Applications are now open for the Sappi Engineering Bursary 2027, giving eligible South African students an opportunity to receive financial support while pursuing selected Engineering and Forestry Science qualifications. The programme is designed to support academically capable students who want to develop careers in technical, manufacturing, engineering, and forestry-related fields.
The bursary supports full-time undergraduate studies at universities recognised by Sappi. Depending on household income, successful applicants may receive assistance with tuition, prescribed books, accommodation, and living expenses. Engineering bursars may also benefit from vacation work opportunities and potential progression into Sappi’s Engineer-in-Training programme. Applications close on 30 September 2026.
Sappi Engineering Bursary 2027 Overview
- Bursary Provider: Sappi
- Programme: Sappi Engineering Bursary
- Reference Number: req240
- Academic Year: 2027
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Study Location: South Africa
- Citizenship: South African
- Age Requirement: 17–25 years
- Application Method: Online
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
What Does the Sappi Bursary Cover?
The Sappi Engineering Bursary may provide financial assistance toward several university-related expenses.
Funding may include:
- University tuition fees
- Prescribed books and study materials
- Accommodation
- Living allowance
The amount of financial assistance may vary according to the successful applicant’s household income and applicable bursary conditions.
Courses Covered by the Sappi Engineering Bursary 2027
The bursary is available for selected Engineering and Forestry Science qualifications.
Chemical Engineering
Students intending to pursue a BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering may apply.
Civil Engineering
Funding is available for students planning to study towards a BSc or BEng in Civil Engineering.
Electrical Engineering
Students intending to pursue a BSc or BEng in Electrical Engineering are eligible to be considered.
Forestry and Wood Science
Applicants interested in the forestry sector may apply for a BSc in Forestry and Wood Science.
Industrial Engineering
The bursary supports students pursuing a BSc or BEng in Industrial Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering
Students studying towards a BSc or BEng in Mechanical Engineering may apply.
Mechatronics Engineering
Applicants planning to pursue a BSc or BEng in Mechatronics Engineering may also be considered.
Sappi Engineering Bursary 2027 Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Candidates should:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 17 and 25 years old.
- Have completed Matric or currently be in Matric.
- Intend to study full-time.
- Plan to attend a university supported by Sappi for the relevant Engineering studies.
- Meet the required academic standards in Mathematics, Physical Science, and English.
Applicants should carefully confirm that their chosen university and qualification meet Sappi’s requirements before applying.
Minimum Academic Requirements
Students who have already completed Matric should have achieved:
- More than 70% in Mathematics.
- More than 70% in Physical Science.
- More than 60% in English.
Mathematical Literacy cannot be used as a substitute for Mathematics.
Students who are currently completing Matric will generally be assessed using their Grade 11 academic results. Current Matric applicants should therefore have achieved more than:
- 70% in Mathematics.
- 70% in Physical Science.
- 60% in English.
Strong performance in these subjects is important because the bursary is targeted at students pursuing technically demanding qualifications.
Preference for Applicants Near Sappi Operations
Sappi indicates that preference may be given to qualifying applicants from communities located near its operations.
However, applicants from these communities must still meet the programme’s academic, age, citizenship, and other eligibility requirements.
Vacation Work Opportunities
The Sappi bursary can provide benefits beyond financial assistance. Engineering bursars may have the opportunity to participate in vacation work during July and December.
This practical exposure can allow students to gain insight into the workplace and develop an understanding of how engineering knowledge is applied in an industrial environment.
Vacation work may also help students develop professional skills and gain experience relevant to their future careers.
Opportunity to Join the Sappi Engineer-in-Training Programme
Successful completion of the bursary programme may provide a pathway towards Sappi’s Engineer-in-Training programme.
This potential progression gives qualifying graduates an opportunity to continue developing their technical and professional skills after completing their university studies.
For students interested in engineering careers, the combination of financial support, practical exposure, and graduate development can make the Sappi bursary particularly valuable.
Who Should Apply?
The Sappi Engineering Bursary 2027 may be suitable for students who:
- Have strong results in Mathematics and Physical Science.
- Want to pursue an Engineering or Forestry Science qualification.
- Intend to study full-time at a Sappi-supported South African university.
- Meet the citizenship and age requirements.
- Are interested in gaining practical workplace exposure.
- Want to develop careers in engineering, manufacturing, forestry, or related industries.
Students should review the full eligibility requirements before beginning their applications.
How to Apply for the Sappi Engineering Bursary 2027
Applications must be submitted online through the Sappi careers platform.
When searching for the opportunity, applicants should look for:
Sappi Engineering Bursary
Reference Number: req240
Applicants should complete the online application accurately and provide any supporting documentation requested during the application process.
Before submitting the application, applicants should check their personal information, academic details, qualification, and supporting documents carefully.
Sappi Engineering Bursary 2027 Closing Date
The application deadline is:
30 September 2026
Although the bursary is for the 2027 academic year, applications must be submitted during 2026. Eligible students are encouraged to apply early to avoid technical or documentation problems close to the deadline.
Final Reminder
The Sappi Engineering Bursary 2027 offers South African students an opportunity to receive financial assistance while pursuing selected Engineering and Forestry Science qualifications.
In addition to possible support for tuition, books, accommodation, and living expenses, successful Engineering bursars may have access to vacation work and a potential pathway into the Sappi Engineer-in-Training programme.
Students who meet the requirements should prepare their applications carefully and apply before the 30 September 2026 closing date.
