Sasol Bursary 2027

About the Provider

Sasol is a global integrated chemicals and energy company founded in South Africa. The company leverages more than seven decades of expertise in mining, oil and gas exploration, and the development of synthetic fuels and chemicals technologies to produce a range of high-value products. Sasol operates in 30 countries, employs approximately 30 000 people, and is listed on both the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.

Sasol's operations span the full hydrocarbon value chain, from coal and gas exploration through to the production of liquid fuels, chemicals, and low-carbon electricity. The company's unique Fischer-Tropsch technology converts coal and natural gas into liquid fuels and chemical feedstocks, positioning Sasol as a global leader in gas-to-liquids and coal-to-liquids technology.

The company is deeply committed to developing South African talent, particularly in the engineering and science disciplines that are critical to its operations. Sasol recognises that its long-term competitiveness depends on a pipeline of skilled professionals who can drive innovation in energy transition, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

Through their Mainstream Bursary Programme, Sasol provides comprehensive financial and developmental support to students pursuing qualifications in engineering, science, and data science. The programme is one of the largest corporate bursary initiatives in South Africa, funding students at both university and university of technology level across multiple engineering and science disciplines.

About the Program

The Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme offers three distinct streams: undergraduate university bursaries, undergraduate university of technology bursaries, and postgraduate bursaries. Each stream has specific eligibility requirements and benefits tailored to the academic level and institution type.

The undergraduate university stream covers BEng and BSc qualifications in eleven fields: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry (to Honours level), Civil Engineering, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Geology (to Honours level), Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy (to Honours level), and Mining Engineering. This comprehensive range reflects the diverse technical expertise needed across Sasol's operations.

The financial package for undergraduate university students is exceptionally comprehensive, covering registration fees, tuition fees, books, pocket money, meal allowance, accommodation allowance, and a once-off computer and calculator allowance. Students also receive development opportunities including possible vacation work after completing 2nd and 3rd year, plus psycho-social support through workshops and the Employee Assistance Programme.

The postgraduate stream provides a monthly stipend covering registration fees, tuition, research costs, accommodation, and all study-related expenses. Postgraduate students also gain access to Sasol technical mentors who provide guidance during their research. Eligible postgraduate fields include Applied Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, and Statistics.

After graduation, bursary recipients may be offered employment within the Sasol Group through Graduate Development Programmes, with postgraduate students potentially joining as Scientists-in-Training or Engineers-in-Training. The bursary includes a service contract with a work-back or pay-back obligation.

Bursary Benefits

• Registration fees fully covered
• Tuition fees paid for the duration of studies
• Books and pocket money allowance provided
• Meal allowance for daily food expenses
• Accommodation allowance for residence or private accommodation
• Once-off computer and calculator allowance (undergraduate university stream)
• Possible vacation work after completing 2nd and 3rd year of study
• Psycho-social support including workshops and Employee Assistance Programme
• Monthly stipend for postgraduate students covering all study-related expenses
• Access to Sasol technical mentors for postgraduate research guidance
• Graduate Development Programme employment opportunity after graduation
• Scientist-in-Training or Engineer-in-Training pathway for postgraduate graduates

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be under 30 years old
• You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• Undergraduate University: studying towards a BEng/BSc in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Geology, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, or Mining Engineering
• Undergraduate University: minimum Level 6 (70%) for Mathematics and Level 6 (70%) for Physical Science
• Undergraduate University: minimum Level 5 (60%) for English (FAL or HL) or Level 4 (50%) for English Second Additional Language
• Undergraduate University of Technology: minimum Level 5 (60%) for Mathematics, Science, and English
• Postgraduate: minimum 65% for all courses in the previous academic year (Honours/4th year)
• Must be studying at an accredited university in South Africa (UNISA not funded)
• Must be able to complete studies in the minimum study period (extended programmes not eligible)
• Must NOT have a criminal record (postgraduate)

Required Documents

• Certified copy of ID document
• Grade 11 final results (if currently in Matric)
• Matric certificate (if entering 1st year)
• Previous years' academic results/transcripts on institution letterhead (if 2nd year or above)
• Honours academic results/transcripts on institution letterhead (if applying for Masters)

