Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa Pamsa Bursary

Key Facts

Status: Check Provider for Dates
Provider: Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA)
Field of Study: Engineering
Study Level: Postgraduate / Masters
Academic Year: 2027

Reviewed & Verified by Makona Mandla Lead Editor, Bursary Verification

Check Provider for Dates

See current details on the PAMSA website

Eligibility Requirements

Holds, or is in final year of, a BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering
Graduated within the last five years, if already qualified
Minimum 60% average in final-year Chemical Engineering studies
South African citizenship preferred
Willing to register for a Master's degree at one of the four participating universities

Documents Needed

Curriculum vitae (CV)
Academic transcripts for all years of study
Reference letters
Motivation letter

About Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa Pamsa Bursary

The PAMSA Bursary is a Master's in Engineering Bursary & Research Programme funded by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), the industry body representing more than 90% of the country's pulp, paper, board, and tissue manufacturers. It funds a two-year, R320,000 bursary for chemical engineering graduates to complete a Master's degree combined with an industry-linked research project.

The programme is aimed at building a pipeline of chemical and process engineers for South Africa's pulp and paper sector, with research projects focused on areas such as beneficiation of wood and recycled fibre, process waste utilisation, resource efficiency, and bio-based products - work that supports the industry's move toward a circular bioeconomy.

Bursars complete their funded Master's degree at one of four participating South African universities, working on a research topic relevant to the pulp and paper industry alongside their studies.

Funding Details

The bursary is worth R320,000 over two years, covering full-time Master's study and research costs at one of the four participating universities.

Where You Can Study

Stellenbosch University
University of the Witwatersrand
North-West University
University of Pretoria

About Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA)

PAMSA (the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa) was established in 1992 and represents more than 90% of South Africa's pulp, paper, board, and tissue manufacturers. It exists to advocate for its members on sh…

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Fields of Study & Who Can Apply

Final-year BSc or BEng Chemical Engineering students, or recent graduates who completed their degree within the last five years
Minimum 60% average in final-year studies
South African citizenship preferred

Application Procedure

Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.

See current details on the PAMSA website

Last verified:

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 - 12:00

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this bursary fund?

A two-year, R320,000 Master's in Engineering bursary for Chemical Engineering graduates, combined with a research project relevant to the pulp and paper industry.

Which universities can I study at?

Stellenbosch University, the University of the Witwatersrand, North-West University, or the University of Pretoria.

Are applications currently open?

Applications for the 2027-2028 intake closed on 12 June 2026. PAMSA typically opens a new application window around April each year, closing in June - check the PAMSA website for the next cycle's dates.

Do I need a job offer or work-back agreement with PAMSA?

PAMSA has not published a formal work-back obligation for this bursary; it is structured primarily as research funding tied to a specific Master's project.