Last updated: 16 October 2026
The Sasol bursary is one of South Africa’s best-known bursaries for engineering and science students. Applications for the 2027 study year have already closed. This guide explains what the bursary covered, who qualified, which fields were funded and how to prepare for the next round.
Sasol bursary 2027 at a glance
- Main 2027 bursary window: 1 April to 17 May 2026 (now closed)
- Outcomes: Sasol said results would be shared by the end of September 2026
- Fields: engineering, science and data science (full list below)
- Who: South African citizens by birth, studying full time at an approved public university
- Covers: tuition, a living allowance and psychosocial support
- Apply at: sasolbursaries.com (online only)
- Call centre listed on the official site: 086 010 6235
Is the Sasol Bursary 2027 Still Open?
No. Sasol opened its 2027 engineering and science bursary on 1 April 2026. Applications closed on 17 May 2026. In its media release, Sasol said applicants would hear back by the end of September 2026.
A separate Sasol Mining bursary for women in fence-line communities near Secunda also ran for 2027. According to the University of Pretoria funding page, it opened on 24 August 2026 and closed on 13 September 2026.
As of 16 October 2026, the official site says applications are closed. Sasol has not announced dates for the next round (for study in 2028).
When might the next round open?
The 2027 round opened in early April 2026. The next round may follow a similar timeline, but Sasol has not confirmed this. Check sasolbursaries.com from early 2027 so you do not miss it.
Follow the Wiz Admissions WhatsApp Channel for new vacancies, learnerships, bursaries and application deadlines. It’s free, and we will never ask you for money. Follow the channel →
What the Sasol Bursary Covers
According to Sasol’s April 2026 media release, the bursary includes:
- Tuition fees
- A living allowance
- Psychosocial support
Bursars may also start their careers at Sasol after graduating. The official bursary site says mainstream bursaries come with a work-back or payback obligation. This means you either work for Sasol for a period after you graduate, or pay back the money. Read the contract carefully before you sign.
Fields of Study Funded for 2027
The 2027 undergraduate bursary covered these fields:
| Field | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | Degree |
| Civil Engineering | Degree |
| Electrical Engineering | Degree |
| Electronic Engineering | Degree |
| Industrial Engineering | Degree |
| Mechanical Engineering | Degree |
| Mining Engineering | Degree |
| Metallurgical Engineering / Metallurgy | Studies to Honours level required |
| Chemistry | Studies to Honours level required |
| Geology | Honours degree mandatory |
| Data Science | Computer Science, Mathematics, Operations Research or Statistics |
| Mine Surveying | University of Johannesburg only |
Fields can change from year to year. Always check the current list on sasolbursaries.com before you apply.
Who Qualifies for a Sasol Bursary?
Basic eligibility
- You must be a South African citizen by birth.
- You must be a permanent resident of South Africa.
- You must be registered for full-time undergraduate study at a Sasol-approved public university.
- UNISA studies are not considered.
- The official site also excludes dual, combined or hybrid degrees.
Matric subject requirements
| Qualification | Maths and Physical Science | English |
|---|---|---|
| B.Eng and B.Sc.Eng | Level 6 (70–79%) | Level 5 (60–69%) as Home or First Additional Language, or Level 4 (50–59%) as Second Additional Language |
| B.Eng Tech (Mine Surveying only) | Level 5 (60–69%) | Same as above |
The official bursary site says Maths Literacy is not accepted. You need pure Mathematics.
For students already at university
If you are in second to fourth year, Sasol looks at your previous year’s results. The official site lists a 60% average for these students. You also need your full academic record.
Other Sasol Bursary Programmes
The official bursary site lists several programmes. Not all of them open every year.
- Sasol Mainstream Programme: undergraduate and some postgraduate bursaries in engineering and science.
- Sasol Foundation Bursaries: mainly for children of Sasol employees, Khanyisa or Inzalo shareholders, and fence-line community residents. There is an age limit and a household income limit. Check the current limits on the official site.
- Sasol Mining Fence-line Programme: engineering bursaries for people living near Sasol Mining operations.
