Sappi Bursary South Africa

Launch your engineering or forestry science study with the Sappi Bursary for 2026! South African Pulp and Paper Industries (Sappi) supports students with high academic merit and financial need in fields like Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering and Forestry Science. Full financial backing plus vacation work helps you bridge theory and industry. At BursaryForms, we are your guide to success!

About the Sappi

Sappi is a global wood-fiber company specializing in dissolving pulp, packaging & specialty papers, graphic papers, biomaterials and biochemicals. In South Africa, Sappi’s bursary programme aims to develop talent by supporting students in engineering and forestry science, aligned with their business’s operational needs. At BursaryForms, we are thrilled to connect you with this opportunity!

Fields Covered by the Sappi Bursary

Ready to align your passion with a thriving career? The bursary supports these fields:

  • Chemical Engineering (BSc or BEng)
  • Civil Engineering (BSc or BEng)
  • Electrical Engineering (BSc or BEng)
  • Industrial Engineering (BSc or BEng)
  • Mechanical Engineering (BSc or BEng)
  • Mechatronics Engineering (BSc or BEng)
  • Forestry and Wood Science (BSc)
  • National Diploma – Pulp and Paper
  • National Diploma in Forestry

Expenses Covered by the Sappi Bursary

This bursary is your ticket to success, covering essentials such as:

  • Tuition fees for the full degree in eligible fields.
  • Prescribed textbooks and learning materials.
  • Accommodation (on-campus or off-campus) where needed.
  • Living allowance to help with daily expenses.
  • Vacation work opportunities during July and December holidays.
  • Path into Sappi Engineer-in-Training Programme after successful completion and meeting performance criteria.

Eligibility Requirements for the Sappi Bursary

Think you have got what it takes? Here is what you need to qualify for this opportunity:

  • Must be a South African citizen.
  • Must be aged between 17 and 25 years (for school leavers / current Matric or recent Matric).
  • Must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric.
  • Must plan to study full-time at an accredited South African university in one of the eligible fields.
  • Must have minimum results in Matric (or Grade 11 if still in Matric): at least 70% in Mathematics (not Maths Literacy), 70% in Physical Science, and 60% in English.
  • Current university students must provide academic record / transcripts.
  • Preference given to learners residing in communities close to Sappi’s operations.

We are supporting you at BursaryForms! You can sharpen your application with these expert tips:

  • Gather certified copies of your ID, Matric (and Grade 11 if needed) results, and latest academic transcripts well ahead of the deadline.
  • Write a clear motivational letter showing your passion for engineering or forestry science and how you plan to use your qualification.
  • Make sure your Mathematics and Physical Science marks are strong—those 70% thresholds are strictly enforced.
  • If you are from an area near a Sappi mill or operation, mention that—it can help.
  • Don’t wait until the closing date; submit early so you can sort out any issues if they arise.

This page was updated on September 28, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply for the Sappi Bursary

Complete the official application form via the Sappi bursary programme, submitted online.

Strengthen your application with these must-have documents (certified copies):

  • South African ID document
  • Matric latest results or Grade 11 final results if you are in Matric
  • Matric certificate if you have completed Matric
  • Full tertiary academic record if you are already studying
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Proof of registration or provisional registration at your university (if applicable)
  • Proof of household income (or affidavit when parents/guardians are unemployed)

Applications must be submitted via: online application through the Sappi bursary portal Email queries: youngtalent@sappi.com

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date for the Sappi Bursary

30 September 2025

Submit before this deadline. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.

Contact the Sappi Bursary Provider

Got questions? We are all about empowering you—reach out to the provider for answers:

Sappi (South African Pulp and Paper Industries)
Tel: 011 407 8111
Email: youngtalent@sappi.com
Website: https://www.sappi.com/bursaries-and-scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the Sappi Bursary.

1. What exactly is the Sappi Bursary?+
The Sappi Bursary is a funding programme for South African learners and students aged 17-25 who wish to study engineering or forestry science. It includes tuition, textbooks, accommodation, living allowance, vacation work, and entry into Sappi’s Engineer-in-Training programme.
2. Who can apply for the Sappi Bursary?+
You must be a South African citizen aged between 17 and 25, having completed Matric or currently in Matric, with required marks in Mathematics, Physical Science and English. Also, you must intend to study full-time in one of the eligible fields at a university.
3. Which fields are eligible for support?+
The bursary supports undergraduate studies in engineering disciplines (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, Mechatronics) and Forestry & Wood Science, plus National Diplomas in Forestry or Pulp & Paper.
4. What academic scores are required?+
You must have at least 70% in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy), 70% in Physical Science, and 60% in English. Grade 11 results are accepted for current Matric candidates. University students must also submit their academic record.
5. Does Sappi bursary include work experience?+
Yes. Successful applicants get chances for vacation work in July and December. There is also potential entry into the Sappi Engineer-in-Training programme after degree completion.
6. What documents must I submit?+
You need certified ID document; Matric certificate or latest Matric/Grade 11 results; full tertiary academic record (if already studying); CV; proof of household income; proof of registration or provisional registration at university.
7. Is there a specific closing date?+
Yes. For the 2026 academic year, the Sappi bursary applications close on 30 September 2025.
8. Can students from areas near Sappi operations get preference?+
Yes. Preference is given to applicants living in communities surrounding Sappi’s mills or operations, provided they meet the academic and other eligibility criteria.
9. Are there age limits for applying?+
Applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old.
10. Who do I contact for questions about the Sappi Bursary?+
Contact Sappi: Tel 011 407 8111, Email youngtalent@sappi.com.