🟢 OPEN — Sappi Bursary applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.
Looking for the Sappi Bursary application or requirements for 2027 academic year? The Sappi Bursary supports eligible South African students pursuing full-time undergraduate studies in selected Engineering and Forestry and Wood Science fields at recognised and accredited universities in South Africa.
Yes, the Sappi Bursary is currently open for the 2027 academic year. The closing date is 30 September 2026. Applicants who meet the academic and other eligibility requirements should submit their applications before the deadline.
Sappi Bursary: At a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary provider | Sappi |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Status | Open |
| Closing date | 30 September 2026 |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Institution | Recognised and accredited university in South Africa |
| Fields | Engineering; Forestry and Wood Science |
| Minimum Mathematics | 70% |
| Minimum Physical Science | 70% |
| Minimum English | 60% |
| Age | 17 to 25 years |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Application method | Online |
Sappi Bursary Contents
- What Is the Sappi Bursary?
- IS THE SAPPI BURSARY OPEN?
- WHAT FIELDS DOES THE SAPPI BURSARY FUND?
- Sappi Bursary Requirements
- WHAT MARKS DO YOU NEED FOR THE SAPPI BURSARY?
- DOES THE SAPPI BURSARY COVER UNIVERSITY STUDENTS?
- WHAT DOES THE SAPPI BURSARY COVER?
- Vacation Work and Career Opportunities
- DOES SAPPI GIVE PREFERENCE TO CERTAIN APPLICANTS?
- Documents Required for the Sappi Bursary
- Sappi Bursary 2027 Application vs Previous Application Forms
- How to Apply for the Sappi Bursary
- Sappi Bursary Closing Date
- WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU APPLY?
- WHAT IF YOU MISS THE SAPPI BURSARY CLOSING DATE?
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Sappi Bursary
- Apply for the Sappi Bursary
- Related Bursaries on Grads24
What Is the Sappi Bursary?
The Sappi Bursary is a funding programme provided by Sappi for South African students who intend to pursue eligible full-time undergraduate qualifications in fields relevant to Engineering and Forestry and Wood Science.
Sappi is a global company operating in the paper, pulp, woodfibre and related industries. The company also identifies bursaries, internships, co-ops and apprenticeships as part of its early-career opportunities. Its South African operations include manufacturing and forestry activities, making Engineering and Forestry-related skills particularly relevant to the organisation.
For the current intake, Sappi is inviting applications for study beginning in 2027. The programme is aimed at students who meet the stated academic, citizenship, age, study and qualification requirements.
Is the Sappi Bursary Open?
Yes. The Sappi Bursary is currently open for applications for the 2027 academic year.
The current application deadline is 30 September 2026. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted according to the current bursary information.
If you are eligible, it is better to complete the application and prepare your supporting documents well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Status: 🟢 Open
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Academic year: 2027
Application: Online
What Fields Does the Sappi Bursary Fund?
The Sappi Bursary supports undergraduate qualifications in the following fields:
- Chemical Engineering — BEng or BSc
- Civil Engineering — BEng or BSc
- Electrical Engineering — BEng or BSc
- Forestry and Wood Science — BSc
- Industrial Engineering — BEng or BSc
- Mechanical Engineering — BEng or BSc
- Mechatronics Engineering — BEng or BSc
These are the qualifications currently listed for the 2027 Sappi Bursary programme. Do not assume that another Engineering or Forestry-related qualification is automatically eligible unless it is included in the programme requirements.
Related: Engineering Bursaries South Africa — compare the Sappi Bursary with other Engineering funding opportunities.
Sappi Bursary Requirements
You must meet the programme’s minimum requirements before applying. The current criteria include the following:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be between 17 and 25 years old.
- You must currently be in Matric or have completed Matric.
- You must be studying or intend to study full-time.
- You must intend to study towards one of the eligible qualifications listed by Sappi.
- You must study or intend to study at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
- If you have completed Matric, you must meet the required subject marks.
- If you are currently in Matric, the relevant academic requirements are assessed using your Grade 11 results.
Sappi also states that preference may be given to students who reside in areas close to its main business operations. Meeting this preference does not replace the other minimum eligibility requirements.
What Marks Do You Need for the Sappi Bursary?
The current minimum academic requirements are:
- Mathematics: at least 70%
- Physical Science: at least 70%
- English: at least 60%
Mathematics Literacy is not accepted in place of Mathematics for the stated requirement.
If you are currently in Matric, Sappi’s requirements refer to your Grade 11 results. If you have already completed Matric, the requirements refer to your Matric results.
Does the Sappi Bursary Cover University Students?
The Sappi Bursary is primarily described as an undergraduate bursary. Applicants who have already entered tertiary study may therefore need to confirm that their current year of study and qualification meet the requirements of the current application.
Applicants who are already at tertiary level should be prepared to provide their full tertiary academic record as part of the application documentation.
What Does the Sappi Bursary Cover?
The Sappi Bursary may provide financial support towards several study-related expenses. Current bursary information identifies the following possible benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation
- A living allowance
However, applicants should not interpret this as a fixed cash amount that every bursary recipient will receive. The total bursary value is dependent on the student’s household income.
For this reason, Grads24 does not publish an invented fixed monthly allowance. The available information confirms that a living allowance may form part of the bursary, but a universal monthly rand amount has not been specified in the information we have verified for the 2027 programme.
This distinction is important if you are searching for the Sappi Bursary monthly allowance. The existence of a living allowance does not mean that every successful applicant receives the same monthly amount.
Vacation Work and Career Opportunities
The Sappi Bursary offers more than financial support. Current programme information states that bursary recipients have the opportunity to participate in vacation work during the July and December holidays.
Successful completion of the relevant vacation-work experience can allow students to enter Sappi’s Engineer-in-Training programme. This creates an additional link between the bursary and Sappi’s broader early-career development opportunities.
