PAMSA Bursary 2027

About this bursary

The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) offers funding for postgraduate research through its Bursary and Research Programme. The grant awards R320 000 across two academic years to cover university fees, living expenses, and study resources for Master's students in Chemical Engineering.

This programme focuses on building technical expertise in South Africa's pulp, paper, and bio-based manufacturing sectors. Bursary holders work on research projects addressing key industry topics, including bio-refining, circular economy principles, recycling efficiency, and sustainable material production.

Funding is restricted to full-time postgraduate study at four partner South African universities. Beyond financial support, top candidates may receive work placements as engineers-in-training at member companies.

Courses of study covered

MSc Chemical Engineering

MEng Chemical Engineering

Master's in Chemical Engineering

What the bursary covers

R320 000 total funding divided across two years

University tuition fees covered

Student accommodation costs covered

Prescribed books and study materials

Monthly living allowance

Practical industry-focused research exposure

Opportunity for graduate placement at member manufacturing firms

Who can apply

You qualify if

You must plan to enrol for a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering in the 2027 academic year.
You must be in your final year of a BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering, or have recently completed this qualification.
You must have finished your undergraduate degree within five years or be on track to do so.
You need a minimum overall average of 60% in your final year of undergraduate study.
You must study at Stellenbosch University, University of the Witwatersrand, North-West University, or University of Pretoria.
South African citizens are preferred, though non-citizens are also eligible to apply.

You do not qualify if

Students registering at universities other than Stellenbosch, Wits, NWU, or UP.
Applicants with a final-year academic average below 60%.
Undergraduate applicants who are not progressing to Master's studies in 2027.
Students pursuing qualifications outside of Chemical Engineering.

Documents you need to submit

Short Curriculum Vitae
Complete official academic transcripts for all undergraduate years on university letterhead
Motivational letter explaining your eligibility and research interests
Reference letter from a university lecturer with full contact details

Ensure all documents are uploaded clearly in electronic format with your online form.

How to apply

1
Open the PAMSA online application form on SurveyMonkey.
2
Fill in your personal, contact, and academic information accurately.
3
Upload your CV, full transcripts, motivational letter, and academic reference letter.
4
Submit the application before the deadline on 12 June 2026.

Select how you learned about the opportunity when prompted on the form.

How you are selected

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Forms, downloads and links

PAMSA Bursary application form

surveymonkey.com/r/2LQ8QYX

Email bursary administrator

[email protected]

PAMSA member companies website

thepaperstory.co.za/about-pamsa/members