The Sasol Foundation has opened its 2027 all‑inclusive undergraduate bursary programme – a vital opportunity for South African students from financially constrained households to fund STEM (and selected non‑STEM) studies. Applications close on 23 August 2026, so you need to act now.
What the bursary offers
Sasol will support full‑time learners at approved South African public universities and Universities of Technology. The award can pay for:
- Registration fees
- Prescribed tuition fees
- Examination fees (where applicable)
- University accommodation
- Meals
- Books and study material
- Pocket‑money or personal‑study allowance
In addition, the Foundation provides academic, personal‑development and work‑readiness programmes throughout the study period.
Note: No postgraduate bursaries are available for the 2027 academic year.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must meet all of the following:
- South African citizen
- 25 years old or younger when you submit the application
- First‑time undergraduate student
- Intending to study full‑time
- Have a provisional or full acceptance at an eligible institution
- Meet the academic entry requirements for your chosen qualification
- Household income of R800 000 per year or less
Non‑STEM funding is limited to children of Sasol employees, children of Sasol Khanyisa or qualifying shareholder beneficiaries, and learners from Sasol fence‑line communities. These candidates may apply for fields such as Accounting and Financial Sciences, but the number of places is far smaller than for STEM.
Priority study areas
Sasol is focusing on future‑skill programmes, especially those linked to the green economy and digitalisation. Priority fields include:
- Engineering (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Industrial, Mining, Metallurgical)
- Engineering Technology
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Data Science
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Medical Sciences
- Construction and Manufacturing
- Other future‑focused STEM disciplines (e.g., Chemistry, Geology, Statistics, Operations Research)
Funding amounts can vary by qualification, so choose your programme carefully when you fill in the online form.
Academic requirements
If you are already studying at university, you need an average of at least 60 % across your modules (second, third or fourth year) and must remain academically eligible. Current Grade 12 learners can apply using their final Grade 11 results; those who have completed Grade 12 must upload the relevant results.
Engineering applicants must have passed standard Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English. Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics do not satisfy the Mathematics requirement. Check the specific entry criteria for your degree before you submit the form.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Gather all required documents (see list below).
- Visit the official Sasol bursary portal and create an account.
- Select the “Sasol Foundation Bursary” option.
- Enter your personal details, academic information and household‑income figures.
- Upload clear, readable copies of every document.
- Review the entire application and submit it online before the deadline.
Applications are accepted online only. Email submissions are not considered. If you encounter technical problems, call the Sasol Bursary Application Helpline on 086 010 6235.
Documents you will need
- South African ID document
- Latest academic results (Grade 11, Grade 12 or university transcripts)
- Full academic transcript if you are already in university
- Proof of provisional or confirmed acceptance at an eligible institution
- Proof of residential address
- Household‑income documentation (e.g., payslips, tax certificates)
- Any additional files requested by the online portal
Make sure every file is legible and matches the information you type into the form. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Tips to improve your chances
- Start early: Collect all paperwork and scan it well before the 1 August opening date.
- Use provisional acceptance: You do not need a final registration confirmation; a provisional offer satisfies the requirement.
- Check your Mathematics qualification: Standard Mathematics is mandatory for engineering pathways.
- Maintain a 60 % average: If you are already at university, this is the minimum threshold for consideration.
- Proof of income is essential: Even strong academic results will not outweigh a household income above R800 000.
- Follow the online portal instructions precisely: Small errors can lead to disqualification.
Insider tip: Do not wait for your university registration to be finalised before checking eligibility. Provisional acceptance can satisfy the application requirement, and current Grade 12 learners can use their Grade 11 final results. Prepare your academic and income documents early so missing paperwork does not stop you from completing the online submission.
Selection process
After you submit, Sasol will screen applications based on citizenship, academic performance, financial need, university acceptance and eligibility of the chosen qualification. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete online interviews and psychometric assessments. Final decisions are usually communicated by the end of November.
Final thoughts
The Sasol Foundation Bursary 2027 is a comprehensive package that can remove most financial barriers for South African students pursuing future‑focused STEM (and limited non‑STEM) qualifications. If you meet the eligibility criteria, gather your documents now and submit your application before the 23 August 2026 deadline. Taking these steps today could secure the support you need to study, develop skills, and launch a successful career.