Are you passionate about radio astronomy and looking to advance your studies in this exciting field? The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) offers an incredible opportunity through their Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for the 2025 academic year. SARAO, a facility of the National Research Foundation (NRF), is dedicated to managing all radio astronomy initiatives and facilities in South Africa, including the renowned MeerKAT Radio Telescope and the Geodesy and VLBI activities at the HartRAO facility.
This scholarship is designed to support aspiring scientists and engineers who wish to contribute to the groundbreaking research and technological advancements spearheaded by SARAO. Whether you are pursuing Honours, Masters, or Doctoral studies, the SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship can provide the financial support you need to achieve your academic and research goals. Read on to discover how you can apply for this prestigious scholarship and take a significant step towards a bright future in radio astronomy.
About SARAO
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a facility under the National Research Foundation (NRF), is at the forefront of managing all radio astronomy initiatives in South Africa. With its management of the MeerKAT Radio Telescope and the Geodesy and VLBI activities at HartRAO, SARAO plays a crucial role in advancing radio astronomy in the region.
Scholarship Programme Details
SARAO is inviting applications for their prestigious Postgraduate Scholarships for the 2025 academic year. These scholarships are available for Honours, Masters, and Doctoral studies in fields aligned with the scientific and technical objectives of the SKA and MeerKAT radio telescopes.
Fields Covered
Honours Studies:
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics and Electronics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) at NASSP (National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme)
Masters Studies:
- Engineering and Science fields related to the goals of the SKA and MeerKAT radio telescopes. (See the list of Approved Masters Projects for 2025 here.)
Doctoral Studies:
- Engineering and Science fields relevant to the scientific and technical goals of the SKA and MeerKAT radio telescopes. (See the list of Approved Doctoral Projects for 2025 here.)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
Honours Studies:
- South African citizen or permanent resident
- 28 years old or younger
- Enrolled or intending to enroll in one of the specified Honours qualifications
- Achieved a minimum average of 65% in the latest available undergraduate results
- Studying or planning to study at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
Masters Studies:
- South African citizens or permanent residents, or citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, or Zambia
- 30 years old or younger
- Pursuing postgraduate research aligned with the SKA and MeerKAT radio telescopes’ goals
- Achieved a minimum average of 65% at Honours level or in a four-year degree
- Studying or planning to study at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- Obtained a signed agreement from a relevant supervisor
Doctoral Studies:
- South African citizens or permanent residents, or citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, or Zambia
- 32 years old or younger
- Pursuing postgraduate research aligned with the SKA and MeerKAT radio telescopes’ goals
- Achieved a minimum average of 65% at Honours level or in a four-year degree
- Studying or planning to study at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- Obtained a signed agreement from a relevant supervisor
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the SARAO Scholarship Application portal: Apply Here
Candidates should read the relevant scholarship guidelines before applying:
- SARAO Honours Scholarships Guidelines (.pdf)
- SARAO Masters Scholarships Guidelines (.pdf)
- SARAO Doctoral Scholarships Guidelines (.pdf)
Steps to Apply:
- Register an Account: Create an account on the application portal before logging in to apply.
- Read Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the scholarship guidelines for Honours, Masters, or Doctoral studies.
- Complete the Application: Fill in the required details and upload necessary documents.
- Submit Supporting Documentation: Ensure that all required documents are compiled into a single PDF document for submission.
Required Documents:
- ID document (SA citizens) or passport and permanent residence visa (permanent residents)
- University academic record (from the start of your degree to current)
- Updated CV
- Motivational letter
- Supervisor’s agreement to supervise letter (for Masters and Doctoral applicants)
Closing Date
The application deadline is 20 August 2024. Note that individual universities may have their internal closing dates. Ensure you submit your application by your university’s deadline to avoid disqualification.
Contact Information
For any queries related to the scholarship programme, contact SARAO directly.
Embark on your journey to becoming a leading researcher in radio astronomy with the SARAO Postgraduate Scholarship. Apply today and take the next step towards a stellar career!
