SARAO Graduate Programme 2027 Opens Technology, Engineering and Cybersecurity Training
South African graduates and final-year students in software, data science, cybersecurity, engineering and related technical fields can apply for the NRF/SARAO Graduate In-Training Programme 2027.
The three-year programme gives graduates practical experience on major science and engineering projects linked to radio astronomy and research infrastructure. Participants receive mentorship, technical development and exposure to real projects at SARAO facilities in the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Gauteng.
Applications close on 21 September 2026, and the programme is scheduled to begin on 1 March 2027.
Which graduates can apply?
The programme is open to South African citizens who have completed, or are in their final year of, relevant technical qualifications.
Eligible study areas include:
- Software
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Quantity Surveying
- Construction Management
- Cybersecurity
- Information Security
- Information Systems
- Computer Engineering
Accepted qualification routes include BSc, BSc Engineering, BEng, B-Tech, Advanced Diploma and relevant Honours degrees, depending on the field.
What does the programme offer?
The Graduate In-Training Programme is designed to help recent graduates move from academic study into professional technical work.
Participants can gain:
- Practical workplace experience
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Exposure to major technical projects
- Technical and professional skills development
- Networking with specialists and industry professionals
- Experience working in science and engineering teams
SARAO positions the programme as a bridge between university training and careers in engineering, science, technology and radio astronomy.
What kind of technology work can graduates encounter?
SARAO operates major research infrastructure that depends heavily on software, data and computing.
Graduates from Computer Science, Software and Data Science backgrounds may gain experience relevant to areas such as:
- Software development
- Scientific computing
- Data processing
- Data engineering
- Technical systems
- Research software
- Large-scale digital infrastructure
Radio astronomy produces substantial volumes of data, making software and computing important parts of modern telescope operations and scientific research.
Why is cybersecurity included?
Cybersecurity and information security graduates are specifically included in the 2027 intake.
Large research organisations depend on secure networks, computing infrastructure and information systems to support scientific and operational work.
Relevant Honours qualifications include:
- Cybersecurity
- Information Security
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Computer Engineering
This gives cybersecurity graduates an opportunity to develop experience in a technical research setting rather than only in conventional corporate IT.
Which engineering disciplines are included?
The programme accepts graduates from several engineering fields.
These include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
These disciplines can contribute to the physical and digital infrastructure required for radio astronomy.
Mechanical and mechatronic engineers may work with technical systems and equipment, while electrical and electronic engineers can contribute to electronic, power and control systems.
Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Construction Management skills are also relevant to the development and maintenance of large research facilities.
What makes radio astronomy useful career experience?
Radio astronomy combines scientific research with advanced engineering and technology.
Modern observatories depend on antennas, electronics, computing, data systems, communications infrastructure and specialist engineering.
That creates opportunities for graduates to work on technology that operates at a scale and complexity not always available in ordinary entry-level positions.
Experience gained in this setting can support future careers across:
- Software engineering
- Data science
- Cybersecurity
- Electrical and electronic engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Infrastructure development
- Scientific computing
- Research technology
- Project and construction management
Where will graduates work?
Successful candidates can be placed at SARAO facilities in:
- Cape Town, Western Cape
- Karoo Support Base and Klerefontein, Northern Cape
- Hartebeesthoek, Gauteng
The placements run for three years from 1 March 2027.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to work at the location assigned to their programme stream.
Can participants study towards a Master’s degree?
SARAO will provide financial assistance to successful graduates who register for a part-time Master’s degree at a South African university while participating in the programme.
This adds an academic-development element to the programme and can be particularly valuable for graduates considering longer-term careers in specialised engineering, technology or research.
How does the selection process work?
Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a mandatory online assessment.
Candidates should therefore be prepared to demonstrate the technical and analytical skills associated with their field of study.
How do you apply?
Applications are submitted through the SARAO Graduate In-Training recruitment process.
View the NRF/SARAO Graduate In-Training Programme
Applications close on 21 September 2026. SARAO has also confirmed the 2027 intake through its official social channels.
For programme enquiries, applicants can contact SARAO People and Culture at gitrecruitment@sarao.ac.za.
The programme begins on 1 March 2027 and runs for three years.
