How to Apply for the Sasol Bursary Programme
How to Apply for the Sasol Bursary Programme (2026/2027 Complete Guide)
The Sasol Bursary Programme is one of South Africa’s most prestigious bursary opportunities for students who want to pursue careers in engineering, science, technology, and other scarce-skills fields. Every year, Sasol invests millions of rand in developing talented South African students by covering the full cost of their studies while also providing mentorship, vacation work opportunities, and graduate employment prospects.
Unlike many bursaries that only pay tuition fees, the Sasol Bursary is designed to support students throughout their university journey. Successful bursary recipients receive comprehensive financial assistance, academic support, leadership development, and exposure to one of South Africa’s leading energy and chemical companies.
If you dream of becoming an engineer, scientist, data analyst, chemist, or technology specialist, this guide explains everything you need to know about applying for the Sasol Bursary successfully.
What is the Sasol Bursary?
The Sasol Bursary is a fully funded financial assistance programme offered by Sasol to academically talented South African students studying approved university degrees.
The programme aims to develop future professionals who can contribute to South Africa’s engineering, technology, science, and innovation sectors.
Successful bursary recipients become part of Sasol’s talent development programme and may be required to work for the company after completing their studies under a work-back agreement.
Benefits of the Sasol Bursary
One reason the Sasol Bursary is highly competitive is because it covers almost every major study expense.
Successful applicants may receive:
- Full tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation costs
- Meals
- Prescribed textbooks
- Study materials
- Laptop allowance
- Calculator allowance (where applicable)
- Monthly living allowance
- Academic support
- Vacation work opportunities
- Professional mentorship
- Leadership development programmes
- Potential graduate employment opportunities
These benefits allow students to focus on their studies without the financial stress that often comes with higher education.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Sasol Bursary, applicants generally need to:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognised South African university.
- Intend to study full-time.
- Meet the academic requirements for their chosen degree.
- Apply for an approved field of study offered under the bursary programme.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection, as the bursary is highly competitive.
Fields of Study Supported
Sasol mainly funds qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
These fields commonly include:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Physics
- Geology
- Environmental Science
The list of approved qualifications may vary from year to year depending on Sasol’s business needs.
Academic Requirements
Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance.
Generally, successful candidates have:
- Excellent Mathematics marks.
- Strong Physical Sciences marks where applicable.
- Good overall academic averages.
- Consistent performance throughout high school or university.
University students are also expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Documents Needed
Before starting your application, prepare the following documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Latest academic results.
- Grade 11 final report (for current Grade 12 learners).
- Matric certificate (if already completed Grade 12).
- University academic transcript (if currently studying).
- Proof of university acceptance or provisional acceptance.
- Any additional documents requested during the application process.
Make sure your scanned documents are clear and easy to read.
How to Apply for the Sasol Bursary
Step 1: Visit the Official Sasol Bursary Application Portal
Applications are submitted online through Sasol’s official bursary portal.
Paper applications and emailed applications are generally not accepted.
Step 2: Create Your Account
If you are applying for the first time:
- Register a new account.
- Enter your personal details.
- Verify your email address.
- Create a secure password.
- Log in to begin your application.
Always use an email address that you check regularly.
Step 3: Complete Your Personal Information
Provide accurate details including:
- Full names
- South African ID number
- Date of birth
- Contact number
- Residential address
- Email address
All information should match your official documents.
Step 4: Complete Your Academic Information
You will be required to enter:
- Current school or university.
- Grade or year of study.
- Subjects completed.
- Academic results.
- Intended qualification.
- University acceptance details.
Take your time and ensure all information is accurate.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload all required documents in the correct format.
Ensure that:
- Documents are certified where required.
- Files are readable.
- Every required document has been uploaded.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Step 6: Review Your Application
Before submitting:
- Check spelling.
- Verify all academic marks.
- Ensure every section has been completed.
- Confirm all supporting documents have been uploaded.
Reviewing your application carefully can help prevent avoidable mistakes.
Step 7: Accept the Declaration
Read the declaration carefully before submitting.
You will be confirming that:
- The information you have provided is correct.
- You understand the bursary conditions.
- You agree to the programme’s terms and conditions.
Step 8: Submit Your Application
Once you are satisfied with your application:
- Click the Submit button.
- Wait for the confirmation message.
- Save your application reference number.
- Keep a copy of your submitted application if possible.
Selection Process
After applications close, Sasol reviews all eligible applications.
Applicants are usually assessed based on:
- Academic performance.
- Eligibility requirements.
- Field of study.
- University admission.
- Potential to succeed in their chosen profession.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete interviews, assessments, or additional screening before final selections are made.
Tips for a Successful Application
Improve your chances of success by following these tips:
- Apply well before the closing date.
- Achieve excellent Mathematics and Science marks.
- Ensure all documents are certified where required.
- Use a professional email address.
- Double-check all information before submitting.
- Keep copies of your documents.
- Respond promptly to any communication from Sasol.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants are unsuccessful because they:
- Submit incomplete applications.
- Upload poor-quality documents.
- Miss the application deadline.
- Enter incorrect academic information.
- Use incorrect contact details.
- Forget to click the final Submit button.
Avoiding these mistakes can improve your chances of being shortlisted.
Why Choose the Sasol Bursary?
The Sasol Bursary offers much more than financial support.
Successful bursary recipients benefit from:
- Financial assistance throughout their studies.
- Professional mentorship.
- Leadership development.
- Practical workplace exposure.
- Vacation work opportunities.
- Valuable industry experience.
- Potential employment opportunities after graduation, subject to the bursary agreement.
These benefits help students develop both academically and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Grade 12 learners apply?
Yes. Grade 12 learners can apply using their Grade 11 final results while waiting for their final matric examination results.
Can university students apply?
Yes. Students already studying at a recognised South African university may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements and are studying an approved qualification.
Does the bursary cover all study costs?
The Sasol Bursary is designed to cover most major study-related expenses, including tuition, accommodation, prescribed books, and other approved allowances.
Is there a work-back agreement?
Yes. Successful bursary recipients are generally expected to work for Sasol after completing their studies for a period specified in the bursary agreement.
Final Thoughts
The Sasol Bursary Programme is one of the leading bursary opportunities available to South African students who are passionate about engineering, science, technology, and innovation. In addition to financial assistance, the programme provides mentorship, practical experience, and valuable career development opportunities that can help graduates build successful professional careers.