Sasol Mining Bursary 2027: Young Women in Mpumalanga Can Apply for All-Inclusive University Funding
Sasol Mining has opened applications for its 2027 Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary Programme, creating a significant university funding opportunity for academically talented young women living in communities surrounding the Sasol Mining Secunda Complex in Mpumalanga.
The all-inclusive undergraduate bursary is designed to support women pursuing careers in fields including Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Geology and Mine Surveying.
Applications opened on 24 August 2026 and close at midnight on 13 September 2026.
The programme is geographically targeted. Applicants generally need to live within approximately 50 kilometres of Secunda and surrounding qualifying communities, meaning this is not a general bursary open to every student in South Africa.
For young women who meet the academic and residence requirements, the opportunity could provide an important route into university study without having to carry the full financial burden of an undergraduate degree.
Sasol Mining Bursary 2027 at a Glance
| Bursary detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary |
| Study year | 2027 |
| Provider | Sasol Mining |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Target applicants | Female learners and university students |
| Maximum age | 25 years at application |
| Residence | Approximately within 50 km of Secunda and surrounding communities |
| Minimum Mathematics | 70% |
| Minimum Physical Science | 70% |
| Minimum English | 60% |
| Fields | Engineering, Mining, Geology and Mine Surveying |
| Funding | All-inclusive undergraduate bursary |
| Applications opened | 24 August 2026 |
| Closing date | 13 September 2026 at midnight |
| Application platform | Sasol Bursaries |
The key eligibility and deadline information above is based on Sasol Mining’s official announcement.
What Is the Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary?
The programme is an all-inclusive undergraduate bursary established by Sasol Mining for academically talented young women from communities surrounding its Secunda Complex.
Sasol says the programme forms part of its commitment to education, skills development and creating opportunities for women in sectors where they have traditionally been underrepresented.
The focus on engineering and mining-related qualifications is significant because these disciplines can lead to careers in technically specialised areas of South Africa’s mining and energy economy.
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The programme therefore goes beyond simply providing financial assistance. It is also part of Sasol Mining’s effort to develop a future skills pipeline.
Who Can Apply for the Sasol Mining Bursary?
The programme has specific eligibility requirements.
Applicants must be:
- Female.
- No older than 25 years at the time of application.
- South African learners or students who meet the programme’s requirements.
- Grade 12 learners or current first-, second- or third-year students at an approved South African university.
- Academically eligible for one of the funded fields.
- Residents of communities surrounding the Sasol Mining Secunda Complex, within approximately 50 kilometres of Secunda.
Meeting one requirement alone does not guarantee selection.
For example, a Grade 12 learner who achieves the required marks but lives outside the qualifying geographical area may not meet the requirements for this particular programme.
Academic Requirements
Strong academic performance is one of the central requirements.
Sasol Mining states that applicants must achieve at least:
- 70% in Mathematics
- 70% in Physical Science
- 60% in English
These requirements apply to the academic eligibility criteria announced for the programme.
This means applicants should carefully check their latest school or university results before applying.
Why Mathematics and Physical Science Matter
The academic requirements reflect the technical nature of the qualifications supported by the bursary.
Engineering and mining degrees generally require students to work comfortably with mathematical concepts, scientific principles, analytical reasoning and technical problem-solving.
Students considering these careers should therefore look beyond the bursary itself and consider whether they have a genuine interest in technical subjects.
Which Qualifications Are Funded?
The Sasol Mining programme supports selected technical and engineering qualifications.
The announced fields include:
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers can work in areas involving electrical systems, power infrastructure, industrial equipment and automation.
Electronic Engineering
Electronic engineering involves technologies such as electronic systems, control systems, instrumentation and related technologies.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is relevant to machinery, industrial equipment, manufacturing systems and mechanical processes.
Mining Engineering
Mining engineering focuses on the planning, design and management of mining operations, including technical and safety considerations.
Geology
Geology can provide a pathway into understanding geological formations, mineral deposits and processes relevant to mining.
Mine Surveying
Mine surveying involves measuring and mapping mining environments and supporting the accurate planning and management of mining operations.
Sasol Mining specifically identifies Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical and Mining Engineering, as well as Geology and Mine Surveying, among the supported areas.
