Sappi Engineering Bursary 2026 — Tuition, Books, Accommodation and a Living Allowance

Sappi, one of the world's leading producers of paper and packaging products, is offering undergraduate engineering bursaries to South African students for the 2027 academic year. The bursary can cover tuition, books, accommodation and a living allowance — with the value determined by household income. Applications close on 30 September 2026.

What makes this bursary particularly valuable is what comes after it. Sappi engineering bursars get vacation work during July and December each year, and successful completion of the degree opens the door to the Sappi Engineer-in-Training programme — a structured pathway directly into a professional engineering career at a global company.

What the Bursary Can Cover

Qualifying Fields of Study

Sappi bursaries are available for the following degrees (BSc or BEng where applicable):

Who Can Apply

• South African citizen between 17 and 25 years of age
• Completed Matric or currently in Matric
• Achieved more than 70% for Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) in Matric or Grade 11
• Achieved more than 70% for Physical Science
• Achieved more than 60% for English
• Intending to study full time at a Sappi-supported university

Preference is given to applicants from communities surrounding Sappi operations who meet the academic requirements. If you live near a Sappi mill or forestry operation, this strengthens your application significantly.

What Comes After the Bursary

Sappi bursars are not just funded students — they are part of the Sappi talent pipeline. You will complete vacation work at Sappi operations during July and December each year, giving you practical industry exposure while you study. When you graduate, the Sappi Engineer-in-Training programme provides a clear entry point into a professional engineering career within the company.

Applications for the 2027 academic year close on 30 September 2026. Do not leave this until the last minute — strong applications take time to prepare.