Sasol is opening applications for its 2026 bursaries, Technician Development Programme and Graduate Development Programme. Explore eligibility, fields of study, requirements, deadlines and how to apply.
Sasol Opens Applications for Bursaries and Development Programmes
South African students, graduates and young professionals have several opportunities to pursue education, technical development and workplace experience through Sasol’s range of bursaries and development programmes.
The programmes are designed to address skills shortages while developing future talent in areas including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, digitalisation, the green economy, mining and technical disciplines.
For the 2026 application cycle, Sasol has established different opening and closing dates for its Foundation Programme, Technician Development Programme, Mining opportunities and Graduate Development Programme. Applicants are therefore encouraged to carefully track the relevant deadline because applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
Sasol 2026 Application Schedule
The application windows are structured as follows:
- Foundation Programme: 1 August to 23 August 2026 at midnight
- Technician Development Programme (TDP): 24 August to 11 September 2026 at midnight
- Mining: 24 August to 13 September 2026 at midnight
- Graduate Development Programme Top-Ups: 14 September to 4 October 2026 at midnight
The different application periods mean that candidates should identify the programme that matches their qualifications and career stage before applying.
Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2026
The Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme is aimed at talented young South Africans who intend to pursue full-time undergraduate degree studies.
The programme is divided into STEM and non-STEM bursaries, with eligibility restrictions applying to both categories.
STEM Bursaries
The STEM bursaries support undergraduate studies in fields linked to Sasol’s future capabilities, particularly the green economy and digitalisation.
Potential fields include:
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Data Sciences
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Construction and Manufacturing
- Other relevant STEM disciplines
The STEM bursaries are reserved for qualifying children of Sasol employees, Khanyisa/Inzalo shareholders and candidates from Sasol fence-line communities.
Postgraduate bursaries are not available under the forthcoming Foundation intake.
Non-STEM Bursaries
Non-STEM opportunities are similarly restricted to qualifying students from Sasol’s fence-line communities, children of Sasol Khanyisa shareholders and children of Sasol employees.
Applicants may pursue approved non-STEM undergraduate degrees at recognized public South African universities or universities of technology.
Foundation Bursary Eligibility
Applicants must meet several requirements to be considered.
They must:
- Be South African citizens by birth.
- Be no older than 25 years at the time of application.
- Be pursuing or planning to pursue their first undergraduate degree.
- Have a combined household income not exceeding R800,000 per year.
- Be completing matric in the application year or have completed matric within the required period.
- Meet the applicable academic requirements.
- Be studying full-time at an approved South African public university or university of technology.
Students already at university who are applying for their second, third or fourth year must generally have achieved an average of at least 60% across all modules.
The final selection will consider both academic competitiveness and financial need.
Sasol Mining Bursary Opportunities 2026
The Sasol Mining Fence-line Mainstream Bursary Programme is scheduled to accept applications from 24 August to 13 September 2026.
The programme is intended to attract talented young South Africans into engineering, science and technology careers that support the mining business.
The bursary supports full-time undergraduate degree studies at recognized South African institutions, with selected Engineering and Science qualifications receiving priority.
The programme has a work-back and/or pay-back obligation, meaning successful candidates should understand the conditions attached to the financial support before accepting an award.
Eligible Mining Fields
Fields of study include:
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Mine Surveying at the University of Johannesburg
Geology candidates should note that studies through to Honours level are required.
The Mining Fence-line bursaries are exclusively available to South African citizens by birth who come from qualifying Sasol Mining fence-line communities.
ALSO READ
- Synthesis Software Technologies Graduate Internship Programme 2027
- MANCOSA Internship Programme 2026
- SMU Public Relations and Communications Internship Programme 2026: Applications Open for Graduates
- Department of Water and Sanitation Administration Clerk Vacancies: x5 Positions Available
- Transnet Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme 2026: Non-Technical Opportunities for TVET College Graduates
Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme
The Sasol Mainstream Bursary Programme provides financial and developmental support to students pursuing selected engineering and science degrees.
