Young people from eligible Sasol Mining fence-line communities can apply for the Sasol Mining Fence-line Bursary Programme 2027. The programme supports selected engineering and science degrees and includes a work-back or pay-back obligation.
At a glance
Sponsor: Sasol Mining
Opportunity type: Comprehensive undergraduate bursary
Who it’s for: South African citizens by birth from eligible Sasol Mining fence-line communities
Study level: First undergraduate degree
Study institution: Approved public South African university; Mine Surveying at UJ is the stated University of Technology route
Application method: Online through the Sasol bursary portal
Closing date: 13 September 2026 at midnight
Last verified: 24 August 2026
High-value notes
- Permanent residence in an eligible Sasol Mining fence-line community is essential, and proof of your permanent home municipality and district is required.
- The bursary has a work-back or pay-back obligation. Read the bursary agreement carefully before accepting an award.
- UNISA and dual, combined or hybrid degree programmes are not accepted.
- Mine Surveying is supported at the University of Johannesburg only, and Geology students must continue to Honours level.
- Shortlisted applicants must be available for online psychometric testing before interviews.
About Sasol Mining
Sasol Mining supplies coal to Sasol’s South African operations. Its fence-line bursary programme develops scarce engineering, science and technology skills while creating opportunities for qualifying young people from communities near its operations.
What the bursary covers
The programme is described as a comprehensive bursary with financial and developmental support. Sasol’s published fence-line bursary information identifies tuition and a living allowance as core support, together with psychosocial assistance. Successful applicants should use their bursary agreement as the final guide to covered expenses and obligations.
Fields of study
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Geology, with study to Honours level required
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Mine Surveying at the University of Johannesburg only
Eligibility
- Be a South African citizen by birth with a valid ID
- Permanently reside in an eligible Sasol Mining fence-line community
- Be 25 years old or younger when applying
- Have a combined household income of no more than R800,000 per year
- Be pursuing your first undergraduate degree full time in an eligible field
- Study at an approved public South African university, subject to the stated Mine Surveying exception
- If entering first year, be currently completing Matric or have completed it within the preceding year
- If applying for second, third or fourth year, have an average of at least 60% across your modules
Academic subject requirements
For BEng or BSc Engineering entry, the published minimums are Level 6 for Mathematics and Physical Science, plus the stated English language level. For BEng Tech entry, the published minimums are Level 5 for Mathematics and Physical Science, plus the stated English language level. Mathematics Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted.
Documents to prepare
- Valid South African ID
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 results for first-year applications
- Full academic record and proof of registration for current university students
- Proof of permanent home residence showing your municipality and district
- Household-income documents requested by the portal
- Any additional documents listed in your online application checklist
Closing date
13 September 2026 at midnight.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying without proof that your permanent home is in an eligible fence-line community
- Selecting UNISA or an unsupported dual or hybrid degree
- Using Mathematics Literacy or Technical Mathematics to meet an engineering requirement
- Overlooking the work-back or pay-back obligation
- Starting registration on the portal too close to the deadline
How this opportunity was verified
Last checked on 24 August 2026 using Sasol’s active bursary portal information and Sasol’s published fence-line bursary material. The current schedule confirms that Mining applications opened on 24 August and close at midnight on 13 September 2026.
How to apply
- Open the Sasol bursary portal and register if you do not already have an account.
- Select the Sasol Mining Fence-line bursary opportunity.
- Complete the application and upload proof of residence, academic results and all other required documents.
- Review the work-back or pay-back conditions before submitting.
- Submit before midnight on 13 September 2026.