- Energy Bursary: listed for youth in the Namaqua and Richtersveld areas of the Northern Cape.
Sasol also lists graduate and technician development programmes for people who have finished studying.
Documents You Will Need
For the 2027 round, Sasol asked for:
- Grade 12 results (for first- and second-year applicants)
- Previous year’s university results (for second- to fourth-year applicants)
- Your full academic record from the start of your studies
- Proof of full-time registration, if you are already studying
- Proof of permanent home residence (municipality and district)
Get these ready early. Scan them clearly as PDFs so you can upload them quickly when the next round opens.
How to Apply for the Sasol Bursary (Step by Step)
- Check that applications are open. Visit sasolbursaries.com. Do not trust dates on social media alone.
- Read the criteria. Make sure your field, marks and university qualify.
- Prepare your documents. Scan your results, ID and proof of residence.
- Complete the online form. Fill in every section honestly.
- Upload your documents. Check that each file opens and is readable.
- Submit before the closing date. The official site says only one application per student is allowed.
- Watch for psychometric tests. Shortlisted applicants complete online tests.
- Wait for the outcome. Check your email and SMS, including spam folders.
Sasol warns that false information or not meeting the requirements can lead to the contract being ended.
Tips to Strengthen Your Next Application
- Focus on Grade 11 and Grade 12 marks. Matric learners often apply before final results are out, so earlier results matter.
- Apply to university early. Proof of registration or acceptance can be requested.
- Practise aptitude tests. Free online practice can help you feel ready for psychometric testing.
- Keep your contact details current. Use an email address and phone number you check daily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with Maths Literacy. You need pure Mathematics.
- Choosing an unfunded course. Diplomas and hybrid degrees are not covered.
- Studying through UNISA. UNISA studies are not considered.
- Uploading blurry documents. Unreadable files can sink your application.
- Waiting until the last day. Websites slow down near deadlines.
- Ignoring the work-back clause. Understand what you are signing.
Scam Warning
Sasol bursary applications are free and online only. Be careful of:
- People who ask for money to “process” or “fast-track” your bursary
- WhatsApp groups promising guaranteed Sasol bursaries
- Fake forms that ask for your banking PIN or OTP
Only apply through sasolbursaries.com. Sasol’s careers pages also include a fraud alert section. If in doubt, call the number listed on the official bursary site.
What to Do If the Sasol Bursary Is Closed
- Apply for NSFAS if you qualify. Check nsfas.org.za for its own dates.
- Look for other company bursaries in engineering and science.
- Ask your university’s financial aid office about available funding.
- Improve your marks if they are below the cut-off. Our matric rewrite guide explains how.
- Consider a learnership to gain work skills. See Learnerships 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Sasol bursary open for 2028?
Sasol has not announced this yet. The 2027 round opened on 1 April 2026, so start checking the official site from early 2027.
Does the Sasol bursary cover accommodation?
Sasol’s 2027 release lists tuition, a living allowance and psychosocial support. It does not list each cost separately. Ask Sasol directly about accommodation.
Can UNISA students get a Sasol bursary?
No. Sasol says UNISA studies are not considered for this bursary.
Do I have to work for Sasol after I graduate?
Mainstream bursaries carry a work-back or payback obligation. Read your contract for the exact terms.
Can I apply if I take Maths Literacy?
No. The bursary requires pure Mathematics and Physical Science.
Related Guides
- Matric Rewrite 2027: How to Upgrade Your Results
- UNISA Registration 2027 Step-by-Step Guide
- Learnerships 2026
- Free Microsoft AI Courses
- CV Template for South Africa
Conclusion
The Sasol bursary for 2027 closed on 17 May 2026. It funded engineering and science degrees, with tuition, a living allowance and support. Strong marks in pure Maths and Physical Science are essential.
If you missed this round, start preparing now. Get your documents ready, work on your marks and check sasolbursaries.com regularly from early 2027.
Wiz Admissions is an independent information site. We are not affiliated with Sasol. Always confirm details on the official Sasol bursary website.
