Big STEM funding window to know about: Sasol’s South African Mainstream Bursary Programme is now open for the 2027 academic year. It’s designed for full‑time university studies in engineering and science and includes both financial and developmental support, with a work‑back and/or pay‑back obligation.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Sasol
Opportunity type: Bursary programme (undergraduate + selected postgraduate)
Who it’s for: South African citizens (by birth) studying full‑time in approved engineering and science fields
Location: South Africa
Application window: 1 April 2026 – 17 May 2026 (for 2027 academic year)
Last verified: 1 April 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is a career‑pipeline bursary: the programme includes developmental support during study, and graduates may be considered for employment in Sasol’s graduate programmes. There is also a work‑back and/or pay‑back obligation. Another important filter: Technical Maths / Maths Literacy is not accepted for this bursary stream.
Applications must be submitted online via the Sasol bursaries portal (email applications are not considered), and late or incomplete submissions are screened out.
About the sponsor
Sasol is an integrated chemicals and energy company. Its bursary programmes are positioned as a long‑term talent pipeline to support scarce skills in engineering and science and to develop graduates for roles within the Sasol Group.
Source Link: Sasol Bursaries – South African Mainstream Bursary Programme
What it covers
This bursary is described as a comprehensive package that includes financial support and developmental support throughout the study period. A specific rand value is not listed on the bursary landing page.
Eligibility
- Must be a South African citizen (by birth only)
- Must be studying (or planning to study) full‑time towards an approved degree at a South African public university / university of technology
- Programme focuses on engineering and science (degrees; no diplomas listed for the mainstream stream)
- Must meet Sasol’s bursary criteria, including academic performance and household income verification requirements
Fields of study supported
- Undergraduate (B.Eng / B.Sc): Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Industrial, Mechanical, Mining Engineering; Chemistry (to Honours); Geology (to Honours); Metallurgy / Metallurgical Engineering (to Honours); plus Data Science streams (Computer Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, Statistics)
- University of Technology: B.Eng.Tech – Mine Surveying
- Postgraduate: M.Sc / M.Eng / PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering research areas (as listed on the bursary page)
Documents to prepare
Complete the online application and be ready to provide the information and supporting documentation requested in the portal (for example, academic records and proof required for verification checks). Incomplete submissions are not considered.
Closing date
17 May 2026 (apply before close of business on the closing date).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying with Maths Literacy / Technical Maths
- Submitting via email instead of the online portal
- Applying outside the application window
- Applying for non‑approved programmes (or diploma programmes under the mainstream stream)
- Submitting without the required academic information or verification details
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against Sasol’s current bursary portal page (application window, eligibility rules, fields supported, and online application requirement).
How to apply
- Open the Sasol bursary portal and create an account.
- Complete the bursary application in full and upload/provide the required information.
- Submit before the closing date.
- If you experience portal issues, use the call centre number listed on the bursary page.