How to Apply

1. Visit the Sasol Bursaries platform and register a new account with your email address.
2. Check your email for the activation link and click to activate your account.
3. Create a password and verify your email address.
4. Log in to the platform with your credentials.
5. Click on "South African Bursary Application" in the top left corner.
6. Select the bursary stream you are applying for (Undergraduate or Postgraduate).
7. Complete all required fields — do not leave any blank.
8. Upload certified copies of all required supporting documents.
9. Read and accept the disclaimer (the button should turn blue).
10. Submit your application before 17 May 2026 at 16:00.
11. You will receive a confirmation email — once received, your application is complete.
12. If you don't have internet access, contact the Sasol Bursary Helpline at 086 010 6235.

Tips for Success

• Apply online only — email and hard copy applications are not accepted. Use the Sasol Bursaries platform exclusively.
• 70% in Maths and Science is non-negotiable for university applicants — if your marks are below Level 6, you will not be considered.
• Complete your studies in minimum time — students on extended programmes or who have added a year cannot apply. Plan your academic load carefully.
• Prepare for psychometric testing — shortlisted candidates undergo online assessments and structured panel interviews. Practice aptitude tests beforehand.
• Postgraduate applicants: know your research area — you should be able to discuss possible topics supporting sustainability imperatives, even without a formal proposal.
• Don't leave fields blank — incomplete applications are automatically rejected.
• You can save and return — log out and resume your application later, but submit before the deadline.
• Contact the helpline if needed — if you lack internet access, call 086 010 6235 for support.

Career Prospects

A Sasol bursary provides a direct pathway into one of Africa's largest integrated chemicals and energy companies. The Graduate Development Programme offers structured professional development across multiple disciplines.

Career paths available at Sasol include:

• Chemical engineer — designing and optimising chemical processes for fuel and chemical production
• Mechanical engineer — maintaining and improving plant equipment and machinery
• Electrical engineer — managing power systems and electrical infrastructure across operations
• Mining engineer — planning and managing coal mining operations
• Data scientist — applying analytics and machine learning to optimise operations and predict maintenance needs
• Research scientist — developing new catalysts, processes, and sustainable technologies
• Civil engineer — designing and maintaining infrastructure at Sasol's operational sites
• Industrial engineer — optimising production processes and supply chain efficiency
• Geologist — exploring and characterising mineral and hydrocarbon resources

Sasol's global presence means that career growth can extend internationally, with operations and offices across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The company's focus on energy transition and sustainability creates exciting opportunities for engineers and scientists working on next-generation fuels, green hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies.

Engineers at Sasol earn competitive salaries starting at R450 000-R650 000 for graduates, with experienced professionals and specialists commanding significantly higher packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fields of study are eligible?

Eleven undergraduate fields: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Geology, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, and Mining Engineering. Postgraduate fields include Applied Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, and Statistics.

What minimum marks do I need?

University applicants need Level 6 (70%) in Mathematics and Physical Science, plus Level 5 (60%) in English. University of Technology applicants need Level 5 (60%) in Maths, Science, and English.

Is there a work-back obligation?

Yes. The bursary includes a service contract with a work-back or pay-back obligation depending on company needs.

Can I apply if I'm on an extended programme?

No. You must be able to complete your studies in the minimum study period. Students who have added a year to the minimum period may not apply.

Are UNISA students eligible?

No. UNISA students will not be funded. You must study at an accredited university or university of technology.

Can I apply via email?

No. Only online applications via the Sasol Bursaries platform are accepted.

What happens after I apply?

Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview including online assessments and psychometric tests via a structured panel interview.

Is the bursary for first-year students only?

No. The undergraduate university bursary is open to students from Matric through to Honours level. The university of technology stream is for new students only.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 17 May 2026 at 16:00 (close of business). Only online applications via the Sasol Bursaries platform are accepted — email and hard copy applications will not be considered.

About the Organization

Sasol Bursary Application Helpline: 086 010 6235