Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary Programme 2027: Applications Now Open

Who can apply

• The 2027 programme focuses heavily on engineering and mining-related qualifications.
• Successful applicants may receive funding to study towards B Engineering (BEng) or BSc Engineering qualifications in selected disciplines.
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Geology
• Mine Surveying
• Applicants should confirm that their intended qualification falls within the disciplines funded by the programme before submitting an application.
• Students should also remember that universities may use slightly different qualification names. The important consideration is whether the qualification falls within the disciplines recognised by the bursary programme.
• The following requirements come from the information released for the Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary Programme.
• Female
• Not older than 25 years at the time of application
• A Grade 12 learner, or
• A first-, second- or third-year university student
• Studying or intending to study at an approved South African university
• Resident within approximately 50 km of Secunda and surrounding communities
• Applicants must also meet the programme’s academic requirements.
• 70% in Mathematics
• 70% in Physical Science
• 60% in English
• Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically mean that an applicant will receive a bursary. Bursary programmes may receive more qualifying applications than the number of places available, meaning applicants can still be subject to a competitive selection process.
• The programme includes BEng or BSc Engineering study opportunities in Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical and Mining Engineering, as well as opportunities in Geology and Mine Surveying.
• Is the bursary available throughout South Africa?

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Sasol Mining Women Fenceline - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

Sasol Mining has opened applications for its 2027 Women in Fenceline Communities Bursaries Programme, creating an important funding opportunity for young women who live in communities surrounding the Sasol Mining Secunda Complex in Mpumalanga.

Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply

The bursary programme is aimed at academically talented female learners and university students who want to pursue qualifications in engineering, mining, geology and related technical disciplines.

Applications officially opened on 24 August 2026 and will close at midnight on 13 September 2026.

For young women from Secunda and surrounding communities who have strong results in Mathematics and Physical Science, this programme could provide an opportunity to pursue a university qualification while receiving comprehensive financial support.

Quick Overview

• Programme: Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursaries
• Study year: 2027
• Opportunity type: Undergraduate bursary
• Target group: Female learners and university students
• Maximum age: 25 years at the time of application
• Location requirement: Applicants must reside within approximately 50 km of Secunda and surrounding communities
• Fields: Engineering, Mining Engineering, Geology and Mine Surveying
• Minimum Mathematics result: 70%
• Minimum Physical Science result: 70%
• Minimum English result: 60%
• Applications opened: 24 August 2026
• Closing date: 13 September 2026 at midnight
• Funding: All-inclusive undergraduate bursary
• Application website: Sasol Bursaries

About the Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary Programme

The Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary Programme forms part of Sasol Mining’s efforts to support education and skills development in communities located around its mining operations.

The programme has a particular focus on creating opportunities for women to enter technical professions where women have historically been underrepresented, including engineering and mining.

Rather than making the bursary available nationally without geographical restrictions, this particular initiative targets communities located close to the Sasol Mining Secunda Complex.

Eligible applicants must therefore pay careful attention to the residence requirement.

According to the information released about the programme, applicants should reside within approximately 50 kilometres of Secunda and surrounding communities.

Sasol Mining Head of Geology Viren Deonarain explained that the company views education as an important mechanism for creating long-term social and economic opportunities.

The programme is intended to help young people - particularly women from communities neighbouring Sasol’s operations - pursue careers that are important to the future of South Africa’s mining and energy industries.

What Qualifications Does the Sasol Mining Bursary Fund?

The 2027 programme focuses heavily on engineering and mining-related qualifications.

Successful applicants may receive funding to study towards B Engineering (BEng) or BSc Engineering qualifications in selected disciplines.

The funded study areas announced for the programme include:

Applicants should confirm that their intended qualification falls within the disciplines funded by the programme before submitting an application.

Students should also remember that universities may use slightly different qualification names. The important consideration is whether the qualification falls within the disciplines recognised by the bursary programme.

Official Eligibility Requirements

The following requirements come from the information released for the Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary Programme.

Applicants must be:

Applicants must also meet the programme’s academic requirements.

These include achieving at least:

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically mean that an applicant will receive a bursary. Bursary programmes may receive more qualifying applications than the number of places available, meaning applicants can still be subject to a competitive selection process.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This opportunity is particularly relevant to academically strong young women from communities surrounding Secunda who are interested in technical and scientific careers.

For example, a Grade 12 learner who performs strongly in Mathematics and Physical Science and wants to become a mechanical, electrical or mining engineer should investigate this opportunity carefully.

Existing university students should not automatically assume the bursary is only for matric learners.

According to the announced eligibility criteria, first-, second- and third-year university students may also apply, provided they satisfy the other requirements.

This makes the programme potentially valuable to students who have already started an eligible qualification but require financial assistance to continue their studies.

Why Mathematics and Physical Science Matter

The 70% Mathematics and Physical Science requirement is significant.

Engineering programmes are mathematically intensive. Students can expect to encounter subjects involving calculus, algebra, mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, materials, design and other quantitative concepts depending on their particular engineering discipline.

Physical Science provides an important foundation for understanding many of these concepts.

The relatively high academic threshold therefore means applicants should carefully check their results before beginning the application.

Grade 12 learners should use their latest applicable academic results as required by the bursary application system, while existing university students should carefully review the application instructions regarding both school and university academic records.

Career Opportunities Associated With the Funded Fields

One of the strongest features of this bursary is that its funded disciplines are linked to specialised technical career paths.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers can work with electrical power systems, industrial equipment, energy infrastructure, control systems and other electrical technologies.

Large industrial and mining operations require electrical expertise to maintain and develop complex infrastructure.

Electronic Engineering

Electronic engineering can involve electronic systems, instrumentation, automation, telecommunications and control technologies.

Modern mining operations increasingly depend on sophisticated electronic and automated systems.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers work with machinery, mechanical systems, equipment design, maintenance and industrial processes.

Mining and energy operations rely heavily on large-scale mechanical equipment, making this an important technical discipline.

Mining Engineering

Mining engineers are involved in the planning, development and operation of mines.

The profession can include mine design, production planning, safety, resource extraction and optimisation of mining operations.

Geology

Geologists study the Earth’s materials, structures and processes.

Within the mining industry, geological knowledge is particularly important for identifying and understanding mineral and resource deposits.

Mine Surveying

Mine surveying involves specialised measurement and mapping within mining environments.

Mine surveyors help establish accurate information about underground and surface mining operations and play an important role in mine planning and development.

An Opportunity to Enter Traditionally Male-Dominated Industries

Engineering and mining have historically been industries in which women have been underrepresented.

Programmes specifically encouraging women to pursue these disciplines can therefore contribute to a more diverse future workforce.

For applicants, however, the decision should go beyond simply choosing a qualification because bursary funding is available.

Engineering degrees are demanding programmes requiring sustained commitment to Mathematics, science and technical problem-solving.

Young women considering the Sasol Mining bursary should therefore ask themselves whether they genuinely enjoy solving technical problems and whether they can see themselves developing a career within engineering, mining or related industries.

A bursary can help remove financial barriers, but personal interest and academic commitment remain extremely important.

What Does an “All-Inclusive” Bursary Mean?

Sasol Mining describes these opportunities as all-inclusive undergraduate bursaries.

Applicants should consult the official bursary information and application documentation for the exact benefits applicable to successful candidates.

Do not assume that every possible university expense is automatically covered unless it is specifically stated in the bursary conditions.

Applicants who progress through the selection process should carefully read any bursary agreement provided to them, including conditions relating to funding, academic performance and any other obligations.

Edupstairs Application Guidance

Because applications close on 13 September 2026, applicants should avoid waiting until the final day.

Start preparing your application as early as possible.

Before applying, consider preparing commonly requested bursary documentation such as:

• South African ID documentation
• Recent academic results
• Grade 11 or Grade 12 results where applicable
• University academic transcripts for existing students
• Proof of university registration or admission where applicable
• Proof of residence
• Any additional supporting documents requested on the official application portal

This list is intended as preparation guidance. Applicants must follow the actual document requirements displayed on the official Sasol bursary application system.

Proof of Residence Could Be Particularly Important

Applicants should pay particular attention to the geographical eligibility requirement.

This is not simply a bursary for anyone studying in Mpumalanga.

The programme specifically targets women residing within approximately 50 kilometres of Secunda and surrounding communities.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to provide whatever residence verification Sasol requires during the application process.

Do not provide inaccurate information about where you live simply to qualify for the programme. Information submitted during bursary applications may be verified.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

A strong academic record can still be undermined by an incomplete or incorrectly submitted application.

