Sasol Foundation Scholarship 2026 for South African Students
The Sasol Foundation Scholarship 2026 is offering financial support to eligible South African students who want to pursue their first undergraduate degree in STEM-related fields at approved public universities and universities of technology in South Africa.
The bursary is particularly focused on qualifications linked to the green economy, digitalisation, engineering, science, technology and other future-focused fields.
Applications opened on August 1, 2026, and the final deadline is August 23, 2026, at midnight.
One of the most important points applicants should understand is that this opportunity is not open to international students. Applicants must be South African citizens by birth.
Sasol Foundation Scholarship 2026 Overview
- Scholarship Name: Sasol Foundation Bursary 2026
- Host Country: South Africa
- Provider: Sasol Foundation
- Degree Level: Undergraduate
- Study Type: Full-time study
- Nationality: South African citizens by birth
- Study Institutions: Approved public South African universities and Universities of Technology
- Main Fields: STEM, engineering, IT, data science, agricultural science, environmental sciences and related fields
- Age Limit: Maximum 25 years at the time of application
- Household Income: Up to R800,000 per year
- Application Opens: August 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: August 23, 2026
- Application Method: Online
What Is the Sasol Foundation Scholarship?
The Sasol Foundation Bursary is designed to support talented South African students who require financial assistance to complete undergraduate studies.
The program places particular emphasis on STEM qualifications and skills that can contribute to South Africa's future economy. Students interested in engineering, technology, science and related disciplines may therefore find this bursary particularly relevant.
The scholarship is intended for students studying full-time at eligible public higher-education institutions.
Degree Level
The Sasol Foundation Scholarship 2026 is primarily available for:
- Undergraduate degrees
- First undergraduate qualifications
- Full-time university or university of technology study
Postgraduate students are not eligible under the Foundation Bursary for the forthcoming academic year.
Students who are already enrolled in university may also be considered if they satisfy the relevant academic requirements.
Available Subjects
The bursary gives priority to STEM and future-focused qualifications.
Eligible or prioritized fields include:
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Medical Sciences
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Other relevant science, technology and future-skills disciplines
The program particularly supports fields connected with the green economy and digitalisation.
Non-STEM applicants face more specific restrictions. Funding for non-STEM qualifications is reserved for certain categories, including eligible applicants from Sasol fence-line communities, children of Sasol Khanyisa shareholders and children of Sasol employees.
Benefits
The Sasol Foundation Bursary is described as a comprehensive bursary, meaning eligible students can receive financial assistance toward their studies and associated educational expenses according to the program's terms.
The support is intended to help successful students continue their undergraduate education without carrying the full financial burden themselves.
The exact support provided can depend on the student's circumstances and the applicable bursary conditions.
Eligible Nationalities
Nationality is one of the strictest requirements.
The Sasol Foundation Scholarship 2026 is only available to South African citizens by birth.
Therefore:
- South African citizens by birth can apply if they meet the other requirements.
- International students cannot apply.
- Foreign nationals cannot apply.
- Meeting the household-income requirement alone does not make an international student eligible.
Applicants should carefully distinguish this bursary from other Sasol opportunities that may have different eligibility rules.
Eligibility Criteria
The Sasol Foundation Scholarship is intended specifically for eligible South African students.
Applicants must generally:
- Be South African citizens by birth.
- Be 25 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Be pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
- Be enrolled or planning to enroll full-time at an approved public South African university or University of Technology.
- Have a combined household income of no more than R800,000 per year.
- Meet the academic requirements applicable to their current study level.
International students and foreign nationals cannot apply for this bursary.
Academic Requirements
Academic performance is also considered.
Students already studying in their second, third or fourth year should have achieved at least a 60% average across their modules.
First-year applicants should meet the applicable matric and admission requirements specified by the program.
Applicants should make sure their academic information is accurate when completing the online application.
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted online through the official Sasol bursary application system.
Applicants should:
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Confirm that their degree and institution are eligible.
- Prepare their academic information.
- Provide accurate household-income information.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload or provide the requested supporting information.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Sasol does not accept applications through email.
Applicants should also remember that only one application per student is accepted. Incorrect or misleading information can result in an application being rejected or a bursary being withdrawn.
Does Sasol Fund Private Universities?
The Foundation Bursary is intended for students attending approved public South African universities and Universities of Technology.
Students should therefore verify whether their institution meets the program's requirements before applying.
Distance-learning study and UNISA are not eligible under the relevant bursary conditions.
Sasol Foundation Scholarship 2026 Deadline
The final deadline for the Sasol Foundation Bursary 2026 is August 23, 2026, at midnight.
Because applications require accurate academic and financial information, eligible students should not wait until the final hours to submit their applications.
Before submitting, check your:
- Citizenship status
- Age
- Degree and field
- University
- Academic results
- Household income
- Supporting information
Final Thoughts
The Sasol Foundation Scholarship 2026 is a significant funding opportunity for South African students pursuing their first undergraduate qualification, particularly those interested in STEM, engineering, technology, science, environmental studies and other future-focused disciplines.
However, applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility rules. The bursary is not open to international students, has a maximum age of 25, requires a household income of no more than R800,000 per year, and is primarily intended for full-time study at eligible public institutions.
The application deadline is August 23, 2026, at midnight, so eligible students should complete and submit their applications before the closing date.
