South African students seeking financial support for higher education have an opportunity to apply for the Sasol Bursary Programme 2027, one of the country’s leading funding initiatives for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Sasol has announced its 2026/2027 application schedule, with different programmes opening between August and September 2026.
The bursary programme provides comprehensive financial support, professional development, and career opportunities for talented South African youth pursuing studies aligned with the country’s future skills needs, including green economy, digitalisation, engineering, chemistry, data science, and mining.
Applicants should note that each programme has different opening and closing dates, eligibility requirements, and supported fields of study.
Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme
Applications for the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme are open from 1 August to 23 August 2026.
The programme supports talented South African students pursuing full-time undergraduate degrees at recognised public universities and universities of technology.
The Foundation prioritises fields that support future economic growth, innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability.
STEM Fields Supported
Priority is given to undergraduate degrees including:
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Medical Sciences
- Construction and Manufacturing
- Other approved STEM disciplines
Unlike previous years, postgraduate bursaries will not be available under the Sasol Foundation programme for the upcoming academic year.
Non-STEM Bursaries
Sasol also offers limited non-STEM bursaries.
These are only available to:
- Students from Sasol fence-line communities
- Children of Sasol employees
- Children of Sasol Khanyisa shareholders
Applicants must be studying approved undergraduate qualifications.
Sasol Foundation Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens by birth
- Study or intend to study full-time
- Be pursuing their first undergraduate degree
- Attend an approved South African public university or university of technology
- Have household income not exceeding R800,000 per year
- Be 25 years old or younger when applying
- Have completed matric recently or be completing matric during the application year
- Meet academic performance requirements
Current university students applying for second, third or fourth year funding must have achieved an overall academic average of 60% or higher.
Sasol Mainstream Undergraduate Bursary
The Sasol Mainstream Bursary offers a comprehensive funding package for students pursuing engineering and science degrees.
The programme includes:
- Full financial support
- Academic development
- Professional development
- Possible employment through Sasol’s Graduate Development Programme after graduation
Recipients should note that this bursary carries a work-back and/or pay-back obligation.
Undergraduate Fields of Study
Eligible undergraduate degrees include:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Data Science (Computer Science)
- Data Science (Mathematics)
- Data Science (Statistics)
- Data Science (Operations Research)
Mine Surveying at the University of Johannesburg is also supported through the University of Technology stream.
Technical Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy are not accepted.
Sasol Postgraduate Bursaries
Sasol continues offering postgraduate research bursaries under its Mainstream Programme for:
- MSc
- MEng
- PhD
These awards support research aligned with South Africa’s energy transition and sustainability priorities.
Priority Postgraduate Research Areas
Research opportunities include:
- Chemical Engineering
- Reactor Technology
- Fluid Dynamics
- Thermodynamics
- Separation Technology
- Process Modelling
- Mathematical and Statistical Modelling
- Advanced Analytical Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Polymer Science
- Environmental Chemistry
- Water Quality
- Waste Management
- Air Quality
- Gas Chromatography
- Vibrational Spectroscopy
- Cyber Security
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
Applicants are not required to submit a completed research proposal but should clearly identify their intended research area and demonstrate its relevance to sustainability and industry needs.
Successful candidates will collaborate with Sasol experts and university supervisors to finalise research projects.
Sasol Mining Bursary Programme
Applications for the Sasol Mining Fence-line Bursary Programme open from 24 August to 13 September 2026.
The programme supports engineering and mining-related degrees for students from eligible Sasol Mining fence-line communities.
Supported disciplines include:
- Mining Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Geology
- Mine Surveying
Mining Bursary Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens by birth
- Study full-time
- Attend approved public South African universities
- Meet minimum academic requirements
- Permanently reside within eligible Sasol Mining fence-line municipalities
Minimum matric requirements include:
BEng/BSc Engineering
- Mathematics: 70–79%
- Physical Sciences: 70–79%
- English: 60–69% (or equivalent)
BEng Tech
- Mathematics: 60–69%
- Physical Sciences: 60–69%
- English: 60–69%
Graduate Development Programme (GDP)
Applications for Sasol’s Graduate Development Programme will open from:
14 September – 4 October 2026
The programme provides graduates with an intensive 36-month structured development programme designed to prepare engineers and scientists for careers within Sasol.
Participants receive:
- Structured technical development
- Leadership training
- Business exposure
- Professional mentorship
- Career progression opportunities
Technician Development Programme (TDP)
Applications open:
24 August – 11 September 2026
The Technician Development Programme prepares learner technicians through:
- Workplace experience
- Structured technical learning
- Competency-based assessments
- Professional mentoring
- Support towards Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) registration
Important Application Dates
Applicants should take note of the following deadlines:
- Sasol Foundation Bursaries: 1–23 August 2026
- Technician Development Programme: 24 August–11 September 2026
- Mining Bursaries: 24 August–13 September 2026
- Graduate Development Programme: 14 September–4 October 2026
What the Sasol Bursary Covers
The comprehensive bursary package typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration costs
- Accommodation support
- Prescribed books
- Academic development
- Professional development
- Mentorship
- Graduate employment opportunities (where applicable)
Important Conditions
Applicants should note:
- Applications must be submitted online only.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Only one application per applicant is allowed.
- False or misleading information will result in immediate disqualification.
- Distance-learning qualifications, including UNISA programmes, are not eligible.
- Dual, combined or hybrid degrees are not supported.
- Technical Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy are not accepted for mainstream engineering bursaries.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure all supporting documents, academic records, proof of residence, proof of registration, and identification documents are complete before submission.
Why Apply?
The Sasol Bursary Programme remains one of South Africa’s most comprehensive scholarship initiatives, combining financial assistance with professional development, mentorship, industry exposure, and employment pathways. For academically talented students pursuing careers in engineering, science, technology, mining, and related fields, the programme offers an opportunity to graduate with reduced financial burden while building connections with one of Africa’s leading energy and chemicals companies.
Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements for their chosen programme and submit complete online applications before the relevant closing date.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
