The proudly South African chemicals and energy company is one of the country's STEM employers, currently supporting around 300 students studying at South African institutions. The Sasol Bursary Programme aims to build the company's talent pipeline while expanding access to tertiary education for high-achieving youth, particularly those from underserved communities.

Since 2020, Sasol says it has granted over 500 mainstream bursaries and permanently employed more than 300 Engineers and Scientists upon the successful completion of its Graduate Development Programme.

"South Africa's complex challenges, from energy security and water scarcity to climate change, infrastructure development and healthcare delivery, require a new generation of engineers, scientists and innovators," says Monica Luwes, Manager: Graduate Centre and Development Programme at Sasol.

"The bursary programme is our contribution to addressing a STEM skills shortage and helping young South Africans to embark on rewarding careers in the fields of science and engineering. If you are a young person who loves solving problems and is looking for a future-proof career, this opportunity might be relevant to you."

South Africa's STEM Skills Imperative

According to the United Nations, Africa needs 2-million to 3-million additional engineers to close infrastructure, energy and industrialisation gaps. South Africa's National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 outlines a target to have 450 000 learners eligible for bachelor's programmes with Mathematics and Science by 2030, says Sasol.

Initiatives such as Sasol's Bursary Programme aim to be essential in addressing the skills shortfall. They also aim to play an important role in growing diversity and representation in the STEM disciplines. Sasol encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women and learners from disadvantaged and fenceline communities.

"We are looking for high-performing students who want to build careers in STEM. A Sasol bursary covers tuition, provides a living allowance and offers psychosocial support to help students thrive. It helps to remove the barriers that often prevent talented learners from realising their potential," says Luwes.

What the Sasol Bursary Programme Offers

The Sasol Bursary Programme aims to offer comprehensive financial and holistic support to pursue full-time undergraduate studies at leading South African universities. Besides funding tuition, this includes accommodation, meals, textbooks, pocket money and an allowance for study tools such as a laptop and calculator, says Sasol.

Upon completing their degrees, bursars are offered the opportunity to join Sasol's Graduate Development Programme, aimed at being one of South Africa's pathways to a meaningful, professionally recognised career in engineering and science, adds Sasol.

According to Sasol, bursaries are available for full-time undergraduate studies in these disciplines at Sasol-approved South African universities:

  • Chemical Engineering.
  • Chemistry (Studies to Hons. level will be required).
  • Civil Engineering.
  • Data Science (Computer Science / Mathematics / Operations Research / Statistics).
  • Electrical Engineering.
  • Electronic Engineering.
  • Geology (Honours degree mandatory).
  • Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering.
  • Metallurgical Engineering / Metallurgy (Studies to Hons. level will be required). 
  • Mine Surveying (University of Johannesburg only).

According to Sasol, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be South African citizens by birth and reside permanently in South Africa.
  • Be registered (or intending to register) for full-time undergraduate studies in 2027 at a Sasol-approved public university in South Africa.
  • Meet Sasol's minimum academic requirements.

Studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA) are not considered.

Interested and eligible students are encouraged to apply before Sunday, 17 May, concludes Sasol.

For more information, visit www.sasol.com. You can also follow Sasol on LinkedIn, Instagram, or on TikTok. 

*Image courtesy of contributor