If you are a high-performing learner planning to study engineering or science at university, the Sasol South African Mainstream Bursary Programme 2026 is one of the most valuable opportunities currently available in South Africa.
This bursary is designed for students pursuing critical technical qualifications aligned with South Africa’s future energy transition and industrial skills demand. It provides full financial support plus structured career development, and it can lead directly into Sasol’s Graduate Development pipeline after graduation.
Quick Overview
Programme Name: Sasol South African Mainstream Bursary Programme
Application Opening Date: 1 April
Closing Date: 17 May
Study Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Fields Covered: Engineering, Chemistry, Data Science, Geology and related disciplines
Study Mode: Full-time at approved South African universities
Age Requirement: Must be under 30 years old
Citizenship Requirement: South African citizens only
Workback Requirement: Yes (employment obligation after graduation)
Funding Coverage: Full bursary with developmental support
Distance Learning Allowed: No (UNISA excluded)
What the Sasol Mainstream Bursary Covers
The Sasol bursary is considered one of the most comprehensive private-sector bursaries in South Africa.
It typically includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation support
- Prescribed textbooks
- Monthly stipend
- Structured academic support
- Mentorship from technical experts
- Career development exposure
- Access to Sasol Graduate Development Programmes after completion
This makes the bursary especially valuable compared to standard funding schemes that only cover tuition.
Fields of Study Funded by the Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme
Sasol funds degree-level qualifications only. Diplomas are not supported.
Undergraduate Engineering and Science Degrees
Students may apply for:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Chemistry (to Honours level)
- Geology (to Honours level)
- Data Science (Computer Science)
- Data Science (Mathematics)
- Data Science (Statistics)
- Data Science (Operations Research)
Students pursuing Mine Surveying (B.Eng Tech.) at Universities of Technology may also qualify.
Important requirement:
Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) is compulsory.
Postgraduate Research Fields Supported
Postgraduate bursaries are available in priority research areas aligned with sustainability and the energy transition.
These include:
Chemical Engineering specialisations:
- Fluid dynamics
- Mathematical modelling
- Process modelling
- Reactor technology
- Separation technology
- Thermodynamics
Chemistry specialisations:
- Catalysis
- Polymer science
- Analytical chemistry
- Environmental chemistry
- Air dispersion modelling
- Water and waste sustainability research
Data Science:
- Applied mathematics
- Statistics
Cyber Security is also included as a supported research area.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements.
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be under 30 years old
- Be accepted (or planning to apply) at a recognised South African university
- Study full-time
- Apply for an approved engineering or science degree
- Have strong academic results
- Submit only one application
- Provide accurate information throughout the application process
Important:
Distance-learning institutions such as University of South Africa (UNISA) are not eligible for this bursary programme.
Workback Obligation
This bursary includes a workback agreement.
This means:
After graduation, you will be expected to work for Sasol for a specified period equal to the duration of your bursary support.
This benefits students because:
- It guarantees workplace exposure
- Builds professional experience
- Improves employability
- Supports long-term career stability
However, applicants should apply only if they are committed to building a career aligned with Sasol’s technical environment.
Selection Process: How Sasol Chooses Candidates
The bursary selection process is highly competitive.
Even students who meet minimum requirements may not be selected because Sasol considers:
- Academic performance
- Scarce-skills alignment
- Business needs
- Future technical pipeline planning
- Sustainability research relevance (for postgraduate applicants)
Shortlisting decisions are based on academic results from the previous academic year.
For example:
Grade 12 learners apply using Grade 11 results.
Important Study Conditions Attached to the Bursary
Students must understand the following rules carefully.
The bursary:
Supports only:
- Standard degree programmes
- Approved universities
- Full-time study routes
It does NOT support:
- Diplomas
- Distance learning qualifications
- Hybrid degrees
- Combined degrees
Incorrect academic information may lead to immediate disqualification.
Postgraduate Research Applicants: What Sasol Looks For
Postgraduate applicants do not need a finalized research proposal.
However, they must:
- Understand their research interest area
- Demonstrate alignment with sustainability priorities
- Be able to discuss potential research directions
Successful candidates will work with:
- Sasol technical specialists
- Academic supervisors
to finalise research topics aligned with industry needs.
Documents Required When Applying
Applicants should prepare:
- South African ID
- Academic transcripts
- Grade 11 results (for matric learners)
- Proof of university application or acceptance
- Updated CV
- Motivation letter (recommended)
Preparing these early improves your application success rate.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through Sasol’s official bursary platform.
Important rules:
- Only online applications are accepted
- Email applications are not considered
- Late applications are rejected
- Incomplete applications are disqualified
Students experiencing technical issues during application may contact:
Berlyne Rasool
086 010 6235
berlyne.rasool@adcorpgroup.com
APPLY FOR THE SASOL SOUTH AFRICAN MAINSTREAM BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
Because this bursary is extremely competitive, strong preparation makes a difference.
Recommended strategy:
Apply early
Submit complete documentation
Maintain strong Mathematics marks
Choose scarce-skill fields
Prepare for interviews
Apply for multiple bursaries simultaneously
Also consider applying for:
- EWSETA bursaries
- Mining SETA bursaries
- Engineering faculty scholarships
- Provincial bursary programmes
Serious applicants treat bursary applications like job applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I apply if I am still in Grade 12?
Yes.
You must apply using Grade 11 results. Final selection remains conditional on your matric performance.
- Does Sasol accept Mathematical Literacy?
No.
Pure Mathematics is required.
- Can I study through UNISA?
No.
Only full-time university study is supported.
- Are diploma programmes funded?
No.
Only degree-level qualifications are funded.
- Is there guaranteed employment after graduation?
There is a workback agreement, meaning graduates typically enter Sasol’s Graduate Development pipeline after completing studies successfully.
CLOSING DATE: 17 MAY 2026
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs publishes verified opportunity information to support students.
We are not the recruiting authority for the Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme. Always confirm details and submit applications through the official Sasol platform before the closing date.
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