Sasol offers more than one bursary. This confuses many students. They apply for the wrong one or miss the right one completely. This guide explains the Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2027 in simple words. It also shows how it differs from the other Sasol programmes so you can choose wisely next time.
Status Update
The 2027 Sasol Foundation call closed on 23 August 2026. Other Sasol calls for 2027 have closed too. You can still use this article to plan for the next intake.
What Is the Sasol Foundation Bursary?
Sasol is a global energy and chemicals company. Its Foundation runs an all inclusive undergraduate bursary for talented students who face money problems. The programme mainly supports STEM studies. STEM means science and technology and engineering and mathematics. Fields such as engineering and information technology and data science and environmental science were highlighted. A few selected non STEM qualifications were also funded.
Who Was the Foundation Bursary For?
The 2027 call focused on three groups:
- Students from Sasol’s local communities
- Children of Sasol employees
- Children of Sasol Khanyisa shareholders
You also had to meet these points:
- Be a South African student with good academic results
- Be 25 years old or younger when you apply
- Come from a household with limited income (a limit of R600 000 per year was reported)
- Meet the marks needed for your chosen programme
- Plan to study full time towards an undergraduate degree
Postgraduate study was not funded under this programme.
Also read: Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027: Dates, Requirements and How to Apply
What Does All Inclusive Mean?
The bursary does more than pay tuition. Reports say Sasol bursaries typically cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and study material
- Pocket money
- Support to help students pass and finish on time
Exact amounts can change so check the official advert for the current package.
Read More: Absa Bursary 2027: Requirements and How to Apply
Three Sasol Bursaries at a Glance
1. Sasol Foundation Bursary
Best for students from Sasol communities or families linked to Sasol. It is for undergraduate STEM and some non STEM courses. The 2027 call closed on 23 August 2026.
2. Sasol Mining Fence-line Bursary
Made for students from mining fence-line communities. The 2027 window ran from 24 August to 13 September 2026.
3. Sasol Mainstream Bursary
Open to a wider group of young South Africans who study engineering or science. Reports mention an age limit of under 30 and citizenship by birth. The 2027 call closed in May 2026.
Also read: SASSETA Bursary 2027: Requirements and How to Apply
Each programme has its own rules and dates. Never assume that one set of rules applies to all three.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Do you come from a Sasol community or have a parent linked to Sasol? Look at the Foundation bursary first
- Do you live in a mining fence-line community? Check the Fence-line bursary
- Are you a strong engineering or science student with no Sasol link? The Mainstream bursary may fit you
How Applications Worked
Everything was done through the official Sasol bursary portal. A helpline number was listed in a recent notice for technical problems. Here is the usual path:
- Choose the correct programme
- Create your profile on the portal
- Fill in your personal and academic details
- Upload full transcripts and your ID and proof of income
- Add proof of your link to Sasol if the programme needs it
- Submit before the deadline
Many students lose points because they upload incomplete transcripts. Check every page before you submit.
How to Prepare for the Next Call
- Work hard in Maths and Physical Sciences
- Keep your marks high all year
- Save clear scans of your documents
- Learn which Sasol programme matches your situation
- Check the Sasol bursary website often
Backup Plans
Funding for STEM is available beyond Sasol. Look at NSFAS and company bursaries and government bursaries. Ask your university funding office for advice as well. Apply for several options so you are never left without a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sasol Foundation bursary open now?
No. It closed on 23 August 2026.
Does Sasol fund postgraduate study?
Not under the Foundation programme.
Is there an application fee?
No. Never pay anyone for a bursary.
Can I apply to all three programmes?
Each has its own rules. Apply only to the ones you truly qualify for.