Skip to content 
Picture this: over 560 students currently study under Sasol’s bursary programs, transforming their futures with full financial backing. For South African students eyeing higher education in 2025, the Sasol bursary for 2025 stands out as a golden ticket. Offered by Sasol, a powerhouse in energy and chemicals, this program doesn’t just ease financial strain—it paves a direct path to academic and career success. Ambitious minds seeking degrees in science, engineering, or beyond can find real support here.
This article dives deep into everything the Sasol bursary for 2025 offers. It unpacks what the program covers, who qualifies, and how to apply—step by step. Readers will walk away with clear, actionable insights to seize this opportunity. From eligibility rules to selection criteria, every detail matters. Keep reading. The clock’s ticking toward deadlines, and the stakes are high for those ready to claim their spot.
What is Sasol Bursary?
Sasol, a global leader rooted in South Africa since 1950, fuels more than just industries—it powers dreams. The Sasol bursary program targets full-time undergraduate students chasing degrees in fields critical to the nation’s growth. Think engineering. Think science. It’s a performance-based initiative, meaning recipients earn their keep through results—and often repay it with work after graduation.
Two streams define this bursary: STEM and non-STEM. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) bursaries cater to students in disciplines like chemical engineering, data science, or geology. Non-STEM opens doors for those tied to Sasol’s ecosystem—think fence-line community members, children of employees, or Khanyisa shareholders—pursuing any undergraduate degree. Both streams aim to cultivate talent. Successful applicants might even join Sasol’s Graduate Development Programme post-degree, stepping straight into impactful roles.
The program’s reach is wide yet precise. It’s not a handout—it’s an investment. Sasol seeks sharp, driven individuals who can contribute to its mission. Whether it’s designing sustainable energy solutions or advancing chemical innovation, bursary holders become part of something bigger. South Africa’s future hinges on skilled graduates, and Sasol knows it.
Why Sasol Invests in Students
Sasol’s not just throwing money at education. The company faces a STEM skills shortage in South Africa—a gap threatening economic progress. By funding students, Sasol builds a pipeline of talent to tackle real-world challenges, from green hydrogen projects to mining efficiency. Non-STEM bursaries, meanwhile, strengthen community ties, ensuring inclusivity across its operations. It’s strategic. It’s purposeful.
Fields of Study Covered
STEM applicants can target degrees in:
- Agricultural Science
- Chemistry (Honours required)
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Engineering (all branches—chemical, civil, mechanical, etc.)
- Financial Science
- Health Science
- Mathematical Science
- Technology
Non-STEM fields? Open to any undergraduate degree at a public South African university or university of technology—provided the applicant fits the community or family criteria. Flexibility meets focus here.
What Does Sasol Bursary Cover?
The Sasol bursary isn’t a half-measure. It’s all-inclusive. Selected students get financial relief that stretches beyond tuition, paired with support to thrive academically and personally. Here’s what it delivers:
- Registration and Tuition Fees: Fully covered. No scrambling for funds at semester start.
- Books and Materials: Textbooks, lab kits—essential learning tools are paid for.
- Pocket Money: A stipend (around R12,000 annually) for small expenses.
- Accommodation: An allowance pegged to university residence rates, set with Sasol’s input.
- Meals: Funding for three meals a day, based on university norms.
- One-Time Tech Boost: A computer and calculator to kickstart studies.
That’s the financial side. But Sasol goes further. Psycho-social support comes standard—think student workshops, discussion groups, and access to the Employee Assistance Programme. Need a break from lectures? Second- and third-year students can snag paid vacation work, gaining hands-on experience with Sasol’s teams. For disadvantaged students, this package levels the playing field.
Beyond the Cash
The bursary’s value isn’t just monetary. Vacation work offers a peek into Sasol’s world—real projects, real impact. Psycho-social support keeps students grounded, especially those juggling financial stress or family pressures. After graduation, many join Sasol’s workforce, turning education into employment. It’s a full-circle deal.
Limits to Know
No extra costs get covered. Forgot to budget for travel? That’s on the student. Postgraduate funding for 2025 isn’t on the table either—focus stays on undergrads. Clarity upfront prevents surprises later.
Sasol Bursary Online Application Process
Applying for the Sasol bursary for 2025 takes preparation and precision. Miss a step, and the chance slips away. Sasol’s process lives online—accessible, streamlined, but strict. Here’s how it works:
- Start at the Source: Head to Sasol Bursaries’ official site. Find the “About Us” page.
- Spot the Link: Look for the “Now Open” block. Click “Click Here to Apply.”
- New or Returning?: First-timers hit “Register.” Past users log in.
- Register Up: New users fill out the form—name, email, the basics.
- Create an Account: Submit, then check email for an activation link.
- Activate and Secure: Click the link, verify the email, set a password.
- Log In: Use the new credentials to access the portal.
- Find the Form: Click “South African Bursary Application” in the top left.
- Pick Undergraduate: Select “Undergraduate Applications” from the options.
