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South Africa Masters Fully Funded

SARAO Graduate-In-Training Programme 2027: Complete Guide for Engineering & Science Graduates

The SARAO Graduate-In-Training Programme 2027 provides South African engineering and science graduates with three years of paid practical experience in radio astronomy, engineering, and technology. Applications close 21 September 2026.

September 17, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: 4 days left

Quick Overview

Host CountrySouth Africa
Degree LevelMasters
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyComputer Science, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Software Engineering
DeadlineSeptember 21, 2026

Scholarship Overview

What Is the SARAO Graduate-In-Training Programme?

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) Graduate-In-Training Programme is a structured three-year work placement designed for recent graduates in engineering, science, and technology fields. The programme bridges academic knowledge with real-world application through hands-on training in radio astronomy and related disciplines.

Participants work on active SARAO projects across multiple sites in South Africa, gaining mentorship from experienced professionals while contributing to cutting-edge research infrastructure. The programme serves as a career launchpad, with many graduates securing permanent positions within SARAO or advancing to leadership roles in academia and industry.

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Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is open exclusively to South African citizens who have completed or are in their final year of study in the following disciplines:

  • Software, Computer Science, Data: BSc, BSc Eng, B-Tech, or Advanced Diploma
  • Mechanical or Mechatronic Engineering: B.Eng or BSc Eng
  • Electrical or Electronic Engineering: B.Eng or B-Tech Eng
  • Civil Engineering: B.Eng
  • Quantity Surveying, Construction Management: Honours Degree
  • Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering: Honours Degree

For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants: This programme requires South African citizenship and placement at South African sites. Non-South African citizens are not eligible.

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Programme Benefits

Successful participants receive comprehensive support throughout the three-year training period:

  • Paid Employment: Full-time graduate position with SARAO from 1 March 2027
  • Masters Degree Funding: Financial assistance for part-time Masters registration at a South African university
  • Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior professionals in radio astronomy and engineering
  • Project Experience: Active involvement in SARAO’s ongoing research and infrastructure projects
  • Skills Development: Workshops, seminars, and hands-on technical training
  • Professional Networking: Connections with industry leaders, researchers, and peers
  • Career Pathway: Potential transition to permanent employment with SARAO or partner organizations

Work Locations

Graduates are placed at one of four SARAO facilities for the full three-year period:

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  • SARAO Cape Town (Western Cape)
  • Karoo Support Base, Klerefontein (Northern Cape)
  • Hartebeesthoek site (Gauteng)

Relocation to the assigned site is required. Specific placement depends on project needs and candidate expertise.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Prepare Documentation: Gather certified academic transcripts, identity documents, and proof of South African citizenship
  2. Complete Online Assessment: Shortlisted candidates must complete a mandatory online assessment
  3. Submit Application: Use the official SARAO online application portal before the deadline
  4. Await Response: Successful candidates receive placement offers for March 2027 commencement

For technical assistance, contact SARAO People and Culture at gitrecruitment@sarao.ac.za.

Important Dates

Application Opens Currently open
Application Deadline 21 September 2026
Programme Commencement 1 March 2027
Programme Duration 3 years

Why This Programme Matters

SARAO operates the MeerKAT radio telescope and contributes to the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project—the world’s largest radio telescope. Graduate trainees participate in globally significant scientific infrastructure while developing expertise in high-demand technical fields.

For South African graduates, this represents a rare opportunity to enter the space and astronomy sector without prior experience, with guaranteed income and funded postgraduate study. The programme addresses South Africa’s critical skills shortage in engineering and data science while advancing the nation’s leadership in radio astronomy.

Contact Information

Email: gitrecruitment@sarao.ac.za
Organisation: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)

Funding Coverage

Paid graduate position for 3 years plus financial assistance for part-time Masters degree registration at a South African university

Eligibility Criteria

South African citizens who completed or are in final year of BSc/BSc Eng/B-Tech/Advanced Diploma in Software/Computer Science/Data; B.Eng/BSc Eng in Mechanical/Mechatronic/Electrical/Electronic/Civil Engineering; Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying/Construction Management/Cybersecurity/Information Security/Computer Science/Information Systems/Computer Engineering

Required Documents

Certified academic transcripts, South African identity document, proof of citizenship, final year students must provide progress reports

Application Process

Complete online application form; shortlisted candidates complete mandatory online assessment; successful candidates placed at SARAO Cape Town, Karoo Support Base Klerefontein, or Hartebeesthoek site for 3 years from 1 March 2027
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. This programme is restricted to South African citizens only. You must hold South African citizenship and be placed at one of the South African SARAO sites for the full three-year period.
It is a paid graduate-in-training position. You receive a salary for three years of full-time work, plus separate financial assistance to register part-time for a Masters degree at a South African university. It combines employment with educational funding.
Applications close on Monday, 21 September 2026. The programme commences on 1 March 2027.
No. The programme is designed for recent graduates or final-year students. No prior work experience is required, though you must have completed or be completing the specified qualifications.
You need certified academic transcripts, your South African identity document, proof of citizenship, and if you are a final-year student, progress reports showing you will complete your degree before March 2027.
Shortlisted candidates must complete a mandatory online assessment. Successful applicants are then placed at one of three sites: Cape Town, Klerefontein in the Northern Cape, or Hartebeesthoek in Gauteng, for the full three-year programme starting 1 March 2027.

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