Sasol Foundation Mainstream Bursary Programme 2027: Fully Funded for Engineering and Science Students
Are you a young South African student dreaming of a career in engineering or science? The Sasol Foundation Mainstream Bursary Programme 2027 offers a fully funded chance to make that dream real. This programme supports full-time university studies and comes with extra help to grow your skills. Applications close on 17 May 2026, so now is the time to prepare.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The Sasol Foundation Mainstream Bursary Programme 2027 provides a full package for students. It pays for tuition, living costs, and books during your studies. Beyond money, it includes training and support to build your career. After you finish, you might join Sasol’s Graduate Development Programmes. Keep in mind, this bursary has a workback or payback rule. That means you agree to work for Sasol or repay the funds later.
This programme targets fields key to South Africa’s energy needs and growth. It focuses on engineering and science degrees at approved universities. Bursaries last for the standard time of your course, like four years for a B.Eng or B.Sc.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Sasol Foundation Mainstream Bursary Programme 2027, you must meet clear rules. You need to be a South African citizen planning full-time studies at a recognized university. No distance learning options like UNISA count. You must study a standard degree, not diplomas, dual degrees, or hybrid courses. Examples of no-gos include B.Sc. Chemistry with Chemical Engineering or B.Eng. Mechatronics.
Math is a big deal here. The programme does not accept Technical Maths or Maths Literacy. You can only submit one application. If you give wrong info at any point, your application gets canceled right away. Shortlisting follows strict criteria based on Sasol’s needs.
Undergraduate Study Fields
The bursary supports many undergraduate options. For B.Eng or B.Sc degrees, pick from these 14 fields:
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Chemical Engineering
This field teaches how to design and run plants that make chemicals and fuels. You learn about processes that power industries like energy. -
Chemistry (to Honours level)
Study the building blocks of matter. It leads to work in labs testing materials for Sasol’s operations. -
Civil Engineering
Focus on building infrastructure like roads and pipelines safe for energy transport. -
Data Science – Computer Science
Use coding to handle big data sets for business decisions. -
Data Science – Mathematics
Apply math models to predict trends in energy production. -
Data Science – Operations Research
Optimize systems to make factories run smoother. -
Data Science – Statistics
Analyze data to spot patterns in mining or chemicals. -
Electrical Engineering
Work on power systems for plants and grids. -
Electronic Engineering
Design circuits for control systems in industry. -
Geology (to Honours level)
Explore earth’s resources for mining fuels. -
Industrial Engineering
Improve factory efficiency and safety. -
Mechanical Engineering
Build and fix machines used in energy plants. -
Metallurgy / Metallurgical Engineering (to Honours level)
Study metals for extraction and use in industry. -
Mining Engineering
Learn safe ways to extract coal and minerals.
For University of Technology students, there’s B.Eng. Tech in Mine Surveying. This trains you to map underground sites accurately.
Postgraduate Study Fields
Sasol also funds higher degrees to build experts in key areas. These M.Sc., M.Eng., or PhD bursaries focus on research for energy transition and circular economy. They cover:
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Chemical Engineering – Fluid Dynamics
Model how liquids and gases flow in pipes and reactors. -
Chemical Engineering – Mathematical and Statistical Modelling
Use math to simulate chemical processes. -
Chemical Engineering – Process Modelling
Predict how factories will perform before building. -
Chemical Engineering – Reactor Technology
Design vessels where reactions make products. -
Chemical Engineering – Separation Technology
Separate useful parts from mixtures, like in refining. -
Chemical Engineering – Thermodynamics
Study heat and energy in chemical systems. -
Chemistry – Advanced Analytical Chemistry (Vibrational Spectroscopy or Gas Chromatography)
Develop tools to test chemicals precisely. -
Chemistry – Catalysis or Polymer Science
Create reactions or plastics for industry. -
Chemistry – Environmental Science (Water, Waste, Air, or Air Dispersion Modelling)
Tackle pollution in energy production. -
Cyber Security
Protect data systems in energy firms. -
Data Science – Applied Mathematics
Solve real-world problems with advanced math. -
Data Science – Statistics
Use stats for reliable predictions in science.
These postgraduate spots aim to fill Sasol’s need for top talent.
Benefits of the Programme
Winning this bursary means more than free school. Sasol offers mentorship and skills workshops. You get a clear path to jobs in their group. The package covers all study costs, so you focus on learning. Past students often land roles right after graduation.
How to Apply
Start by visiting the official Sasol bursaries website at https://www.sasolbursaries.com/welcome/. Fill out the online form with your details, grades, and field choice. Upload proof of maths skills and university acceptance if you have it. Apply before 17 May 2026. Sasol reviews apps carefully and contacts shortlisted candidates for interviews.
Double-check everything. False info leads to instant rejection. Prepare strong results in pure maths and science subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Sasol Foundation Mainstream Bursary Programme 2027 cover?
It covers tuition, living costs, books, and includes training and career support. After studies, you may join Sasol’s graduate programmes, but there is a workback or payback rule.
Who can apply for the bursary?
South African citizens planning full-time university degrees in approved fields qualify. You need strong pure maths grades, and no distance learning or diplomas are accepted.
What undergraduate fields does the bursary support?
It supports 14 fields like Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mining Engineering at universities.
How do you apply for the Sasol bursary?
Visit the official Sasol bursaries website, complete the online form with your details and grades, and upload required documents before 17 May 2026.