SALT-SAAO Scholarship South Africa 2024

 

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER – SAAO

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the country’s leading astronomy research institute and home to the Southern African Large Telescope- the biggest optical telescope within the southern hemisphere. SAAO was founded in 1820 and is the national centre for infrared and optical astronomy in the country. The main role of SAAO is to ensure fundamental research in astrophysics and astronomy is successfully conducted by providing first-class facilities to young scientists. SAAO also continues to promote both astrophysics and astronomy within the country and it does this by participating in outreach activities (aimed to get the citizens excited about the fields) and sharing their many discoveries and findings.

The SAAO is part of the National Research Foundation, operating within the South African Department of Science and Innovation. The SAAO headquarters are based in Observatory, Cape Town and Sutherland within the Northern Cape where SAAO has a number of research and observation stations as well as many working telescopes that include SALT.
 

ABOUT THE SAAO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is inviting students to apply for the SALT-SAAO Scholarship, for the 2024 academic year.

The scholarship will cover MSc and PhD degree studies, starting in 2024, for projects relating to astronomy and instrumentation (observational and theoretical aspects of stellar and extragalactic astronomy, astronomical instrumentation and computer modelling). See which projects are covered here.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the SALT-SAAO Scholarship.
 

** RELATED BURSARIES **

 

MORE ABOUT THE SAAO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED

The scholarship value will be determined by the level of study: MSc level students will receive R180 000 per annum and PhD level students will receive R190 000 per annum.

The scholarship will also provide cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, support for travel and equipment, and on-site accommodation may also be considered.

SAAO will award a maximum of 2 scholarships at each study level. The scholarship will cover 2 years for MSc students and 3 years for PhD students. SAAO reserves the right not to make an award, if suitable candidates are not found.

Candidates interested in working as a student researcher at SAAO, may visit the student opportunities page.
 

MORE ABOUT THE SAAO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – SELECTION & OBLIGATIONS

Scholars will be selected based on these main criteria: academic merit, motivation, aptitude for research, transformation considerations, and outcome of the interview.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to attend an interview, which will take place in August or September 2023. After the interview stage, successful candidates will receive an offer by the end of September 2023.

Before the scholarship is awarded, successful candidates must provide proof of registration from their university agreed upon with the supervisor, and must sign the SAAO student memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Scholars will be required to:

  • submit proof of registration from their university agreed upon with the supervisor (before the scholarship is awarded)
  • sign the SAAO student memorandum of understanding (MoU) and abide by this MoU, the host university regulations and the SAAO code of conduct
  • submit a progress report each year
  • partake in the Postgraduate Advisory Committee process to ensure that sufficient progress is made each year
  • spend at least 60% of their time at SAAO
  • visit their host university a minimum of once a year

 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SAAO SCHOLARSHIP

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):

  • Preference will be given to South African citizens and permanent residents in South Africa, however students of ANY nationality are welcome to apply
  • You must be eligible to register to study towards a MSc or PhD degree in Astrophysics, starting in 2024
  • You must be eligible to study a university in South African university
  • You must have a background in astrophysics
  • MSc candidates: you must have completed a BSc Honours degree or an equivalent degree
  • PhD candidates: you must have completed a MSc degree or have approval to upgrade to a PhD
  • You must be able to complete your studies in the minimum time frame (2 years for MSc and 3 years for PhD)
  • You must apply for a particular project, and must have discussed your application with your supervisor before applying

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SAAO SCHOLARSHIP

Students who meet the eligibility criteria, can apply by submitting clear copies of the following documentation (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Academic transcripts

 

Applications must be submitted via email to: scholarship@saao.ac.za
(Insert the following in the email subject line: “your surname, the surname of the supervisor of the project you are applying for, and the level (MSc or PhD) at which you are applying”).
 

Please note:

  • there is no application form to be completed for this bursary application – students need only submit the list of above documents to apply.
  • the documents above must be compiled into 1 single pdf document.
  • 2 referees must submit their reference letters directly to the SAAO, via the email address above, by the due date and the email subject line should state the applicants name.

 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE SAAO SCHOLARSHIP

31 July 2023.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE SAAO SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) directly:
Email: scholarship@saao.ac.za
 

Please do NOT contact the SAAO if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

This bursary listing was last updated in May 2023.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.