Study (FCS) and Partial Cost of Study (PCS) levels, depending on eligibility criteria such as citizenship, financial need, disability status, and academic achievement.