Although the current application window for this programme is listed as closed, its fields of study demonstrate the broad range of careers supported by Sasol.
Eligible undergraduate fields include:
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science/Data Science
- Mathematics/Data Science
- Operations Research/Data Science
- Statistics/Data Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Mine Surveying
For university technology programmes, Mine Surveying is among the specifically supported areas.
Sasol emphasizes that the programme does not accept Technical Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy where Mathematics is specified as a requirement.
Postgraduate Sasol Bursaries
Sasol has also historically supported postgraduate research in areas relevant to science, engineering, sustainability and the energy transition.
Supported areas have included Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Cyber Security and Data Science.
Research themes may include:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Mathematical and Statistical Modelling
- Process Modelling
- Reactor Technology
- Separation Technology
- Thermodynamics
- Advanced Analytical Chemistry
- Catalysis and Polymer Science
- Environmental Science
- Cyber Security
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
Applicants do not necessarily need a finalized research project proposal at the initial stage. However, they should understand their intended research area and be able to discuss potential topics relevant to Sasol’s sustainability priorities.
Sasol Technician Development Programme 2026
Applications for the Sasol Technician Development Programme (TDP) are scheduled from 24 August to 11 September 2026.
The programme is designed for Learner Technicians seeking structured technical development and meaningful workplace experience.
Participants receive exposure to technical tasks, workplace processes and competency-based assessments.
The programme includes:
- Structured technical development
- Annual progress reviews
- Competency-based assessments
- A fit-for-purpose curriculum
- Mentorship and a buddy system
- Workplace learning
- Coaching and project assignments
- Professional development support
Learner Technicians are also encouraged to pursue professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), although associated registration costs are borne by the individual.
Sasol Graduate Development Programme
The Sasol Graduate Development Programme is scheduled to open from 14 September to 4 October 2026.
The programme is designed for engineering and science graduates entering professional development as engineers or scientists in training.
Participants undergo an intensive 36-month development programme, receiving structured orientation, training, development and exposure to Sasol’s business processes.
The programme aims to establish consistent professional standards while giving graduates practical insight into the organization and their respective technical disciplines.
Other Sasol Opportunities
Sasol also provides information about its Energy Bursary Programme linked to the Green Hydrogen Project, although applications for that programme are currently closed.
The initiative targets youth in the Northern Cape and supports studies connected to green hydrogen and future energy capabilities.
Sasol has also indicated that no unattached vacation work will be offered for the upcoming period.
The Sasol YES Programme provides another pathway for unemployed youth to gain workplace experience, although the next intake is currently to be confirmed.
How to Apply for Sasol Opportunities
Applicants should submit their applications online through the official Sasol bursary platform:
Sasol Bursaries – Official Application Website
Candidates should ensure that all required information and supporting documentation is accurate and complete before submission.
Sasol does not accept applications submitted by email or outside the designated application platform.
Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Important Application Warning
Sasol emphasizes the importance of providing accurate information. Incorrect academic, personal or residential information can result in an application being rejected or an existing bursary offer being withdrawn.
Only one application per student will be accepted.
Applicants should also understand that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. The number of available bursaries is limited, making the process competitive.
Final Thoughts
Sasol’s 2026 bursary and development opportunities provide multiple pathways for South African youth to build careers in engineering, science, technology, mining and other priority disciplines.
From undergraduate financial support through the Foundation and Mining bursaries to technical workplace development and the 36-month Graduate Development Programme, the opportunities are designed to build a pipeline of skilled professionals for the future.
Eligible candidates should carefully review the requirements for their chosen programme, prepare the necessary documentation and submit their applications before the applicable deadline. Most importantly, applicants should apply only through the official Sasol application platform and ensure that every piece of information provided is accurate.
APPLY VIA THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Get the latest jobs, internships, bursaries, and remote opportunities delivered instantly.
Follow our channels and never miss an update.
Join WhatsApp Channel
