Understanding the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme

The Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme is a significant opportunity for South African students aiming for higher education. This program is designed to address the need for skilled professionals in South Africa and globally, ensuring a continuous supply of talent. Sasol offers various initiatives to support the development of both scholars and graduates, with the bursary program being a key component.

The program provides two main types of bursaries: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Non-STEM. This analysis will break down what each offers, who is eligible, and how to apply, providing a clear guide for potential applicants.

STEM Bursaries

The Sasol Foundation offers comprehensive bursaries for talented individuals pursuing full-time undergraduate degrees in STEM fields. The focus is on careers that align with future needs, particularly in the Green Economy and Digitalization. This includes disciplines such as Engineering, Information Technology, Data Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Construction & Manufacturing. It’s important to note that postgraduate bursaries are not available for the upcoming academic year.

Non-STEM Bursaries

These bursaries are specifically for qualifying students from communities located near Sasol plants, children of Sasol Khanyisa shareholders, and children of Sasol employees. These individuals can pursue non-STEM qualifications. Similar to the STEM bursaries, postgraduate opportunities are not offered for the next academic year.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme, applicants must meet several requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen by birth.
• Financial Need: Combined household income must not exceed R800,000.00 per annum. The selection process prioritizes financially needy students who also demonstrate strong academic potential.
• Academic Performance:
• First-year university students must have completed matric within the year prior to application or be currently completing matric.
• University students applying for their second, third, or fourth year of study must have maintained an average of 60% across all their modules.
• Age Limit: Applicants must not be older than 25 years at the time of application.
• Degree Level: The bursary is for a first undergraduate degree only.
• Community/Affiliation (for Non-STEM): Non-STEM bursaries are exclusively for children of Sasol employees, Khanyisa/Inzalo shareholders, or candidates from Sasol’s fence-line communities.

Application Process

The application for the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme is done online. Interested candidates can visit the official Sasol bursaries portal to submit their applications. It is crucial to ensure all required documentation is accurate and submitted before the deadline, which is August 23, 2026. For detailed information and to start the application, applicants should visit the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme website.

Conclusion

The Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme represents a valuable pathway for South African students to achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly in fields critical for the nation’s future. By understanding the specific requirements for both STEM and Non-STEM bursaries, and ensuring all eligibility criteria are met, prospective applicants can position themselves strongly for this beneficial opportunity.