The Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme is one of South Africa’s most recognised bursary initiatives, helping academically deserving students access higher education while addressing the country’s critical skills shortage.
Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply
For the 2027 academic year, Sasol has announced that applications for the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme will open from 1 August to 23 August 2026, giving prospective university students an opportunity to secure comprehensive financial assistance for their studies.
In addition to the Foundation bursaries, Sasol also offers the Sasol Mining Fence-line Bursary Programme, which opens from 24 August to 13 September 2026, specifically targeting students from qualifying mining fence-line communities.
This guide explains everything applicants need to know, including eligibility requirements, available fields of study, important deadlines, and practical advice to improve their chances of being selected.
Quick Overview
- Organisation: Sasol Foundation
- Programme: Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme
- Applications Open: 1 August 2026
- Applications Close: 23 August 2026
Who Can Apply?
- South African citizens (by birth only)
- Students pursuing their first undergraduate degree
- Students studying full-time
- Applicants accepted or intending to study at a public South African university or University of Technology
Funding Includes
- Comprehensive bursary support
- Development opportunities
- Academic support
- Possible graduate development opportunities depending on programme
Application Method
Apply online via: www.sasolbursaries.com
About Sasol Foundation
Sasol is one of South Africa’s largest integrated energy and chemical companies with operations locally and internationally.
The company has invested in education for many years because it recognises that developing skilled professionals is essential for South Africa’s future economic growth.
Through the Sasol Foundation, thousands of young South Africans have received financial assistance to pursue careers in engineering, science, technology, healthcare and many other high-demand sectors.
Rather than simply funding studies, Sasol aims to develop future professionals who can contribute to innovation, sustainability and industrial development.
Official Bursary Opportunities Available
For the 2027 academic year, Sasol has announced several bursary opportunities.
These include:
- Sasol Foundation STEM Bursaries
- Sasol Foundation Non-STEM Bursaries
- Sasol Mining Fence-line Bursary Programme
- Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme (currently closed)
Each programme has different eligibility requirements.
Sasol Foundation STEM Bursaries
The STEM bursary programme is designed for students pursuing careers in:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Sasol has indicated that priority will be given to qualifications supporting future industries, particularly those linked to:
- Green Economy
- Digitalisation
Examples of priority qualifications include:
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Medical Sciences
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Other future-focused STEM disciplines
For this application cycle, postgraduate bursaries are not available under the Sasol Foundation STEM programme.
Sasol Foundation Non-STEM Bursaries
The Non-STEM bursaries are significantly more limited.
These are reserved for qualifying applicants who belong to one of the following groups:
- Children of Sasol employees
- Children of Sasol Khanyisa shareholders
- Students from Sasol fence-line communities
Applicants may study approved non-STEM qualifications, provided they meet all other bursary requirements.
Postgraduate studies are also not funded under this programme.
Official Eligibility Requirements
According to Sasol, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens by birth
- Be studying or intending to study full-time
- Be pursuing their first undergraduate degree
- Study at an approved public South African university or University of Technology
- Be younger than 25 years at the time of application
- Have completed matric within one year of applying or currently be completing matric if applying for first-year studies
- Meet household income verification requirements
- Have a combined annual household income of R800,000 or less
- Demonstrate good academic performance
Students already at university applying for second, third or fourth year funding must have an overall academic average of at least 60%.
Final selection will prioritise applicants who are both academically strong and financially deserving.
Eligible Engineering and Science Degrees
Applicants may study approved undergraduate degrees including:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Data Science
- Computer Science
- Statistics
- Operations Research
Mine Surveying at the University of Johannesburg is also supported under specified conditions.
Minimum School Subject Requirements
For Engineering and Science degrees, applicants generally require:
B.Eng. and B.Sc. Engineering
- Mathematics: 70–79%
- Physical Sciences: 70–79%
- Appropriate English language achievement
B.Eng. Tech.
- Mathematics: 60–69%
- Physical Sciences: 60–69%
- Appropriate English language achievement
Technical Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy are not accepted for these bursaries.
Important Conditions
Applicants should also note the following official conditions:
- Only public South African universities are accepted.
- UNISA studies are not eligible.
- University of Technology qualifications are generally not funded except for Mine Surveying.
- No diploma qualifications are funded.
- Students must study full-time.
- Psychometric assessments form part of the selection process.
- Proof of permanent residence may be required.
- Applicants must submit complete academic records.
- Students should be able to complete their qualification within five years.
- Hybrid or combined degree programmes are not funded.
Official Selection Process
Successful applicants generally move through several stages, including:
- Online application
- Academic screening
- Household income verification
- Eligibility verification
- Psychometric assessments
- Interviews (where applicable)
- Final selection
Sasol indicates that applicants should expect application outcomes by the end of November.
Official Documents Typically Required
Applicants should prepare:
- South African ID
- Academic results
- Proof of university registration (where applicable)
- Full academic transcript
- Proof of permanent residential address
- Household income documentation
Always check the online application portal for the latest document checklist before submitting.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY PROGRAMME 2027 HERE
If applicants experience technical problems during the application process, Sasol advises contacting its call centre on: 086 010 6235
Edupstairs Application Guidance
The information above reflects the official requirements published by Sasol. The following guidance is provided independently by Edupstairs to help applicants prepare stronger applications.
Apply Early
- Do not wait until the final day.
- Many applicants experience slow systems or internet connectivity issues near closing dates.
- Applying early also gives you time to correct any missing documents.
Double-Check Your Academic Records
- Many bursary applications are delayed because students upload incomplete transcripts.
- Ensure every page is included and clearly legible.
Verify Your Household Income Documents
- Because financial need is part of the selection process, income verification is important.
- Gather supporting documents well before applications close.
Choose the Correct Programme
Applicants sometimes apply for the wrong bursary.
Remember:
- STEM students should apply for the Foundation STEM bursary.
- Non-STEM students must first confirm they qualify under the special eligibility categories.
- Mining students from fence-line communities should consider the Mining Bursary Programme.
Understand the Work-Back Obligation
The Mining and Mainstream bursary programmes include work-back or pay-back obligations.
This means recipients may be expected to work for Sasol after graduation for a specified period in accordance with the bursary agreement.
Read these conditions carefully before accepting any offer.
Also Check: How to Prepare for Bursary Interviews: A Complete Guide for South African Students
What Happens After You Apply for a Bursary? Understanding the Selection Process
Why Sasol Prioritises STEM Skills
South Africa continues to experience shortages in engineering, digital technology, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.
These industries are expected to create significant employment opportunities over the next decade.
By funding qualifications in these fields, Sasol contributes to developing the skilled workforce needed for the country’s industrial growth and energy transition.
For students interested in science, engineering or technology, this bursary can provide financial support while opening pathways into a highly specialised industry.
Tools you may find useful:
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice
The Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme is highly competitive because it offers comprehensive financial support and is linked to one of South Africa’s leading industrial companies. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements should focus on submitting a complete, accurate application well before the closing date. Pay particular attention to your academic records, household income documentation and eligibility requirements. Missing documents or incorrect information can result in an otherwise strong application being disqualified.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
When do applications open?
Applications for the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme open on 1 August 2026.
-
When do applications close?
Applications close on 23 August 2026.
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Is this bursary for diploma studies?
No. The Foundation bursary is intended for degree studies only.
-
Can UNISA students apply?
No. Sasol states that UNISA studies are not considered for the applicable programmes described above.
-
Is Mathematical Literacy accepted?
No. Engineering and Science bursaries require Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics.
-
Can postgraduate students apply?
The Foundation programme will not offer postgraduate bursaries for the forthcoming academic year. The separate Sasol Mainstream programme has previously included postgraduate opportunities, but applications for that programme are currently closed.
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What household income limit applies?
The combined annual household income must not exceed R800,000.
-
Will Sasol interview applicants?
Shortlisted applicants may be required to complete psychometric assessments before interviews.
-
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Applicants must not be older than 25 years at the time of application.
-
When will applicants receive feedback?
Sasol has indicated that applicants should receive notification regarding the outcome of their applications by the end of November.
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimer
This article has been prepared for informational purposes based on official Sasol bursary information available at the time of writing. Programme requirements, application dates and eligibility criteria may change. Applicants should always verify the latest information on the official Sasol bursary application portal before applying.
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