The Sasol Foundation has opened its Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year, and it remains one of the most sought-after funding opportunities in South Africa. The bursary targets academically strong, financially deserving South Africans younger than 25 who plan to study full-time STEM degrees at public universities. Applications opened on 1 August 2026 and close on 23 August 2026, which leaves a short window – start your application now.
About the Programme
Sasol is one of South Africa’s largest industrial companies, a global chemicals and energy business that employs tens of thousands of people and anchors entire towns like Secunda and Sasolburg. Through the Sasol Foundation, the company invests heavily in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, funding the engineers, scientists and data specialists the South African economy needs next.
The Foundation bursary supports students pursuing their first undergraduate qualification in priority fields, with special focus on skills for the green economy and digitalisation. It is separate from the Sasol Mainstream Bursary (currently closed) and from the CSIR-Sasol joint scheme. A separate Sasol Mining Fence-line Bursary for qualifying mining communities opens on 24 August and closes 13 September 2026. For most students, the Foundation programme closing on 23 August is the one to target this month.
What Is Covered
- Comprehensive financial support for your studies – final award conditions detail cover for tuition, registration, accommodation, learning materials and allowances.
- Academic support and student development initiatives throughout your degree.
- Exposure to Sasol development programmes and possible graduate-development opportunities.
- Priority funding for degrees such as Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Industrial, Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, plus Chemistry, Geology, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics and Operations Research.
Who Can Apply
- South African citizen by birth, younger than 25 years at the time of application.
- Pursuing your first undergraduate qualification, studying or planning to study full-time at an approved South African public university.
- Combined annual household income of R800,000 or less.
- Matric applicants for BEng or BSc Engineering generally need 70 to 79 percent for both Mathematics and Physical Sciences; BEng Tech requires 60 to 69 percent. Technical Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy are not accepted.
- Current university students need an overall average of at least 60 percent.
- Not funded: UNISA studies, diplomas, postgraduate qualifications and hybrid degree programmes.
- Non-STEM bursaries are limited to children of Sasol employees, children of Sasol Khanyisa shareholders and students from Sasol fence-line communities.
Required Documents
- South African identity document
- Latest academic results (Matric or university)
- Full academic transcript for current university students
- Proof of university registration where applicable
- Proof of permanent residential address
- Household income documentation for parents or guardians
How to Apply
- Gather your ID, academic results and household income documents before you start.
- Open the official Sasol bursary portal and register or sign in.
- Select the relevant 2027 bursary programme for your field of study.
- Complete all personal, academic and household income sections accurately.
- Upload every required document and complete the declarations.
- Review your application carefully and submit before 23 August 2026. For technical help call the Sasol bursary call centre on 086 010 6235. Apply at Sasol.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2027 is 23 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
University fees are the single biggest barrier between talented young South Africans and a professional career. A fully supported Sasol Foundation bursary removes that barrier for students in engineering, science and data fields where the country has critical shortages. Sasol’s name on your CV signals rigorous selection, and the Foundation’s focus on green economy and digital skills means recipients graduate into the industries hiring fastest. For a Grade 12 learner with strong Mathematics and Physical Sciences marks, or a university student holding a 60 percent-plus average from a home earning under R800,000 a year, this is realistically one of the best funding opportunities of 2026. Selection outcomes are expected by the end of November 2026. Do not wait for Matric final results – apply now with your latest available marks, because the portal closes long before exams end and no exceptions are made for late submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I am already at university?
Yes. Students seeking funding for their second, third or fourth undergraduate year can apply, provided they hold an overall academic average of at least 60 percent and remain in their first undergraduate qualification.
Q: Does the bursary accept Mathematical Literacy?
No. For the listed engineering and science bursaries, Technical Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy are not accepted – you need pure Mathematics at the required level.
Q: Are there assessments after I apply?
Yes. Shortlisted applicants complete psychometric assessments and may be interviewed, alongside academic screening and household income verification.
Q: Can I study at a University of Technology or UNISA?
UNISA and diploma studies are not funded. University of Technology qualifications are generally not funded, with limited exceptions such as Mine Surveying arrangements – confirm your specific programme on the official portal before applying.
Other bursaries closing soon
Applying from your phone? The free Phone Skills for Work course covers sending documents so they arrive readable, and how to spot a bursary scam before it costs you. You can also browse all free courses or check your CV with the ATS Resume Scanner.
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