South African National Space Agency (SANSA)

About SANSA

The South African National Space Agency, known as SANSA, was set up in December 2010 under the National Space Agency Act. It brings together the country's space science, engineering and earth observation work. Its head office is on the CSIR campus in Pretoria. SANSA also has facilities in Hermanus, Hartebeesthoek and Cape Town. It reports to the Department of Science and Innovation, and it has roughly 270 permanent staff.

Each programme has its own home. Earth observation and space operations are based at Hartebeesthoek. Space science is based in Hermanus, at the site of the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, which dates back to 1941. Space engineering sits alongside the head office in Pretoria. Hartebeesthoek joined NASA's global tracking network in 1960, and the CSIR later set up a satellite remote sensing centre there in 1976.

The agency studies the Earth from space and monitors space weather. It also runs a regional space weather warning centre. Satellite images help track floods, fires and land use across Africa. Hermanus hosts the only space weather centre in Africa, and that work protects satellites, power grids and radio signals.

How SANSA supports students

SANSA runs a postgraduate bursary programme. For the 2027 academic year, annual values were R150,000 for honours, R160,000 for master's and R170,000 for doctoral study. Because the programme is aimed at postgraduates, undergraduates need to look for other funding first.

Funding is linked to three programme areas. Earth observation covers fields such as geographic information systems and environmental science. Space engineering covers computer, electrical and mechanical engineering. Space science covers physics, applied mathematics and related subjects. Information systems and technology qualified across all three areas. Students may be placed at SANSA in Hermanus, where they join monthly student seminars.

What to know before applying

The 2027 call asked for a minimum average of 65% in your most recent year of study. You also had to supply a certified ID, your latest transcript, and proof of undergraduate funding or a university account statement. Master's applicants added a two-page research proposal, and doctoral applicants a four-page one. A supervisor testimonial was also needed.

Applications go through SANSA's online bursary portal only. Closing dates were not clear in the call that was reviewed, so watch the official site closely. Published information does not confirm a work-back obligation or other service conditions. Therefore, read the full terms carefully and ask SANSA directly if anything is unclear before you accept an award.

Plan your timeline early. Your transcript must show 2026 mid-year or final results, and your ID copy must be certified within three months of applying. Universities can take time to issue records, so request them well before you need them.