The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) (previously known as “SKA SA”) is managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF).
SARAO will soon be known as the creator of the biggest multi-radio telescope ever constructed, which will produce science that provides a greater understanding of the universe. The SARAO will be collocated in Africa and Australia, with the African one being built in South Africa and 8 other countries in Africa.
Construction of the SARAO is planned to commence at the start of 2019, it should have a total collection area of 1 km2 and initial observations are scheduled for 2024. The project is headquartered in the United Kingdom.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMES – FIELDS COVERED
SARAO will be awarding scholarships within the following fields of study (Undergraduate and Honours):
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor of)
- Electrical Engineering (Bachelor of)
- Electronic Engineering (Bachelor of)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor of)
- Mechatronic Engineering (Bachelor of)
- Computer Science (majoring in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics) (Bachelor of Science)
- Mathematics or Applied Mathematics and Physics (Bachelor of Science)
- Electronics and Physics (Bachelor of Science)
- Astronomy or Astrophysics and Physics (Bachelor of Science)
- NASSP (National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme) (Bachelor of Science: Honours)
- Physics and Electronics or Computer Science or Astronomy or Astrophysics (Bachelor of Science: Honours)
MORE ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMES – COVERAGE VALUE & SELECTION
The duration of the scholarships will be awarded as follows: 4 years for first-year students, 3 years for second-year students, 2 years for third-year students and 1 year for Honours or fourth-year students. Scholarships are currently being awarded at R140 000 per annum (this amount may be subject to change each year).
SARAO scholarship recipients who are in honours and fourth year will be required to attend an annual workshop during mid-year university holidays.
Chosen applicants will receive notification by 11 November 2019 – should you not receive any feedback, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- South African citizen OR South African permanent resident
- Studying or intend on studying within one of the aforementioned fields of study
- Achieved a minimum result of 70% for Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric OR or achieved a minimum overall average of 60% for tertiary studies
- Have read and agreed to all the terms of the SARAO Undergraduate and Honours Scholarship Guide (.pdf)
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP
Applications must be done online at: https://skagrants.nrf.ac.za/FPF/
You will be required to Register an account before you can Login and apply.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application be disregarded):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Matric certificate (certified copy)
- Latest tertiary results (certified copy)
- Proof of University registration
CLOSING DATES
8 August.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER
For any queries related to this Scholarship programme, please contact SKA SA/ SARAO directly:
Contact Person: Annah Mashemola
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 011 442 2434