How To Apply For Sasol Bursary In South Africa (2026 Complete Guide)

The Sasol Bursary is one of the most competitive and prestigious private-sector bursaries in South Africa. Offered by Sasol Limited, this bursary supports high-performing students who want to pursue careers in engineering, science, and technology fields.

If you are searching for how to apply for the Sasol Bursary, this comprehensive guide explains eligibility requirements, application steps, required documents, benefits, and expert tips to increase your chances of selection.

Introduction to the Sasol Bursary Programme

The Sasol Bursary Programme is designed to develop top talent in scarce and critical skills areas that align with the company’s operations in energy, chemicals, and engineering.

Sasol offers two main bursary streams:

Merit Bursary (for high-performing students)
Comprehensive Bursary (for students from disadvantaged backgrounds with strong academic potential)

The programme supports undergraduate studies at recognised South African universities.

Official Sasol careers website:

Why the Sasol Bursary Matters

The Sasol Bursary is more than just financial support. It provides:

Full tuition coverage
Accommodation and meals
Book and laptop allowance
Monthly stipend
Paid vacation work
Access to mentorship and development programmes
Possible employment opportunity after graduation

For job seekers in engineering and science fields, this bursary offers a direct pathway into one of South Africa’s leading industrial companies.

If you’re exploring more private-sector bursaries, you can also browse updated opportunities for verified listings.

Fields Covered by the Sasol Bursary

Sasol mainly funds studies in high-demand technical fields such as:

Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mining Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Chemistry
Information Technology
Data Science
Computer Science

The list may change annually depending on business needs, so always check the official Sasol careers page.

Sasol Bursary Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Sasol Bursary, applicants must:

Be a South African citizen
Be currently in Grade 12 or already studying at university
Achieve strong results in Mathematics and Physical Science
Intend to study full-time at a recognised South African university
Meet the minimum APS or academic threshold set by Sasol

The bursary is highly competitive, so academic excellence is essential.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Sasol Bursary

Step 1: Visit the Official Sasol Careers Portal

Go to: Careers

Navigate to the “Students” or “Bursaries” section.

Step 2: Search for Open Bursary Opportunities

Use the search function and look for:

“Sasol Bursary Programme”
“Undergraduate Bursary”

Read the full bursary advert carefully to understand eligibility criteria and closing dates.

Step 3: Register an Online Profile

You will need to:

Create an online account
Upload required documents
Complete your personal and academic details

Make sure your email address and contact details are correct.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Typical required documents include:

Certified copy of South African ID
Grade 11 or Grade 12 results (if in matric)
Latest academic transcript (if at university)
Proof of university acceptance
Updated CV
Motivation letter

Ensure documents are clear, certified, and uploaded in the correct format.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Before the Deadline

Sasol bursary applications usually close around:

April to May (for the following academic year)

Always check the official closing date on the Sasol website.

Late applications are not considered.

Check How to Apply for Provincial Government Bursaries in South Africa

What to Expect After Applying

After submission:

Applications are screened
Academic performance is evaluated
Shortlisted candidates may attend interviews or assessments
Final selection is communicated officially

Successful candidates may be required to participate in vacation work or experiential training during their studies.

Common Challenges Applicants Face

Many students are unsuccessful due to:

Weak Mathematics or Physical Science results
Missing required documents
Submitting incomplete applications
Applying after the deadline
Not meeting minimum academic thresholds

The Sasol bursary is extremely competitive, so attention to detail is critical.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Selection

Maintain strong Mathematics and Science marks (especially above 70%)
Apply as early as possible
Write a strong motivation letter explaining your career goals
Ensure all documents are properly certified
Double-check your online profile before submission

Useful Resources

Sasol Official Website

Department of Higher Education and Training

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

These platforms provide reliable information about funding and education opportunities.

Conclusion

The Sasol Bursary is one of South Africa’s most prestigious private-sector funding opportunities for students pursuing engineering, science, and technology degrees. It not only covers study costs but also provides mentorship, work experience, and potential employment after graduation.

If you are academically strong, passionate about engineering or science, and ready to compete at a high level, applying for the Sasol Bursary could be your gateway to a successful career in the energy and chemicals industry.

Apply early, meet all requirements, and ensure your application stands out.