STUDY OPPORTUNITY
The Sasol Bursary Programme is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive funding opportunities in South Africa. Designed to foster top-tier talent in science and engineering, this programme offers both full financial backing and vital developmental support throughout your university studies.
Furthermore, graduates who successfully complete their studies may secure employment within the Sasol Group through their highly regarded Graduate Development Programmes. Keep in mind that the Mainstream bursary carries a work-back or pay-back obligation.
Here is an exhaustive breakdown of the requirements, eligible fields of study, and application rules for the 2027 academic intake.
Eligible Fields of Study
Sasol strictly funds full-time studies at recognized and approved standard South African Universities. Dual, combined, or hybrid degree courses (such as B.Sc. Chemistry with Chemical Engineering) are not accepted. Distance learning institutions, such as UNISA, are also excluded.
Important Note regarding Mathematics: This bursary programme requires core Mathematics. Applications utilizing Technical Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy will not be accepted.
Undergraduate Degrees (B.Eng. / B.Sc.)
Applications are open for standard degree courses (no diplomas) in the following disciplines:
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry (Applicants must intend to study up to the Honours level)
Civil Engineering
Data Science (Specializing in Computer Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, or Statistics)
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Geology (Applicants must intend to study up to the Honours level)
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Metallurgy / Metallurgical Engineering (Applicants must intend to study up to the Honours level)
Mining Engineering
Undergraduate Degrees (B. Eng. Tech.)
- Mine Surveying (Accepted at Universities of Technology)
Postgraduate Degrees (M.Sc. / M.Eng. / PhD.)
To support South Africa’s transition toward sustainable energy and a circular economy, Sasol provides funding for highly skilled postgraduates. While a formal project proposal is not required at the application stage, candidates must have a clear focus area aligned with current sustainability imperatives.
Funding is available for the following core disciplines:
Chemical Engineering: Fluid Dynamics, Mathematical and Statistical Modelling, Process Modelling, Reactor Technology, Separation Technology, and Thermodynamics.
Chemistry: Advanced Analytical Chemistry (specifically Vibrational Spectroscopy or Gas Chromatography), Catalysis or Polymer Science, and Environmental Science (Water, Waste, Air, or Air with a focus on dispersion modelling).
Data & Technology: Cyber Security, Data Science (Applied Mathematics), and Data Science (Statistics).
Strict Application Rules & Eligibility Criteria
To ensure your application moves forward in the selection process, you must adhere to the following strict guidelines:
Age Limit: You must be under the age of 30 at the time of your application.
Citizenship: Only applications from South African citizens will be considered.
Single Submission: Only one application per student is permitted.
Accuracy of Information: Providing incorrect academic information or failing to submit required documentation will render your application invalid. If it is discovered at any point that you provided false information, your application or bursary offer will be terminated immediately.
Conditional Offers: Because selections are made before the academic year ends, you must apply using your previous year’s results (e.g., current Matriculants apply with Grade 11 results). Any bursary awarded will be conditional and activated only if your final year-end results match or exceed the results you used to apply.
This is a simplified summary for easy reading. For complete and official information, please refer to the bursary provider’s website.
Status of Additional Sasol Programmes
Sasol runs several other talent development and funding initiatives. Please note the current status of these specific programmes:
1. Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme (Currently Closed)
STEM Bursaries: Aimed at undergraduate degrees in future-focused fields like Engineering, IT, Data Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Sciences, and Medical Sciences. No bursaries will be offered for the 2026 academic year.
Non-STEM Bursaries: Reserved strictly for qualifying students from Sasol’s fence-line communities, children of Sasol Khanyisa shareholders, and children of Sasol employees. Household income must be below R600,000 per annum, and applicants must be under 25. No bursaries will be offered for the 2026 academic year.
2. Sasol Mining Fence-line Mainstream Programme (Currently Closed)
This specific initiative targets exceptional talent residing in Sasol Mining fenceline communities. It covers degrees in Electrical, Electronic, Industrial, Mechanical, and Mining Engineering, as well as Geology and Mine Surveying (at UJ).
Minimum Academic Requirements (For future reference):
B.Eng. and B.Sc.Eng: Level 6 (70-79%) for Mathematics and Physical Science. Level 5 (60-69%) for English First Additional/Home Language, or Level 4 (50-59%) for English Second Additional Language.
B.Eng. Tech: Level 5 (60-69%) for Mathematics, Physical Science, and English First Additional/Home Language.
Preferred Municipalities include:
Mpumalanga (Gert Sibande District): Govan Mbeki Municipality (Bethal, Evander, Secunda, etc.), Dipaleseng Local Municipality (Balfour, Grootvlei, etc.), Lekwa Local Municipality (Standerton, Morgenzon, etc.), Msukaligwa Local Municipality (Ermelo, Davel).
Mpumalanga (Nkangala District): eMalahleni Local Municipality (Witbank, Kriel, Ogies, etc.).
Free State (Fezile Dabi District): Metsimaholo Local Municipality (Sasolburg, Deneysvilles, etc.), Ngwathe Local Municipality (Parys, Vredefort, etc.).
Gauteng (Sedibeng District): Emfuleni Local Municipality (Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging, Sebokeng, etc.), Lesedi Local Municipality (Devon).
3. Other Sasol Initiatives
Energy Bursary Programme (Green Hydrogen Project): Linked to the Northern Cape project. Currently closed.
Graduate Development Programme: An intensive 36-month corporate training initiative for new engineers and scientists. Currently closed.
Technician Development Programme (TDP): Provides technical development and workplace experience for Learner Technicians. Currently closed.
Unattached Vacation Work: Practical work experience for non-Sasol bursars. No placements will be offered during December 2025 / January 2026.
Sasol YES Programme: A collaboration with the government to reduce youth unemployment by providing workplace experience. Next intake dates are to be confirmed.
How to Apply
All eligible candidates must complete their submissions online before the close of business on the closing date. Late submissions, incomplete applications, or applications sent via email will be rejected.
Important Dates
Contact Support
If you experience any technical difficulties during the application process, please contact our team:
