Sasol Bursary Programme Now Open for 2026 Academic Year Applications

Published: May 1, 2025
Category: Fellowships

Sasol, a global integrated chemicals and energy company rooted in South Africa, has officially opened applications for its prestigious Mainstream Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. Prospective students can submit applications from 8 April to 18 May 2025 via the official Sasol bursary portal. This initiative forms a vital part of Sasol’s broader commitment to empowering South African youth through education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

About the Sasol Bursary Programme

The Sasol Bursary Programme is designed to provide comprehensive financial and developmental support to high-performing South African students who are pursuing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies in carefully selected disciplines. The goal is to nurture a new generation of professionals aligned with Sasol’s strategic focus areas, especially in response to global shifts in energy, sustainability, and digital transformation.

The bursary is highly competitive and seeks applicants with a proven academic track record, a passion for their field of study, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s innovation and industrial landscape.

Key Features and Benefits

The Sasol bursary offers one of the most comprehensive packages in South Africa, ensuring that students are not only financially supported but also professionally developed for future employment within Sasol or similar sectors.

Financial Support Includes:

• Full tuition fees

• Accommodation (university residence or equivalent)

• Prescribed textbooks and learning materials

• Monthly living allowance

• Travel allowance (where applicable)

Additional Benefits:

• Vacation work opportunities during university holidays

• Access to mentoring, leadership development, and career guidance

• Possible entry into Sasol’s Graduate Development Programme after completing studies

• Exposure to Sasol’s world-class operations and professionals

Eligibility Criteria

Sasol’s bursaries are merit-based and focus on fields that support its business priorities and South Africa’s broader developmental needs.

General Requirements:

Applicants must be South African citizens under the age of 30.

Applications are open to those pursuing full-time studies at public South African universities only (UNISA and distance learning or hybrid programs are excluded).

Only one bursary application per student is permitted.

All applicants must apply using their most recent full academic year results (e.g., current matriculants should submit Grade 11 results).

Mathematics Literacy or Technical Mathematics is not accepted—only Pure Mathematics and Physical Science will be considered for certain fields.

A work-back obligation applies upon graduation, requiring bursary holders to work for Sasol or repay the bursary under specific conditions.

Fields of Study Funded by the Sasol Bursary

Undergraduate Programmes:

Students pursuing the following Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees are eligible:

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Electronic Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Mining Engineering

Metallurgical Engineering (up to Honours)

Geology (up to Honours)

Chemistry (up to Honours)

Computer Science

Data Science (including Statistics, Applied Mathematics, and Operations Research)

In addition, students pursuing B.Eng. Tech. degrees at Universities of Technology in Mine Surveying are also eligible.

Postgraduate Programmes:

Sasol also funds Master’s and Doctoral degrees (M.Sc., M.Eng., Ph.D.) in selected specializations that align with its research and innovation strategy. These include:

Chemical Engineering

Chemistry

Fluid Dynamics

Thermodynamics

Catalysis

Polymer Science

Advanced Analytical Chemistry (including Gas Chromatography and Vibrational Spectroscopy)

Environmental Sciences

Applied Mathematics

Cybersecurity

Postgraduate candidates are not required to submit a research proposal at the time of application, but should be prepared to discuss their research interests and how these relate to Sasol’s focus on energy innovation and the circular economy.

Application Process

Interested students must apply online through the official Sasol Bursaries Portal. Applications submitted via email or after the deadline will not be considered.

Applicants should ensure they have the following ready:

Certified copy of South African ID

Latest academic transcripts (certified)

Proof of university acceptance or provisional admission (if applicable)

A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)

All applicants will receive notification of their application outcome by end of November 2025.

Important Notes

• Bursaries are conditional and subject to sustained academic performance throughout the year.

• Sasol reserves the right to withdraw or cancel bursary offers in cases where academic performance declines or information provided is found to be inaccurate.

• Bursary recipients must meet Sasol’s minimum academic thresholds and demonstrate potential to excel in their chosen field.

• While the bursary offers financial support, recipients are expected to actively engage in professional development, vacation work, and workplace readiness initiatives offered by Sasol.

Contact Information

For any queries or support regarding the application process, applicants may contact the Sasol Bursary administration: