Sasol Foundation Bursaries 2027: Apply for STEM and Non-STEM Funding
The Sasol Foundation is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African students. This programme aims to support academically strong and financially needy students pursuing their first undergraduate qualification in priority fields. Applications are open from 1 August 2026 to 23 August 2026.
Application Closing Date: 23 August 2026
Location: Approved public universities in South Africa
Programme Duration: Undergraduate studies
Stipend: Not specified
Minimum Qualification: Varies by programme, generally Matric with specific subject requirements
About the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme
The Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme supports students who want to study at approved South African public universities. It focuses on helping students who show academic promise but need financial assistance to achieve their educational goals. The programme is designed for those pursuing their first undergraduate degree in fields that Sasol has identified as important for future growth and skills development.
This bursary is specifically for South African citizens who are younger than 25 years old at the time of application. A key requirement is a combined annual household income of R800,000 or less, highlighting the programme’s focus on financial need. The bursary covers a range of study areas, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as some non-STEM fields.
About Sasol
Sasol is a global integrated chemicals and energy company. It is involved in the development, production, and marketing of a range of products, including liquid fuels, chemicals, and low-carbon electricity. Sasol plays a significant role in the South African economy and is committed to supporting education and skills development through various initiatives like the Sasol Foundation.
Sasol Bursary Opportunities Available for 2027
The Sasol Foundation offers several bursary streams for the 2027 academic year. Applicants should choose the programme that best fits their field of study and personal circumstances.
- Sasol Foundation STEM Bursaries
- Sasol Foundation Non-STEM Bursaries
- Sasol Mining Fence-line Bursary Programme
The Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme is currently closed for applications.
Sasol Foundation STEM Bursaries
The STEM bursary programme is designed to fund undergraduate studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It prioritizes qualifications that align with future industry needs, particularly in areas like the Green Economy and Digitalisation. This includes fields such as engineering, technology, data science, and environmental science.
Priority STEM Study Areas
The bursary supports a variety of future-focused STEM disciplines. Examples of priority study areas include:
- Engineering (various disciplines)
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Medical Sciences
- Construction
- Manufacturing
Applicants should always check the official bursary portal for the most current list of accepted qualifications.
Engineering and Science Degrees
Undergraduate qualifications supported by the bursary include degrees in various engineering fields like Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Mining, and Metallurgical Engineering. Science degrees in Chemistry, Geology, Data Science, Computer Science, and Statistics are also included. Mine Surveying at the University of Johannesburg is supported under specific conditions.
Sasol Foundation Non-STEM Bursaries
The Non-STEM bursaries have more specific eligibility criteria. These are generally intended for applicants who are:
- Children of Sasol employees
- Children of Sasol Khanyisa shareholders
- Students from Sasol fence-line communities
These applicants must still meet all other general eligibility and academic requirements for the bursary.
Sasol Mining Fence-line Bursary Programme
A separate bursary programme is available for students from qualifying mining fence-line communities. Applications for this programme are scheduled to open later, from 24 August 2026 to 13 September 2026. This is distinct from the main Sasol Foundation application period.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Sasol Foundation bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen by birth.
- Be younger than 25 years old at the time of application.
- Be pursuing their first undergraduate qualification.
- Intend to study full-time.
- Meet the academic requirements for their chosen course.
- Have a combined annual household income of R800,000 or less.
- Study at an institution and in a qualification accepted by the bursary programme.
First-Year Applicant Requirements
Applicants applying for funding for their first year of university study should:
- Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric within the year before applying.
- Meet the academic entry requirements for their intended university programme.
- Qualify for admission to the university course.
Recent academic results are essential for these applications.
Current University Student Requirements
Students who are already studying at university and are applying for funding for subsequent years must achieve an overall academic average of at least 60%. This applies to students in their second, third, or fourth year of undergraduate study. They must also remain academically eligible for their degree programme.
Household Income Requirement
The total annual income from all household earners must not exceed R800,000. Applicants will need to provide documentation to verify their household income. Financial need is a significant factor in the selection process.
Engineering Academic Requirements
For BEng and BSc Engineering programmes, applicants typically need a minimum of 70% to 79% for Mathematics and Physical Sciences, along with appropriate English results. For BEng Tech programmes, the requirement is generally 60% to 69% for Mathematics and Physical Sciences. It is important to confirm the exact requirements for the specific qualification on the official Sasol bursary portal.
Mathematics Requirements
Technical Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy are not accepted for the listed Engineering and Science bursaries. Applicants must ensure their Matric results include the required level of Mathematics.
Institution Requirements
The bursary is intended for students studying at approved South African public universities. While Universities of Technology are mentioned, funding for their programmes may be limited, except for specific arrangements like Mine Surveying. Applicants planning to study at a University of Technology should verify their programme’s eligibility directly.
Study Options Not Funded
The Sasol Foundation bursary programme does not fund the following:
- Studies at UNISA
- Diploma qualifications
- Postgraduate qualifications (under the Foundation programme)
- Hybrid or combined degree programmes
- Certain University of Technology qualifications
Applicants should confirm their specific qualification is eligible before applying.
What the Sasol Foundation Bursary Covers
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support for successful applicants. While specific monetary limits are not detailed in the provided information, it typically covers educational expenses. Applicants should check the official award conditions for details on tuition, registration, accommodation, learning materials, and other approved costs.
Academic and Development Support
Beyond financial aid, successful bursary recipients may also benefit from:
- Academic support programmes.
- Personal development opportunities.
- Student support initiatives.
- Exposure to Sasol’s broader development programmes.
The exact support offered will depend on the specific terms of the bursary awarded.
Selection Process
The selection process typically involves several stages:
- Online application submission.
- Academic screening based on results.
- Verification of eligibility criteria.
- Household income verification.
- Psychometric assessments.
- Interviews for shortlisted candidates.
- Final selection of recipients.
Applicants must keep their contact details up to date throughout this period.
Psychometric Assessments
Psychometric assessments are a part of the selection process. Candidates invited to this stage must follow all instructions and complete the assessments within the given timeframe. Successfully completing these assessments does not guarantee bursary funding.
Application Outcome
Applicants can expect to receive notification regarding the outcome of their application by the end of November 2026. Only those who successfully complete all required selection stages will be offered bursary funding.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents for their application:
- A certified copy of their South African identity document.
- Their latest academic results (Matric results or current university transcript).
- Proof of university registration, if applicable.
- Proof of permanent residential address.
- Documentation to verify household income.
- Any additional documents requested on the online application portal.
It is important to refer to the final document checklist on the application portal, as requirements can vary.
How to Apply for the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2027
Applications must be submitted online through the official Sasol bursary portal.
Click here to apply for the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2027
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Sasol bursary portal.
- Select the correct 2027 bursary programme.
- Register an account or log in.
- Fill in all personal details accurately.
- Provide correct academic information.
- Enter household income details.
- Upload all necessary certified documents.
- Complete any required declarations.
- Review the entire application before submitting.
- Submit the application before the closing date of 23 August 2026.
Technical Application Support
If you encounter technical issues while completing the online application, you can contact the Sasol bursary call centre for assistance at 086 010 6235.
Bursary Application Closing Date
The deadline for submitting applications for the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2027 is 23 August 2026. Applications are currently open. It is advisable to apply well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute submission problems.
Important Application Conditions
Applicants should be aware of the following conditions:
- South African citizenship by birth is mandatory.
- Applicants must be under 25 years old.
- Funding is only for the first undergraduate qualification.
- Study must be full-time.
- The household income limit is R800,000 per year.
- Current university students need at least a 60% average.
- Postgraduate studies and Diploma qualifications are not funded under this programme.
- UNISA studies are not eligible.
- Psychometric assessments may be part of the selection.
- Eligibility for University of Technology programmes needs careful verification.
- Meeting all requirements does not guarantee funding.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, please confirm that:
- You will submit online by 23 August 2026.
- You are a South African citizen by birth.
- You are younger than 25 years old.
- You are pursuing your first undergraduate degree.
- You will study full-time.
- Your chosen qualification is on the approved funding list.
- Your university is an eligible institution.
- Your household income does not exceed R800,000 annually.
- You meet the specific Mathematics and Physical Sciences requirements if applicable.
- Your academic records are ready.
- Your identity document is available.
- Your household income documents are prepared.
- Your proof of residence is available if required.
- Your application is complete and accurate.
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