Are you a bright South African student aiming for tertiary education in 2027? Sasol, a leader in the energy and chemical sectors, offers a range of bursary programmes designed to support aspiring individuals. Whether you're a child of a Sasol employee, a Khanyisa/Inzalo shareholder, or from a fence-line community, these opportunities, particularly the Sasol Khanyisa bursaries, could be your pathway to academic success. This guide details the eligibility, benefits, and crucial application timelines for the 2027 academic year.
Understanding the Sasol Khanyisa Bursary Programme
The Sasol Khanyisa bursary initiative is a cornerstone of Sasol's commitment to developing South Africa's future leaders, with a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. These bursaries are specifically designed to empower the next generation, aligning with national priorities in areas like the Green Economy and Digitalisation.
This programme aims to provide financial support for students pursuing their first full-time undergraduate degree at approved public universities and universities of technology across South Africa.
Who is Eligible for Sasol Bursaries in 2027?
To be considered for a Sasol bursary, candidates must meet the following core criteria:
- Be a South African citizen by birth.
- Be 25 years of age or younger at the time of application.
- Be pursuing or intending to pursue your first full-time undergraduate degree.
- Plan to study at an approved South African public university or university of technology.
- Your combined household income must not exceed R800,000 per annum.
Academic Requirements for Aspiring Bursars
Sasol seeks candidates who demonstrate academic potential. The specific requirements vary based on your current academic standing:
For First-Year Undergraduate Study:
You should have completed your Matric examinations within one year of your application, or be in the process of completing your Matric year.
For Second, Third, and Fourth-Year Undergraduate Study:
You must have achieved an average of at least 60% across all modules in the preceding academic year.
Important Note: For the Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme, Technical Maths and Maths Literacy are not considered for undergraduate B.Eng./B.Sc. degrees.
Target Beneficiary Groups and Bursary Streams
Sasol offers various bursary streams, each with specific target groups:
- STEM Bursaries (Sasol Foundation Programme): Primarily for children of Sasol employees, Khanyisa/Inzalo shareholders, or candidates from designated fence-line communities.
- Non-STEM Bursaries (Sasol Foundation Programme): Available to students from fence-line communities, children of Khanyisa shareholders, or children of Sasol employees.
- Sasol Mining Bursaries: Exclusively for South African citizens residing within Sasol Mining's fence-line communities.
Postgraduate Opportunities: While the Sasol Foundation Programme does not offer postgraduate bursaries for the upcoming academic year, the Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme supports specific postgraduate fields such as M.Sc. and M.Eng. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cyber Security, and Data Science, as well as Ph.D. studies in these areas.
Comprehensive Financial Support Provided
The Sasol Mainstream Bursary offers extensive financial coverage to ease the burden on students and their families:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation and meal allowances
- Textbook expenses
- A once-off allowance for a computer or calculator purchase
- A monthly stipend
- Access to vital psychosocial support services
- Paid vacation work opportunities
- Dedicated career mentorship programmes
Crucial Application Deadlines for the 2027 Academic Year
Meeting application deadlines is critical. Ensure you note the specific opening and closing dates for each programme:
- Sasol Foundation Programme (STEM & Non-STEM): Opens 1 August 2026, Closes 23 August 2026.
- Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme (Undergraduate & Postgraduate): Opens 1 April 2026, Closes 17 May 2026.
- TDP Programme: Opens 24 August 2026, Closes 11 September 2026.
- Mining Bursary Opportunities: Opens 24 August 2026, Closes 13 September 2026.
- GDP Top-Ups: Opens 14 September 2026, Closes 4 October 2026.
Understanding the Work-Back Obligation
It's important for applicants to be aware that bursaries awarded under the Sasol Mainstream and Sasol Mining programmes typically include a work-back or pay-back obligation. This means that upon successful completion of your studies, you will be expected to enter into an employment agreement with Sasol for a defined period.
The final selection process for all Sasol bursaries places a strong emphasis on identifying candidates with genuine financial need who also possess outstanding academic merit.
The Sasol bursary programmes, including the Khanyisa initiative, represent a significant investment in South Africa's future by supporting talented students. By aligning with critical industry needs, especially in STEM, Sasol is not only facilitating individual academic journeys but also contributing to the nation's skills development and economic growth. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review all eligibility requirements, prepare necessary documentation, and adhere strictly to the application deadlines to stand the best chance of securing this valuable educational support.
