Sasol Bursaries 2026
Sasol is inviting students to apply for the Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate and postgraduate studies within the following fields:
BEng / BSc Undergraduate Studies (at University):
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry (studies to Hons. level is a criteria)
- Civil Engineering
- Data Science (Computer Science / Mathematics / Operations Research / Statistics)
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Geology (studies to Hons. level is a criteria)
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy (studies to Hons. level is a criteria)
- Mining Engineering
BEng Tech Undergraduate Studies (at University of Technology):
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)
- Instrumentation and Control Engineering (Electrical Light Current)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mine Surveying
MSc / MEng / PhD Postgraduate Studies:
- Chemical Engineering (Fluid Dynamics / Mathematical and Statistical Modelling / Process Modelling / Reactor Technology / Separation Technology / Thermodynamics)
- Chemistry (Advanced Analytical Chemistry in the areas of Vibrational Spectroscopy or Gas Chromatography / Catalysis or Polymer Science / Environmental Science in the areas of Water, Waste or Air, or in Air with focus on dispersion modelling)
- Cyber Security
- Data Science (Applied Mathematics / Statistics)
What the Bursary Covers:
The Sasol Bursary is a comprehensive package that covers financial and developmental support throughout the study period.
The Undergraduate University Bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, books and pocket money, a meal allowance, an accommodation allowance, and a once-off computer and calculator allowance. Students may also receive development opportunities (possible vacation work after completing the 2nd and 3rd year of study) and psycho-social support (including student discussions/workshops/EAP – Employee Assistance Programme @ Sasol, etc.).
The Undergraduate University of Technology Bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, registration fees, exam fees, books and pocket money, an accommodation allowance, and a meal allowance. Students will be able to complete their academic requirements (S1 – S6) at a University of Technology and practical training aspects (P1, P2 if applicable) at Sasol.
The Postgraduate bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: a monthly stipend for the duration of their studies, to pay for registration fees, tuition fees, research costs, accommodation, and all other expenses related to their studies. The bursary will NOT cover any additional expenses. Students will also have access to Sasol technical mentors for support during studies.
Service Contract:
After graduation, undergraduate bursary recipients may be offered employment within the Sasol Group through the Graduate Development Programmes. Postgraduate bursary recipients may also have the opportunity to join the Sasol Graduate Development programme as a Scientist-in-Training or Engineer-in-Training.
The bursary includes a service contract, whereby students are obligated to complete the work-back/pay-back obligation, depending on company needs.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:
Undergraduate University Bursary:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- You must be registered or qualify to register for full-time studies towards one of the undergraduate degree qualifications listed above in 2026 (diploma studies will NOT be funded)
- You must be registered or intend on studying at an accredited and approved University in South Africa (UNISA students will NOT be funded)
- BEng and BSc applicants: you must have achieved the following results:
- A minimum of Level 6 (70 to 79%) for Mathematics
- A minimum of Level 6 (70 to 79%) for Physical Science
- A minimum of Level 5 (60 to 69%) for English First Additional language OR a minimum of Level 5 (60 to 69%) for English home language OR a minimum of Level 4 (50 to 59%) for English Second Additional language
- Undergraduate students and Hons students: you must have achieved a minimum result of 50% for all courses registered for in the 2024 academic year
- If already studying: you must be registered for the degree qualification for the minimum study period (i.e., 4 years for engineering degree) and/or be able to complete your studies in the minimum period of time (students on an extended study period and those who have added a year to the minimum study period may NOT apply)
Undergraduate University Of Technology Bursary:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- You must intend on studying full-time towards the undergraduate qualification listed above in 2026 (students already studying will NOT be funded)
- You must be registered or intend on studying at an accredited and approved University of Technology in South Africa
- You must have achieved the following results:
- A minimum of Level 5 (60 to 69%) for Mathematics
- A minimum of Level 5 (60 to 69%) for Science
- A minimum of Level 5 (60 to 69%) for English
Postgraduate Bursary:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have completed Matric
- You must be registered or qualify to register for full-time studies towards the postgraduate degree qualification listed above in 2026
- You must be registered or intend on studying at an accredited and approved University in South Africa (international studies will NOT be funded)
- You must have achieved a minimum result of 65% for all courses you registered for in the 2024 academic year, for Honours or 4th year
- You must be in your final year of studying towards OR have completed one of the following qualifications: Applied Mathematics (BSc), Chemical Engineering (BEng / BSc), Chemistry (BSc), Computer Engineering (BEng), Computer Science (BSc), Electronic Engineering (BEng), Statistics (BSc)
- You must know which area of chemistry or chemical engineering you would like to study and be able to discuss possible topics which would support the current sustainability imperatives (it is not a requirement to have a formal project proposal ready – successful recipients will engage with Sasol technical experts and academic supervisors to finalise a project proposal)
- You must have a strong academic record
- You must NOT have a criminal record