The NRF/SARAO Graduate In-Training Programme 2027 is now open to eligible South African graduates. This 3-year internship offers practical training, mentorship, and project experience in radio astronomy-related fields.
Successful candidates will join placements across SARAO sites in South Africa. In addition, the programme starts on 1 March 2027 and supports graduates interested in engineering, data science, software development, and project management.
Application Deadline
- Monday, 21 September 2026
Tell Me About The Programme
The Graduate In‑Training Programme (GIT) at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), under the National Research Foundation (NRF), is a 3‑year structured internship starting 1 March 2027. It provides graduates with hands‑on training, mentorship, and project experience in radio astronomy‑related fields such as engineering, data science, software development, and project management.
Programme Structure
- Practical training: Work placements at SARAO sites in Cape Town, Klerefontein (Karoo), and Hartebeesthoek.
- Mentorship: Guidance from experienced professionals.
- Project involvement: Active participation in SARAO initiatives.
- Skill development: Workshops, seminars, and technical training.
- Academic support: Financial assistance for part‑time Master’s registration at a South African university.
Type
- Graduate Internship | Engineering & Science | South Africa
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Have completed or be in the final year of one of the following:
- BSc / BSc Eng / B‑Tech / Advanced Diploma (Software, Computer Science, Data).
- BEng / BSc Eng (Mechanical or Mechatronic).
- BEng / B‑Tech (Electrical or Electronic).
- BEng Civil Engineering.
- Honours in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management.
- Honours in Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Science, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering.
- Be willing to complete a mandatory online assessment if shortlisted.
How Are Graduates Selected
- Based on academic background, motivation, and performance in the online assessment.
- Final selection considers readiness to contribute to SARAO projects.
Which Countries are Eligible
- South Africa only.
Where Will the Programme Be Taken
- SARAO Cape Town (Western Cape)
- Karoo Support Base, Klerefontein (Northern Cape)
- Hartebeesthoek site (Gauteng)
Benefits
- 3‑year structured training programme.
- Mentorship and career development.
- Financial support for part‑time Master’s study.
- Networking with experts in radio astronomy and related fields.
How Long Will the Programme Last
- 3 years (March 2027 – February 2030).
Required Documents
- Online application form.
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Proof of South African citizenship.
- CV.
How to Apply
- Review eligibility requirements.
- Complete the online application form before 21 September 2026.
- Prepare for mandatory online assessment if shortlisted.
- For enquiries: [email protected].
🌐 Visit the application webpage for details
