Sappi, the pulp, paper and dissolving wood pulp producer with mills and plantations across South Africa, awards bursaries each year according to its skills audit and business needs. Sappi accepts applications from 1 March to 31 August, so the 2026 window closed on 31 August 2026. Sappi interviews shortlisted applicants in October and November, and the next window opens on 1 March.
Nine qualifications on Sappi’s list
Sappi funds full-time study at accredited South African universities in these fields:
- BEng or BSc in mechanical engineering
- BEng or BSc in electrical engineering
- BEng or BSc in chemical engineering
- BEng or BSc in industrial engineering
- BEng or BSc in civil engineering
- BEng or BSc in mechatronics
- BEng or BSc in forestry and wood science
- National Diploma in pulp and paper
- National Diploma in forestry
The two diplomas set Sappi apart from most engineering funders: if you want a hands-on career in a paper mill or a plantation, Sappi is one of the few companies that names those qualifications outright.
Sappi’s marks bar: 70% in maths and science
- South African citizenship
- Aged 18 to 25, either leaving school or already at university
- An average of 70% in Mathematics (Maths Literacy does not count)
- 70% to 80% in Physical Science
- 60% in English
- Enough points for university entrance, or a confirmed acceptance
Sappi prefers candidates averaging above 75% in Mathematics and Physical Science. For students already at university, Sappi looks at current academic results. Selection is merit-based: Sappi invites the strongest applicants to a selection interview.
Planning around Sappi’s March-to-August calendar
Because the window runs from March to August, school leavers apply during their matric year, before final exam results exist, and Sappi holds its interviews in October and November. If you are in Grade 11 now, mark 1 March 2027 in your calendar so you can apply early in your matric year.
Sappi takes applications online only. When the window is open, use the Apply now link on Sappi’s bursaries and scholarships page, which leads to Sappi’s careers portal. On 1 October 2026 the portal listed no bursary adverts.
What Sappi’s page leaves unsaid
Sappi’s bursary page does not list what the bursary pays for, the value of the award or any obligation to work for Sappi after graduation. Ask about cover and work-back terms at the interview stage rather than relying on figures quoted elsewhere.
Engineering funders with different deadlines
Missed Sappi’s August cut-off? The Transnet bursary and the Eskom bursary both fund mechanical, electrical and civil engineering on their own calendars, and our engineering bursaries list tracks more open rounds.
Can I apply to Sappi with Maths Literacy?
No. Sappi requires an average of 70% in Mathematics and says Maths Literacy does not qualify.
Does Sappi fund students who are already at university?
Yes. Sappi accepts university students aged 18 to 25 studying full time in one of its listed fields, and it assesses their current academic results.