Sasol Bursary 2027: Everything South African Students Need to Know
If you are a South African student dreaming of a career in engineering or science, the Sasol Bursary Programme could be the opportunity that changes the entire trajectory of your life. Applications for the 2027 academic year open on 1 April 2026 and close on 17 May 2026, so now is the perfect time to understand exactly what this programme offers and whether you qualify.
What the Sasol Bursary Programme Covers
The Sasol Bursary is not just financial aid. It is a comprehensive support package that combines financial assistance with ongoing developmental support throughout your entire period of study. That means you are not just getting tuition covered; you are gaining access to a structured programme designed to grow you into a industry-ready professional.
Once you successfully complete your studies, you may also be considered for employment within the Sasol Group through their Graduate Development Programmes, making this one of the most complete youth development opportunities available in South Africa today.
It is important to note that the Sasol Bursary comes with a workback and/or payback obligation, so applicants should go into the process with a clear understanding of that commitment.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be under the age of 30 at the time of application
- Be planning to study full time at a recognised South African university (distance-learning institutions such as UNISA are not accepted)
- Apply for a degree, not a diploma
- Have passed Mathematics (Technical Maths and Mathematical Literacy are not accepted)
Only one application per student will be considered, and all information submitted must be accurate. Any discrepancy discovered at any stage of the process will result in immediate withdrawal of the application or bursary.
Fields of Study Covered
Undergraduate Studies (B.Eng. / B.Sc.)
The Sasol Bursary supports undergraduate studies across a wide range of in-demand disciplines, including:
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry (up to Honours level required)
- Civil Engineering
- Data Science, covering specialisations in Computer Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, and Statistics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Geology (up to Honours level required)
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy and Metallurgical Engineering (up to Honours level required)
- Mining Engineering
Undergraduate Studies at Universities of Technology (B.Eng. Tech.)
- Mine Surveying
Postgraduate Studies (M.Sc. / M.Eng. / Ph.D.)
For postgraduate applicants, the focus is on research that supports South Africa’s energy and circular economy transition. Postgraduate bursaries are available in the following disciplines:
- Chemical Engineering, covering Fluid Dynamics, Mathematical and Statistical Modelling, Process Modelling, Reactor Technology, Separation Technology, and Thermodynamics
- Chemistry, including Advanced Analytical Chemistry (Vibrational Spectroscopy or Gas Chromatography), Catalysis, Polymer Science, and Environmental Science (Water, Waste, Air, or Dispersion Modelling)
- Cyber Security
- Data Science, covering Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Postgraduate applicants do not need a formal project proposal at the time of application, but they should have a clear sense of which discipline they want to pursue and be prepared to discuss possible research topics aligned with current sustainability goals.
Important Rules to Keep in Mind
Before you hit submit, there are a few critical points every applicant must understand:
- Dual, combined, or hybrid degree programmes are not eligible (for example, B.Sc. Chemistry with Chemical Engineering or B.Eng. Mechatronics)
- Applications submitted by email or through any channel other than the official Sasol bursaries website will not be accepted
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered under any circumstances
- Bursaries are awarded conditionally and will only be activated once final results confirm academic performance consistent with what was submitted during the application
How the Selection Process Works
Shortlisting and selection are conducted carefully based on Sasol’s business needs and a strict set of academic criteria. The number of bursaries available is limited, which means competition is strong even among candidates who meet the minimum requirements.
Because selections are made before final results are available, applicants apply using their most recent academic results. For example, a student applying for first-year studies in 2027 would apply using their Grade 11 results, with the bursary being conditionally confirmed once Grade 12 results are available.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted through the official Sasol bursaries website before the close of business on 17 May 2026. Make sure your application is complete and all information is accurate before submitting.
If you run into any technical issues during the application process, you can reach out for support:
Berlyne Rasool [email protected] 086 010 6235
Take the Leap
Opportunities like the Sasol Bursary do not come around every day. Whether you are a matric student with big ambitions or a science graduate looking to push your research further, this programme is built to support talent at every level. Applications open 1 April 2026 and close 17 May 2026. Get your documents ready, double-check your eligibility, and put your best foot forward.
Also Check: Digby Wells Environmental 2026 Bursary Programme: Fund Your Environmental Career Today