Applicants should confirm that their intended degree corresponds with the qualification categories accepted by Sasol before applying.
What Does “All-Inclusive” Mean?
Sasol describes the programme as an all-inclusive undergraduate bursary.
That wording indicates that the bursary is designed to provide comprehensive support for approved undergraduate studies rather than functioning as a small contribution toward one expense.
However, applicants should avoid assuming that every possible university-related expense is automatically covered.
The exact benefits, conditions and obligations should be confirmed through the official application process and any bursary agreement provided to successful candidates.
This distinction is important because bursary conditions can specify what is covered, under what circumstances funding continues and what academic requirements students must maintain.
Grade 12 Learners Can Apply
One of the important features of the programme is that it is not limited to students who have already entered university.
Sasol Mining states that Grade 12 learners can apply, provided they meet the other requirements.
This gives qualifying matric learners an opportunity to secure financial support for the transition from school to university.
For Grade 12 applicants, it is particularly important to keep academic documents and identification information ready because bursary applications commonly require supporting documentation.
Current University Students Can Also Apply
The opportunity is also available to eligible students who are already studying.
Sasol Mining’s announcement includes:
- First-year students
- Second-year students
- Third-year students
at approved South African universities.
This is useful for students who may have started a relevant degree but are experiencing financial pressure.
Current university students should make sure that their academic records and proof of registration are available when completing the application.
The Secunda Residence Requirement
The geographical requirement is one of the most important aspects of this bursary.
Sasol Mining says applicants should reside within approximately 50 kilometres of Secunda and surrounding communities.
The University of Pretoria’s funding page also describes the opportunity as being for students residing in local communities around the Sasol Mining Secunda Complex, approximately 50 kilometres from Secunda.
This means applicants should not assume that simply being a South African citizen makes them eligible.
Why the Residence Requirement Matters
The programme is specifically designed as a fenceline-community initiative.
In this context, Sasol Mining is targeting communities located close to its Secunda operations.
For applicants, this means proof of residence is likely to be an important part of demonstrating eligibility. Candidates should use accurate information and follow the documentation requirements displayed on the official application platform.
Why This Bursary Is Significant for Young Women
The programme has a clear gender and skills-development focus.
Sasol Mining says the initiative is intended to create opportunities for women in sectors where they have historically been underrepresented, while also helping address skills shortages in engineering and mining-related disciplines.
For young women interested in technical careers, this creates an opportunity to enter fields that can lead to specialised professional roles.
However, applicants should choose a qualification because it matches their interests, strengths and career goals—not simply because funding is available.
A Bursary Is More Than Financial Assistance
University funding can remove a major barrier to higher education, but successful students still need to manage the academic demands of their chosen degree.
For engineering and mining-related programmes, students should expect substantial coursework in mathematics, science and technical subjects.
Before applying, candidates should consider:
- Do I enjoy Mathematics?
- Am I comfortable with scientific problem-solving?
- Am I interested in engineering or mining?
- Can I commit to full-time university study?
- Does my preferred career match the qualification I am applying for?
These questions can help applicants make a more informed decision.
How to Apply for the Sasol Mining Bursary 2027
Sasol directs applicants to its official bursary platform for information about qualifying criteria and the application process.
Application steps
- Visit the official Sasol Bursaries website.
- Locate the Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary Programme.
- Read the full eligibility requirements.
- Confirm that you meet the age and residence requirements.
- Check your Mathematics, Physical Science and English results.
- Confirm that your intended qualification is one of the funded fields.
- Prepare the requested supporting documents.
- Complete the online application accurately.
- Review your information before submitting.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Official application platform: Sasol Bursaries
Applications close at midnight on 13 September 2026.
Documents Applicants Should Prepare
Applicants should follow the exact document requirements displayed on the official application platform.
It is sensible to have the following information readily available:
- South African identity document
- Latest academic results
- Grade 12 results, where applicable
- University academic record for current students
- Proof of university registration or admission, where applicable
- Proof of residence
- Relevant supporting documentation requested by Sasol
Applicants should not upload unnecessary sensitive documents.
Before submitting, check that names, identity numbers, academic information and contact details are accurate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A strong academic record does not automatically guarantee a successful bursary application.
Applicants should avoid:
Applying for an unfunded qualification
Check the supported fields before submitting an application.
