About SANAS
The South African National Accreditation System, or SANAS, is the country's national accreditation body. It was established in 1996 and falls under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. Its offices are at Libertas Office Park in Equestria, Pretoria East.
SANAS checks the people who check quality. It accredits testing and calibration laboratories, certification bodies, inspection bodies and proficiency-testing providers. It also covers good laboratory practice facilities. Accreditation tells buyers and regulators that a laboratory or certifier is competent. As a result, South African products and test results can be trusted at home and abroad.
The organisation is a member of international bodies such as ILAC and the IAF. That membership gives its decisions standing in other countries. SANAS also runs training through its Knowledge Transfer Service and works with a pool of technical assessors.
How SANAS supports students
This specialist field needs people with strong science and quality skills. Therefore, SANAS runs an External Bursary Programme. It is not a typical corporate donation. The aim is to grow the pool of graduates who understand testing, measurement and quality assurance.
The programme is open to South African citizens. Recent calls asked for good results, especially in Mathematics and Physical Science. Applicants must be registered, or planning to register, at a recognised South African institution. The programme covers tuition only. It pays up to R50 000 for a National Diploma or degree and up to R70 000 for an Honours degree or postgraduate diploma. It does not pay for accommodation, textbooks or living costs, so you will need another plan for those expenses.
Earlier information described the bursary as open to all fields of study. However, recent notices highlight science-based results, so check the current call to see which qualifications fit.
What to know before applying
Applicants request a bursary application form by email at careers@sanas.co.za. The most recent closing date found was in late January for the 2026 academic year. Because the window is short, send your request early.
Careers in this field include metrology, chemistry, microbiology, engineering and quality management. Laboratories and certification bodies need graduates who can measure accurately and follow international standards. Students in these areas may later work as technical assessors, laboratory staff or quality managers in industry.
Public information does not describe a formal work-back or employment obligation to SANAS. The bursary reads as tuition support, not a job placement. Even so, confirm the exact conditions in writing before you accept. The SANAS head office number is 012 740 8400. Bring certified copies of your ID, results and proof of registration when you apply.
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