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without checking the geographical requirement
• Entering incorrect contact details
• Uploading documents that cannot be clearly read
• Submitting incomplete academic records
• Assuming Mathematics Literacy is automatically equivalent to Mathematics where Mathematics is specifically required
• Waiting until the closing day to begin the application
• Providing inaccurate information
• Applying for a qualification outside the funded disciplines without checking eligibility
• Ignoring instructions provided on the official application portal

Before submitting, review every section of the application carefully.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2027 Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary Programme opened on 24 August 2026.

Prospective applicants should visit the official bursary platform:

Apply / Find More Information: Sasol Bursaries - www.sasolbursaries.com

Follow the instructions provided for the relevant bursary programme and complete the required application process.

The deadline is: 13 September 2026 at midnight.

Applicants should ideally submit well before the deadline in case they experience internet connectivity problems, missing documents or technical issues.

Why This Opportunity Matters for Fenceline Communities

The location requirement gives this bursary a strong community-development dimension.

Large mining and industrial operations often operate alongside communities that experience both the economic opportunities and broader effects associated with industrial activity.

Investing in education within those communities can help create pathways for residents to participate in skilled professions connected to major economic sectors.

A learner growing up near Secunda could potentially progress from school into an engineering degree and eventually enter a highly specialised professional career.

Even where a bursary recipient ultimately works elsewhere, obtaining a professional qualification can create wider benefits for individuals, families and communities.

Tools you may find useful:

View Other Employment Opportunities here

Need Help?

Edupstairs Advice

If you qualify, treat this as a competitive bursary application rather than simply another online form.

Strong Mathematics and Physical Science results already demonstrate an important level of academic achievement. Your next priority should be ensuring that your application accurately reflects those results and contains every document requested.

Grade 12 learners should also continue focusing on their final academic performance. Receiving conditional university admission or applying for a bursary does not remove the need to meet the final admission requirements for the relevant engineering or science programme.

Existing university students should similarly protect their academic performance.

Most importantly, apply before the deadline. Do not disqualify yourself by assuming that there will be another opportunity later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do applications for the Sasol Mining Women in Fenceline Communities Bursary close?

Applications close at midnight on 13 September 2026.

1. When did applications open?

Applications opened on 24 August 2026.

1. Is this bursary for the 2026 or 2027 academic year?

The applications opened in 2026 for the 2027 Women in Fenceline Communities Bursaries Programme.

1. Can male students apply?

No. The announced programme specifically targets female applicants.

1. What is the maximum age?

Applicants must be 25 years old or younger at the time of application.

1. Can current university students apply?

Yes. The announced criteria include first-, second- and third-year students studying at approved South African universities, subject to the other eligibility requirements.

1. Can Grade 12 learners apply?

Yes. Grade 12 learners who satisfy the academic, geographical and other programme requirements may apply.

1. What marks are required?

Applicants must meet the programme’s academic requirements, including at least 70% in Mathematics, 70% in Physical Science and 60% in English.

1. Which engineering qualifications are supported?

The programme includes BEng or BSc Engineering study opportunities in Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical and Mining Engineering, as well as opportunities in Geology and Mine Surveying.

The programme has a specific geographical focus. Applicants must reside within approximately 50 kilometres of Secunda and surrounding communities.

1. Where can applicants apply?

Applicants should use the official Sasol bursary website at www.sasolbursaries.com and follow the application instructions for the relevant programme.

1. Does meeting the minimum marks guarantee a bursary?

No. Meeting minimum eligibility criteria means an applicant may qualify to be considered. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee of selection or funding.

You can also:

Disclaimer

Edupstairs is not Sasol Mining and does not administer the Sasol bursary programme.

This article explains the opportunity using the information announced for the 2027 Women in Fenceline Communities Bursaries Programme. Applicants must verify eligibility requirements, funded qualifications, documentation requirements and application instructions through the official Sasol bursary platform before submitting an application.

Never pay an individual who claims they can guarantee you a Sasol bursary.

Editorial Integrity

Edupstairs independently explains employment, education, bursary and training opportunities to help South African applicants understand official advertisements and make informed applications.

Official eligibility criteria in this article have been separated from Edupstairs application guidance so that readers can distinguish between requirements announced for the programme and practical advice provided by Edupstairs.

Where information has not been specified in the supplied programme announcement, Edupstairs does not present assumptions as official requirements.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 - 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

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