About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Eligible Countries
Applications are invited from:
South African citizens
South African permanent residents
Citizens of:
Botswana
Ghana
Kenya
Madagascar
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Zambia
Academic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2027 scholarship, applicants must meet the following academic requirements:
Have completed a relevant Master’s degree in 2025 or later.
Be in the final year of a relevant Master’s degree programme.
Have research experience that aligns with an approved SARAO doctoral research project.
Achieve a minimum average of 65% in the relevant Master’s degree.
For students still completing their Master’s degree:
Applications will be assessed using Honours or BEng results.
A minimum average of 65% is required.
Scholarship offers may be withdrawn if the final Master’s degree result falls below the required threshold.
Approved Research Projects
SARAO will only consider applicants who select an approved doctoral research project for 2027.
Fully Funded Masters
Before submitting an application, candidates must:
Review the list of approved doctoral projects on the SARAO website.
Contact the project supervisor.
Discuss qualifications, research interests, and suitability for the project.
Obtain written confirmation from the supervisor agreeing to supervise the doctoral research.
Applicants must upload a signed supervision-agreement letter on official university letterhead. Applications submitted without this document will not be considered.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload all required documents during the application process.
Mandatory documents include:
Identity document or passport.
Complete academic transcripts covering all university studies.
Updated curriculum vitae (CV).
Signed supervisor-agreement letter.
Motivation letter of approximately 1,000 words.
The motivation letter should address:
How to apply