The Sasol Foundation Mainstream Bursary Programme
The Sasol Foundation Mainstream Bursary Programme is a comprehensive package that offers both financial and developmental support to students pursuing full-time university studies in engineering and science. The programme is available for South African students only. ### Eligible Fields of Study
The Sasol Bursary Programme comprises a range of fields of study in engineering and science. The following fields are eligible for the programme:
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry (Studies to Hons. level will be required)
- Civil Engineering
- Data Science – Computer Science
- Data Science – Mathematics
- Data Science – Operations Research
- Data Science – Statistics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Geology (Studies to Hons. level will be required)
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy (Studies to Hons. level will be required)
- Mining Engineering
- Undergraduate Studies (B. Eng. Tech.) – University of Technology
Note that the Sasol Bursary Programme does not accept Technical Maths/Math’s literacy. ### Postgraduate Bursaries
The Sasol Foundation grants postgraduate bursaries for M.Sc., M.Eng., and Ph.D. studies in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. These awards are made to support postgraduate research that aligns with Sasol and South Africa’s energy and circular economy transition. The following core disciplines are eligible for postgraduate bursaries:
- Chemical Engineering – Fluid Dynamics
- Chemical Engineering – Mathematical and Statistical Modelling
- Chemical Engineering – Process Modelling
- Chemical Engineering – Reactor Technology
- Chemical Engineering – Separation Technology
- Chemical Engineering – Thermodynamics
- Chemistry – Advance analytical Chemistry in the areas of Vibrational Spectroscopy or Gas Chromatography
- Chemistry – Catalysis or Polymer Science
- Chemistry – Environmental Science in the areas of Water, Waste or Air, or in Air with focus on dispersion modelling
- Cyber Security
- Data Science – Applied Mathematics
- Data Science – Statistics
Applicants do not need to have a formal project proposal ready, but they should have a clear idea of the area of study and be able to discuss possible topics that support the current sustainability imperatives. ### Application Requirements
To apply for the Sasol Bursary Programme, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme at a recognized university or tertiary institution
- Have a valid student ID number
- Meet the minimum entry requirements for the chosen programme
- Meet the Sasol Foundation’s requirements, which include being a member of the Sasol Bursaries Alumni Network or being employed by Sasol
### Bursary Programme Components
The Sasol Bursary Programme comprises both financial and developmental support. The programme includes:
- Full bursary award
- Graduate Development Programmes
- Support for living expenses and study materials
- Access to Sasol’s Graduate Development Programmes
The bursary award will be conditional on completing the study period and fulfilling the workback and/or payback obligation. Sasol Mainstream bursaries have a workback and/or payback obligation. ### Application Process
Applications for the Sasol Bursary Programme can be submitted through the Sasol bursaries website. Applicants must ensure that their application is complete and submitted before the application closing date. The application process includes:
- Submission of an online application
- Uploading required supporting documents
- Submission of a CV and a personal statement
The application closing date is 18 May 2025. ### Important Notes
The following are important notes to consider when applying for the Sasol Bursary Programme:
- All applications must be submitted before close of business on the application closing date
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
- Applications submitted via email or not submitted via the Sasol bursaries website will not be considered
- Applications from non-South African citizens will not be considered
For more information about the Sasol Bursary Programme, applicants can visit the Sasol bursaries website. ### Frequently Asked Questions
We have received several questions from applicants, which we would like to address:
We understand that some applicants may have questions about the Sasol Bursary Programme. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you.
Q: What is the Sasol Bursary Programme? A: The Sasol Bursary Programme is a comprehensive package that offers both financial and developmental support to students pursuing full-time university studies in engineering and science. Q: What are the eligible fields of study for the Sasol Bursary Programme? A: The Sasol Bursary Programme is available for students pursuing degrees in the following fields of study:
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Data Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy
- Mining Engineering
Q: What is the workback and/or payback obligation for Sasol Mainstream bursaries? A: The workback and/or payback obligation for Sasol Mainstream bursaries means that the bursary recipient will be required to work for Sasol for a certain period of time after completing their studies, or pay back the bursary amount. Q: How can I apply for the Sasol Bursary Programme? A: Applications for the Sasol Bursary Programme can be submitted through the Sasol bursaries website. Q: What are the key components of the Sasol Bursary Programme? A: The Sasol Bursary Programme comprises both financial and developmental support, including a full bursary award, Graduate Development Programmes, support for living expenses and study materials, and access to Sasol’s Graduate Development Programmes. Q: What is the deadline for applying for the Sasol Bursary Programme? A: The application closing date for the Sasol Bursary Programme is 18 May 2025.
