Bursaries and scholarships​

At Sappi, we want to encourage the brightest young talent to join our ever evolving industry.

Sappi awards a number of bursaries each year based on our annual skills audit and business needs.  Our bursary scheme is intended to cater for talented and innovative young South African citizens.  It is a talent-based approach where applicants who meet the minimum criteria are invited to a selection interview.

Who is eligible for a bursary?

School leavers or university students between 18 - 25 years old who are studying or intending to study full time at any South African accredited university in one of the following fields:

  • Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Mechanical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Electrical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Chemical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Industrial Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Mechatronics
  • Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Forestry and Wood Science
  • National Diploma – Pulp and Paper
  • National Diploma in Forestry 

In addition, you are required to have:

  • South African citizenship
  • An average of 70% in Mathematics (not Maths Literacy), 70–80% in Physical Science and 60% in English and
  • Qualifying points for entrance at the university or acceptance confirmation

Current university results will be considered for undergraduate students.  Note that preference will be given to learners with an average of 75% and above in Mathematics and Physical Science.

When to apply for a bursary at Sappi

The bursary period is open from 01 April to 30 September and the recruitment cycle takes place between October and November every year.

How to apply for a bursary at Sappi

All applications must be completed online, please click here to apply.

Contact us

For application queries please contact us on:

+27 11 407 8111 or youngtalent@sappi.com

This is what our bursary students have to say:

"In the beginning of 2019, I was selected as one of the Sappi bursars for my degree in Chemical Engineering at UCT. I cannot thank this wonderful company enough for the support they have given me and my family thus far. As a student in a highly stressful and difficult degree, having the support of such an established company is second to none. It has allowed me to see my long-term future post-graduation already, which is very comforting. Once again, I thank Sappi for all the support for my studies thus far."
Liam Schrickker


 

"The alleviation of the financial burden of my studies by Sappi's bursary programme has allowed me to follow my dreams and focus on the task at hand. Beyond the financial support, the Sappi team has also supported me during my studies and have instilled a culture of professionalism in me.  Thank you, Sappi."
Fezile Mkohli

 

 

"Life can be tough, but opportunities can also arise when you least expect it. My bursary at Sappi is one such opportunity. After two years of applying for every available bursary, my prayers were finally answered when Sappi awarded me a bursary. My experience with Sappi has been extremely positive. I have never felt like a number on a system, but always like someone with a name. I look forward to working for Sappi, and I am confident that the investment they make in me and others will benefit Sappi and South Africa in the long term. I am proud to be a proverbial sapling at Sappi!"
Philip de Bruin

Discover more about our Sappi our recruitment process here.

Discover everything you need to know about applying for our student development programmes all in one place.