Ignoring the residence requirement
This is a community-focused programme. Confirm that your residence falls within the qualifying area.
Entering incorrect marks
Academic information should match your official results.
Waiting until the final day
Technical problems or incomplete documents can delay an application.
Using unofficial application links
Use the official Sasol Bursaries platform rather than forms shared through unknown WhatsApp numbers or social-media accounts.
Is This a Job or Learnership?
No.
The Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities programme is an undergraduate bursary, not a job, learnership or salary opportunity.
Successful applicants receive financial support for approved university studies subject to the programme’s conditions.
This distinction matters because applicants should not expect a monthly employment salary simply because the opportunity is funded.
Does the Bursary Guarantee Employment at Sasol?
Applicants should not interpret the bursary as an automatic employment offer.
The official announcement describes the programme as an education and skills-development initiative aimed at supporting women pursuing engineering, mining and related fields. It does not state that every bursary recipient will automatically receive a permanent position at Sasol.
Students should therefore focus on successfully completing their qualifications and building strong professional skills.
Scam Warning for Bursary Applicants
Students should be cautious when applying for bursaries advertised on social media.
Sasol’s broader careers information warns applicants about recruitment fraud and states that Sasol does not require advance payments from candidates.
Applicants should therefore:
- Never pay someone to “secure” the bursary.
- Avoid sharing banking passwords or PINs.
- Verify application links before submitting personal information.
- Use the official Sasol Bursaries platform.
- Be suspicious of anyone promising guaranteed selection.
A bursary application should not require an applicant to pay an unofficial intermediary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sasol Mining Bursary 2027?
It is an all-inclusive undergraduate bursary programme for academically talented young women from communities surrounding the Sasol Mining Secunda Complex.
Who can apply?
Female applicants who are no older than 25 and who are Grade 12 learners or first-, second- or third-year university students can apply if they meet the academic, residence and other programme requirements.
What marks are required?
The announced minimum academic requirements include 70% Mathematics, 70% Physical Science and 60% English.
Can university students apply?
Yes. The programme includes eligible first-, second- and third-year students at approved South African universities.
Which fields are funded?
The programme supports Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Geology and Mine Surveying.
Do applicants have to live in Mpumalanga?
The programme is specifically for women residing in communities surrounding the Sasol Mining Secunda Complex, within approximately 50 kilometres of Secunda.
Is the bursary fully funded?
Sasol describes it as an all-inclusive undergraduate bursary. Applicants should consult the official bursary terms for the exact benefits and conditions applicable to successful candidates.
When do applications close?
Applications close at midnight on 13 September 2026.
Where can I apply?
Applications and programme information are available through the official Sasol Bursaries platform.
Editorial Transparency
This article was prepared using Sasol Mining’s official announcement published on 24 August 2026 as the primary source. The University of Pretoria’s funding page was used as an independent institutional cross-check of the programme’s closing date, geographical focus and funded fields.
The article uses the term “all-inclusive” because that is the terminology used by Sasol Mining. It does not assign an unverified rand value to the bursary or claim that every possible university expense is automatically covered.
The eligibility requirements, fields of study, age limit, geographical requirement and closing date should be checked again on the official application platform before submission because bursary information can change.
Publication date: 1 September 2026
Information checked: 1 September 2026
Academic year: 2027
Programme: Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary
Application deadline: 13 September 2026 at midnight
Primary source: Sasol Mining
Final Takeaway
The Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary 2027 is a targeted university funding opportunity for academically strong young women living near the Sasol Mining Secunda Complex.
The programme supports selected fields including Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Geology and Mine Surveying, while applicants must meet the stated academic, age and residence requirements.
With applications closing at midnight on 13 September 2026, eligible applicants should begin preparing their documents rather than waiting until the final day.
Most importantly, applicants should verify their eligibility and use the official Sasol Bursaries platform. The programme is an education funding opportunity—not a guaranteed job—and students should choose their qualification based on their academic strengths and long-term career interests.
Sources and References
- Sasol Mining official announcement: Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary Programme 2027.
- University of Pretoria Funding Site: Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursaries 2027.
- Sasol official careers information: Recruitment and fraud guidance.
- Official Sasol Bursaries platform: Sasol Bursaries
