South Africa is home to numerous scholarship opportunities aimed at developing the country’s future workforce, but few can commpare to the prestige of the Sasol Bursary Programme.
Sasol is a global chemicals and energy company that is well known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social upliftment.
Through its bursary programmes, Sasol invests in talented South African youth to foster growth in critical fields such as science, engineering, and technology.
Sasol Bursary Programme
Sasol’s bursary programmes reflect the company’s mission to support South Africa’s economic growth by nurturing the next generation of innovators and thought leaders.
The initiative provides financial aid to undergraduate, postgraduate, and University of Technology students pursuing qualifications in high-demand fields such as engineering, data science, and cybersecurity.
Sasol offers two primary bursary categories:
- Sasol Mainstream Bursary: This performance-based bursary is available for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in engineering, science, and technology disciplines. Successful candidates commit to a work-back obligation with Sasol upon graduation.
- Sasol Foundation Bursary: Targeting both STEM and non-STEM students, this bursary includes provisions for financially needy and academically deserving students. It also prioritizes children of Sasol employees and shareholders.
Key Details: Application Requirements
Fields of Study
The Sasol Mainstream and Foundation bursaries are offered for the following fields of study:
- Undergraduate Degrees: Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Mining Engineering; Data Science; Chemistry; Metallurgy; and more.
- University of Technology Studies: Mine Surveying, Instrumentation, and Control Engineering, among others.
- Postgraduate Degrees: Advanced studies in engineering and science, with a focus on economic growth drivers such as cybersecurity.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be accepted or provisionally accepted to study full-time at an accredited South African university or University of Technology.
- Achieve a minimum score of 70% for Mathematics and Physical Science at the Grade 12 level (undergraduate bursaries).
Application Steps
- Visit the Sasol bursary portal: Sasol Bursary Application Page.
- Register a new account or log in as a returning user.
- Complete the application form, supplying accurate personal and academic information.
- Upload all required documents, including:
- Certified copies of ID and academic records.
- Proof of university acceptance.
- Grade 11 final results for current Grade 12 learners.
- Submit the application before the deadline (typically announced on the portal).
Under the section asking how you heard about the bursary, input: www.bursariesmzansi.co.za.
What the Sasol Bursary Covers
The Sasol Bursary Programme is comprehensive, ensuring students have the financial means to excel academically. Coverage includes:
- Tuition Fees: 100% of the prescribed university fees, registration, and examination costs.
- Accommodation: Single-room university residence rates or equivalent.
- Meals: Based on three meals per day as determined by the university.
- Books and Pocket Money: Approximately R12,000 annually for undergraduate bursaries.
- Postgraduate Benefits: Monthly stipends to cover research costs, living expenses, and tuition.
Benefits Beyond Financial Aid
In addition to financial support, Sasol bursary recipients enjoy numerous advantages, including:
- Mentorship Opportunities: Guidance from seasoned professionals within Sasol.
- Internships and Graduate Development: Practical training through the Sasol Graduate Development Programme.
- Networking: Exposure to Sasol’s vast professional network and career prospects.
Deadlines
The Sasol bursary application period normally opens in March and closes by May or June.
But 2025 application dates are not out yet.
Late applications are not considered, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Visit the Sasol bursary portal regularly for updated timelines.
Contact Information
For further assistance or inquiries, you may reach out to Sasol via the following:
- Website: Sasol Bursary Programme
- Call Centre: 0860 106 235
- Email: bursaries@sasol.com