- Upload Docs: Attach a South African ID, full academic record, proof of residence.
- Agree and Submit: Read the disclaimer. Click the white button to accept.
- Wait for Confirmation: An email confirms receipt. Done.
Documents Needed
- ID: Certified copy, proving South African citizenship by birth.
- Academic Record: Grade 11 results for matriculants; latest transcripts for university students.
- Residence Proof: A utility bill or affidavit showing permanent address.
Tips for Success
Double-check uploads. Typos or missing files flag an application as incomplete. Slow internet? Use an internet café or call Sasol’s helpline at 086 010 6235 for support. Submit early—servers clog near deadlines.
Sasol Bursary Eligibility Requirements
Not everyone qualifies. Sasol sets clear bars for STEM and non-STEM applicants. Meet them, or the application’s dead on arrival. Here’s the breakdown:
STEM Bursary Requirements
- Citizenship: South African by birth. No exceptions.
- Education Level: In matric now or completed it.
- Academic Performance: Minimum 60% average across all modules. No fails.
- For BEng/BSc Programs:
- Mathematics: Level 6 (70%)
- Physical Science: Level 6 (70%)
- English (First Additional, Home, or Second Additional): Level 5 (60%)
- For BEng Tech Programs:
- Mathematics: Level 5 (60%)
- Physical Science: Level 5 (60%)
- English (First Additional or Home): Level 5 (60%)
- English (Second Additional): Level 4 (50%)
- Institution: Public South African university or university of technology.
Non-STEM Bursary Requirements
- Citizenship: South African by birth.
- Connection: From Sasol fence-line communities, a Khanyisa shareholder’s child, or an employee’s child.
- Academic Performance: Minimum 60% average, no failed modules.
- Institution: Public South African university or university of technology.
Fence-Line Communities Defined
Live near Sasol plants? That’s fence-line. Think Secunda, Sasolburg, or specific municipalities in Mpumalanga, Free State, and Gauteng. Check Sasol’s site for the full list—residency proof must match.
Why These Rules Matter
Sasol wants results-driven students. High marks signal potential. Community ties align with corporate responsibility. It’s a filter for commitment and capability.
Sasol Bursary Selection Criteria
Qualifying’s just the start. Sasol screens hard to pick winners. Four factors dominate:
- Citizenship Check: South African birth certificate or ID. Non-negotiable.
- Income Proof: Household earnings under R600,000 annually. Submit payslips or affidavits.
- Academic Record: Consistent 60%+ performance. Excellence trumps mediocrity.
- University Acceptance: Proof of admission (provisional or final) for an approved STEM or non-STEM field.
Shortlisted? Expect psychometric testing online—logic, personality, the works. Interviews follow for top performers. Financial need and academic strength tip the scales. Sasol prioritizes those who shine under pressure and prove genuine hardship.
Standing Out
Submit clean, certified docs. Prep for tests—brush up on logic puzzles. Show passion for the field in interviews. Sasol’s watching for grit and fit.
When Is the Sasol Bursary Closing Date?
Time’s tight. The Sasol Foundation Bursary for 2025 closed on September 13, 2024—an extended deadline. Late submissions? Rejected outright. Other 2025 programs—like Sasol Mining or Energy Bursaries—haven’t announced dates yet. Expect mid-2024 openings based on past cycles (e.g., Mining closed October 4, 2023, for 2024).
Stay Updated
Visit Sasol Bursaries’ site. Call 086 010 6235 for real-time info. Missing a deadline kills the shot—mark calendars now.
Upcoming Programs
- Sasol Foundation: TBD.
- Sasol Mining: Likely July 2024.
- Energy (Green Hydrogen): Watch for Northern Cape focus.
- Graduate Development: Post-degree entry, TBD.
Conclusion
The Sasol bursary for 2025 isn’t just funding—it’s a launchpad. South African students can shed financial burdens and chase degrees that matter. STEM or non-STEM, the program fits diverse goals, from engineering breakthroughs to community upliftment. Eligibility’s strict, applications demand focus, and deadlines loom. But for those who qualify, the payoff’s huge: education covered, support provided, and a job waiting. Sasol’s betting on talent to shape tomorrow. Will it be yours?
How to Write a Motivational Letter for a Bursary Application
Sasol Bursary 2025 – FAQs
Q: Who can apply for STEM bursaries?
A: South African citizens in matric or post-matric, hitting 60%+ in modules, targeting STEM fields at public institutions.
Q: What’s the non-STEM catch?
A: Must be from fence-line areas, a Khanyisa shareholder’s kid, or an employee’s child. Same 60% rule applies.
Q: Any postgraduate funding?
A: Not for 2025. Undergrads only this round.
Q: How long’s the work-back period?
A: One year at Sasol per year funded. Finish a four-year degree? Plan for four years’ service.
Q: What if I miss the deadline?
A: Tough luck. Sasol doesn’t bend on late entries.
Get the latest entrepreneurial success stories, expert tips, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox — Sign up for Entrepreneur Hub SA’s newsletter today!
