Sasol South African Mainstream Bursary 2026: Requirements and Application Details
South Africa needs more engineers and scientists. If you’re a high-performing student planning to study engineering or science at university, the Sasol South African Mainstream Bursary Programme 2026 could change your future. This bursary opens applications on 1 April and closes on 17 May — and it’s one of the most valuable opportunities available right now.
Sasol is looking for students committed to critical technical fields that will shape South Africa’s energy future. They don’t just fund your degree — they invest in your entire career path, including mentorship, professional development, and direct entry into their graduate programmes after you graduate.
What You Need to Know at a Glance
Programme: Sasol South African Mainstream Bursary Programme
Opens: 1 April 2026
Closes: 17 May 2026
Study level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Fields: Engineering, Chemistry, Data Science, Geology and related disciplines
Who can apply: South African citizens under 30 years old
Study mode: Full-time only at approved South African universities (UNISA not eligible)
What you get: Full bursary covering tuition, accommodation, books, stipend, mentorship and career support
After graduation: You’ll work for Sasol for a set period (workback agreement)
What This Bursary Covers — Everything You Need
Sasol doesn’t just pay your tuition. They cover almost everything a student needs to succeed.
Your bursary includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation support
- Prescribed textbooks
- Monthly stipend
- Academic support and tutoring
- Mentorship from Sasol technical experts
- Career development experience
- Access to Sasol’s Graduate Development Programme after you finish
This is one of the most comprehensive bursaries offered by any private company in South Africa. Many other bursaries only cover tuition — Sasol covers your whole student life.
Which Fields of Study Are Funded?
Sasol funds degree-level qualifications only. Diplomas are not supported.
You can apply for undergraduate degrees in:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Chemistry (to Honours level)
- Geology (to Honours level)
- Data Science (Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics or Operations Research)
- Mine Surveying (B.Eng Tech.) at Universities of Technology
Important: You must study Mathematics — not Mathematical Literacy. This is compulsory.
For postgraduate study, Sasol funds research in priority areas aligned with sustainability and energy transition:
- Chemical Engineering: Fluid dynamics, mathematical modelling, process modelling, reactor technology, separation technology, thermodynamics
- Chemistry: Catalysis, polymer science, analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, air dispersion modelling, water and waste sustainability research
- Data Science: Applied mathematics and statistics
- Cyber Security
Do You Qualify? Check the Requirements
To apply, you must meet ALL of these requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be under 30 years old
- Be accepted at (or planning to apply to) a recognised South African university
- Study full-time
- Apply for an approved engineering or science degree
- Have strong academic results
- Submit only one application
- Provide accurate information
Note: Distance learning institutions like the University of South Africa (UNISA) are not eligible.
The Workback Agreement — What It Means
This bursary comes with a workback agreement. After you graduate, you’ll be expected to work for Sasol for a period equal to how long they funded your study.
This is actually good for you because:
- You get guaranteed workplace experience after graduation
- You build professional skills from day one
- You improve your long-term employment prospects
- You start your career with an established company
Only apply if you’re genuinely interested in building a career in Sasol’s technical environment. This shouldn’t be a worry — it’s a benefit.
How Sasol Chooses Successful Applicants
This bursary is highly competitive. Even if you meet all the requirements, you may not be selected. Sasol looks at:
- Your academic performance
- Whether your field matches Sasol’s skills needs
- What the company needs in their pipeline
- For postgraduate applicants: how your research aligns with sustainability
Sasol makes shortlisting decisions based on your academic results from the previous year. For example, if you’re in Grade 12, you apply using your Grade 11 results. Final selection depends on your final matric marks.
Important Rules About Your Study
The bursary supports:
- Standard degree programmes
- Approved universities only
- Full-time study
The bursary does NOT support:
- Diplomas
- Distance learning qualifications
- Hybrid degrees
- Combined degrees
If you provide incorrect information about your studies, you could be disqualified immediately.
For Postgraduate Applicants: What Sasol Wants to Hear
You don’t need a fully developed research proposal yet. But you do need to:
- Know which research area interests you
- Show how your research connects to sustainability and energy transition
- Be able to discuss possible research directions in an interview
Once you’re accepted, you’ll work with Sasol technical specialists and your university supervisor to finalise your research topic based on what the industry actually needs.
Documents You’ll Need to Prepare
Start gathering these now — don’t wait until the last minute:
- Valid South African ID
- Academic transcripts (all your school results)
- Grade 11 results (if you’re still in Grade 12)
- Proof that you’ve applied to or been accepted by a university
- Updated CV
- Motivation letter (strongly recommended)
Having everything ready early improves your chances of a strong application.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Applications must be submitted online only. Email applications will not be considered.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the official Sasol bursary application portal
- Create your account and fill in all sections carefully
- Upload all required documents
- Review everything before submitting
- Submit before 17 May 2026
Important rules:
- Only online applications count
- Late applications are rejected
- Incomplete applications are disqualified
If you have technical problems with the online system, contact:
Berlyne Rasool
086 010 6235
berlyne.rasool@adcorpgroup.com
How to Improve Your Chances of Success
Many students apply for this bursary. Here’s what separates the successful ones:
- Apply early. Don’t wait until the last week. Submit your application at least two weeks before the deadline.
- Complete every section. Incomplete applications get rejected automatically.
- Keep your Mathematics marks strong. This is non-negotiable for Sasol.
- Choose a field where Sasol actually needs people. Engineering fields are more competitive than some science fields — research what Sasol is currently hiring for.
- Prepare for interviews. If shortlisted, you’ll be interviewed. Practice talking about why you chose your field and why you want to work in energy and industry.
- Don’t rely on one bursary. Apply for other opportunities too: EWSETA bursaries, Mining SETA bursaries, engineering faculty scholarships and provincial programmes.
Treat your bursary application like a job application. It deserves serious preparation.
Answers to Common Questions
Can I apply if I’m still in Grade 12?
Yes. You apply using your Grade 11 results. But your final selection will depend on your Grade 12 results.
Does Sasol accept Mathematical Literacy?
No. You must have pure Mathematics, not Mathematical Literacy.
Can I study through UNISA?
No. Only full-time study at on-campus universities is supported.
Are diploma programmes funded?
No. Only degree-level qualifications.
Will I definitely get a job at Sasol after graduation?
The workback agreement means you’re expected to work for Sasol for a set period. Successful graduates typically enter Sasol’s Graduate Development Programme, which opens doors to permanent positions. But it’s not guaranteed — your performance during your degree matters.
What Happens Next?
The deadline is 17 May 2026. That gives you time to prepare a strong application, but not much — so start now.
Gather your documents this week. Write your motivation letter next week. Submit your application at least two weeks before the deadline.
This bursary is genuinely competitive, but thousands of South African students need it just like you do. Your chances improve when you apply early, complete everything properly, and show Sasol that you’re serious about your field.
Remember: you’re not just applying for money. You’re applying for mentorship, career development, and a direct pathway into a major South African company. That’s worth the effort.
Apply now: https://www.sasolbursaries.com/welcome/
CLOSING DATE: 17 MAY 2026
A Final Word
Edupstairs publishes verified opportunity information to support South African students. We are not the recruiting authority for this programme. Always confirm details directly with Sasol and submit applications through their official platform before the closing date.
Edupstairs is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO No: 232–182) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO: 930066984). Edupstairs does not solicit money or CVs from people for jobs. Please be aware of phony job postings and recruitment fraud.
