ABOUT THE COMPANY – SARAO
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), previously known as “SKA SA,” is managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa. SARAO is involved in the construction and operation of radio telescopes, including the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. The SKA project aims to build the largest multi-radio telescope ever constructed, enabling groundbreaking scientific research and providing a greater understanding of the universe.
The SARAO project involves the construction of radio telescopes in Africa and Australia. The African component of the project is being built in South Africa and eight other African countries. Construction commenced in 2019, and the project is headquartered in the United Kingdom. The total collection area of the SARAO will be 1 square kilometer, and initial observations are scheduled for 2022.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMES – FIELDS COVERED
SARAO offers scholarships in various fields of study at the undergraduate and honors levels. The fields covered by the scholarships include:
- 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 varies based on the student’s academic year, ranging from 4 years for first-year students to 1 year for honors or fourth-year students. The scholarships are currently awarded at a value of R140,000 per annum, but this amount may change annually.
Scholarship recipients in honors and fourth year are required to attend an annual workshop during mid-year university holidays. The selection process is competitive, and successful applicants will be notified by 11 November 2019.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the SARAO scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or South African permanent resident
- Be studying or intending to study in one of the specified fields of study
- Achieve a minimum result of 70% for Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric or a minimum overall average of 60% for tertiary studies
- Agree to the terms of the SARAO Undergraduate and Honors Scholarship Guide
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP
Applications must be submitted online through the SKA SA/SARAO website. Applicants need to register an account before logging in and completing the application form. Along with the online application, applicants must submit clear copies of supporting documents, including ID documents, matric certificates, tertiary results, and proof of university registration.
CLOSING DATE
The closing date for applications is 8 August 2019. Applicants are advised to submit their applications before the closing date to ensure consideration.
CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER
For any queries related to this Scholarship programme, please contact SKA SA/ SARAO directly:
Contact Person: Annah Mashemola
Email: amashemola@ska.ac.za
Telephone: 011 442 2434
