Sasol Bursaries and Youth Programmes 2026 Open Massive Opportunities for South African Students and Graduates
Sasol has opened applications for its 2026 and 2027 bursary and youth development programmes, offering funding, graduate opportunities, YES placements, and technical training for South African students in engineering, science, technology, and related fields.
Introduction
South African students and graduates searching for financial support, workplace experience, and career development opportunities now have a major opportunity through the latest programmes announced by Sasol. The company has officially opened applications for several bursary and youth development initiatives designed to support the next generation of engineers, scientists, technicians, and future industry leaders.
The programmes form part of Sasol’s long-standing commitment to developing scarce skills in South Africa while helping young people gain access to higher education and meaningful employment pathways.
Among the most anticipated opportunities currently open is the Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year, with applications running from 1 April to 17 May 2026. The bursary programme offers full financial and developmental support to students pursuing studies in engineering, science, technology, and data-related fields.
Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme Opens for 2027 Studies
The Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme remains one of the most competitive and prestigious bursary opportunities in South Africa. It is specifically aimed at students studying full-time at approved South African universities.
The bursary does not only cover financial support. Successful candidates also receive developmental support, mentorship, and possible placement into Sasol’s Graduate Development Programmes after graduation.
Fields covered under the bursary include:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Computer Science
- Mine Surveying
The company stated that applications are strictly for degree programmes and not diploma qualifications. Students studying through distance-learning institutions such as University of South Africa will not qualify.
Applicants must also note that Mathematics Literacy and Technical Mathematics are not accepted for the mainstream bursary programme.
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Postgraduate Opportunities Focus on South Africa’s Energy Future
Sasol is also investing heavily in postgraduate talent development. The company is offering postgraduate bursaries for students pursuing M.Sc., M.Eng., and PhD studies in specialised science and engineering disciplines.
The postgraduate programme focuses on research areas aligned with sustainability, innovation, and South Africa’s energy transition goals. Research areas include:
- Reactor technology
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid dynamics
- Process modelling
- Separation technology
- Catalysis
- Polymer science
- Environmental science
- Cyber security
- Applied mathematics
- Statistics
Students selected for the postgraduate bursary programme will work closely with Sasol technical experts and academic supervisors to develop research projects relevant to industry needs.
Sasol YES Programme Continues Supporting Youth Employment
In addition to bursaries, Sasol continues to expand workplace experience opportunities through the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme.
The YES initiative was created to help reduce youth unemployment by giving young South Africans practical work experience and exposure to corporate environments. Sasol confirmed that more than 400 unemployed youth have already benefited from the programme.
The programme provides participants with opportunities to gain valuable workplace skills, improve employability, and build professional networks that can support long-term career growth.
Although the next intake has not yet been confirmed, many young people are expected to closely monitor future announcements from Sasol.
Graduate Development Programme Builds Future Industry Leaders
Sasol’s Graduate Development Programme remains one of the company’s flagship initiatives for newly qualified graduates.
The programme provides intensive technical and professional training over a structured 36-month period. Graduates in engineering and science disciplines receive exposure to operational processes, leadership development, and industry-standard technical training.
The programme is widely recognised as one of the leading graduate development initiatives in South Africa’s energy and chemicals sector.
Graduates who previously held Sasol bursaries may also be absorbed into the programme after completing their studies successfully.
Technician Development Programme Offers Practical Experience
For students interested in technical career paths, Sasol’s Technician Development Programme (TDP) continues to provide structured workplace learning and mentorship opportunities.
The programme includes:
- Technical workplace exposure
- Mentorship and buddy systems
- Competency-based assessments
- Classroom and practical learning
- Professional development support
Learner technicians are encouraged to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa to further strengthen their professional credentials.
Sasol Mining Fence-Line Bursary Programme Supports Local Communities
Sasol also continues supporting communities surrounding its operations through the Sasol Mining Fence-line Bursary Programme.
The programme specifically targets students from areas around Sasol operations in:
- Mpumalanga
- Free State
- Gauteng
Eligible municipalities include areas such as Secunda, Sasolburg, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging, Bethal, Standerton, and Witbank.
The bursaries focus on engineering and mining-related qualifications, including Mining Engineering, Geology, Mechanical Engineering, and Mine Surveying.
Preference is given to academically strong students from fence-line communities who demonstrate financial need and leadership potential.
Important Requirements Applicants Must Know
Sasol has emphasized several important conditions applicants must meet before applying:
- Applicants must be South African citizens
- Students must study full-time at recognised South African institutions
- Only one application per student is allowed
- Incorrect information may lead to disqualification
- Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted
- Applicants must meet academic performance requirements
- Certain programmes have age restrictions
The company also warned that bursary opportunities are highly competitive due to limited spaces available each year.
Students are therefore encouraged to prepare their documents carefully and ensure that all information submitted is accurate.
Sasol Continues Investing in South Africa’s Future Talent
As South Africa continues facing challenges related to youth unemployment and skills shortages, programmes such as these are becoming increasingly important for students seeking financial assistance and career opportunities.
Through its bursaries, internships, graduate programmes, and YES initiatives, Sasol continues positioning itself as one of the country’s leading corporate investors in youth development and education.
For many students, these programmes offer more than financial support. They represent a potential gateway into long-term careers within engineering, technology, science, and the energy sector.
Applications for the Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme close on 17 May 2026, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline through the official Sasol bursaries platform.
For more information, students can visit Sasol Bursaries
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