However, applicants should distinguish between an opportunity associated with the bursary and a guaranteed job offer. Participation in the programme should not be presented as an automatic promise of permanent employment.
Does Sappi Give Preference to Certain Applicants?
Yes. Sappi states that preference will be given to students who reside in areas close to Sappi’s main business operations, provided they meet the programme’s academic and other requirements.
This means that living close to a Sappi operation may strengthen an applicant’s position, but it does not remove the requirement to meet the minimum academic and eligibility criteria.
Documents Required for the Sappi Bursary
Applicants should prepare clear copies of the supporting documents required for the application. The current application information lists the following:
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Latest Matric results and Grade 11 final results, if you are currently in Matric
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate, if you have completed Matric
- Full tertiary academic record, if you are currently studying at tertiary level
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The current information states that submission of the compulsory supporting documents is important and that missing documents may result in the application not being considered.
Prepare your documents before starting the online application so that you are not trying to obtain or certify important documents shortly before the deadline.
Sappi Bursary 2027 Application vs Previous Application Forms
If you find an old Sappi bursary application form, cached page or previous-year application instructions online, do not automatically use it for the current intake.
The current opportunity is for the 2027 academic year and the application route should be the current Sappi careers/application system associated with that intake. Older application pages may contain previous deadlines, document requirements or outdated application instructions.
In other words, an old Sappi Bursary application form appearing in Google does not mean that it is the correct form for the 2027 intake. Always follow the current application route and requirements for the programme you are applying for.
How to Apply for the Sappi Bursary
Applications for the current programme are submitted online through Sappi’s application system.
Official Sappi Bursary application: Sappi Bursary Application 2027
Before submitting your application:
- Check that you meet the citizenship, age, academic and study requirements.
- Confirm that your intended qualification appears among Sappi’s eligible fields.
- Prepare your required supporting documents.
- Complete the online application accurately.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Review your information before submitting the application.
- Submit the application before 30 September 2026.
- Keep a record of your application or confirmation details.
Sappi Bursary Closing Date
The closing date for the current Sappi Bursary application is 30 September 2026.
This is the deadline for the bursary supporting the 2027 academic year. Applicants should not confuse this date with deadlines from older Sappi bursary cycles that may still appear in search results.
Closing date: 30 September 2026.
What Happens After You Apply?
Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will receive the Sappi Bursary. Applications are assessed against the programme’s requirements and eligible applicants may proceed to the selection process.
Shortlisted candidates are contacted and invited to attend a selection interview.
Applicants should therefore make sure that the information in their application is accurate and that they can provide the required supporting documentation if requested.
What If You Miss the Sappi Bursary Closing Date?
If you miss the 30 September 2026 deadline, do not assume that Sappi will accept a late application. The current bursary information states that applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
If you are unable to apply during the current cycle, you can continue monitoring Sappi’s official careers and bursary information for a future intake.
You can also explore other Engineering Bursaries in South Africa and bursaries currently open for applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sappi Bursary
Is the Sappi Bursary open for 2027?
Yes. Applications for the 2027 academic year are currently open and close on 30 September 2026.
When does the Sappi Bursary close?
The current Sappi Bursary closing date is 30 September 2026.
What are the Sappi Bursary requirements?
Applicants must meet the citizenship, age, study, institution and academic requirements. The current minimum academic requirements include 70% for Mathematics, 70% for Physical Science and 60% for English.
Does Sappi accept Mathematics Literacy?
No. The stated Mathematics requirement specifically excludes Mathematical Literacy.
What can I study with the Sappi Bursary?
The current programme covers Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, as well as Forestry and Wood Science.
Is the Sappi Bursary for undergraduate study?
Yes. The current 2027 programme is for undergraduate studies.
How much is the Sappi Bursary monthly allowance?
A living allowance may form part of the bursary, but the total bursary value depends on the student’s household income. A universal monthly rand amount has not been specified in the information verified for the current programme.
What does the Sappi Bursary cover?
The bursary may cover tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation and a living allowance. The total value depends on household income.
Does the Sappi Bursary provide vacation work?
Bursary recipients have the opportunity to participate in vacation work during the July and December holidays each year.
Can the Sappi Bursary lead to employment?
The programme can provide a pathway into Sappi’s Engineer-in-Training programme after successful completion of the relevant requirements. However, this should not be interpreted as a guaranteed permanent job offer.
Does Sappi give preference to students from certain areas?
Yes. Preference is given to students who reside in areas close to Sappi’s main business operations, provided they meet the programme requirements.
What documents are required for the Sappi Bursary?
The current application information lists a certified ID, relevant Grade 11 and Matric results or certificate, a full tertiary academic record where applicable, and a CV.
Can I use an old Sappi Bursary application form for 2027?
You should not rely on an old application form. Use the current application route associated with the 2027 intake and follow the current requirements.
Apply for the Sappi Bursary
The Sappi Bursary is currently open for the 2027 academic year.
Applications close on 30 September 2026. If you meet the requirements, prepare your supporting documents and complete the online application before the deadline.
Official application: Sappi Bursary Application 2027
Sappi contact: 011 407 8111
Email: youngtalent@sappi.com
Always confirm the latest application instructions on Sappi’s official application system before submitting your application.
Related Bursaries on Grads24
- Engineering Bursaries South Africa — find more funding opportunities for Engineering students.
- Science Bursaries South Africa — explore funding for Science-related qualifications.
- Bursaries Currently Open — see other bursaries with active application windows.
- Forestry Bursaries South Africa — explore funding opportunities related to Forestry and Wood Science, where available.
Grads24 monitors bursary opportunities and updates application information as new funding cycles are announced. Always verify the final requirements and application instructions with the bursary provider.