PAMSA Master's in Engineering Bursary and Research Programme
Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) (administered directly by PAMSA; programme contact Julie Borland)
The PAMSA Master's in Engineering Bursary and Research Programme funds South African Chemical Engineering graduates to complete a full-time Master's degree focused on pulp, paper and bio-based materials. Worth R320,000 over two years, it combines tuition and research funding with hands-on work on real-world challenges such as waste valorisation, bioethanol and lignin extraction. Top researchers may be employed as engineers-in-training at participating PAMSA member companies.
- Amount
- R320,000 total over two years (covers tuition, research costs and study-related expenses for full-time Master's study)
- Deadline
- Closed 12 June 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) (administered directly by PAMSA; programme contact Julie Borland) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizenship preferred (international applicants are welcome to apply)
- ✓ Final-year student or recent graduate with a BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering
- ✓ Minimum 60% average in your final year
- ✓ Intending to pursue a Master's in Chemical Engineering for the 2027 intake at a participating university
- ✓ All studies completed within five years or less
- ✓ Registered or intending to register full-time at a participating university (Stellenbosch University, University of the Witwatersrand, North-West University, or University of Pretoria)
- ✓ Willing to undertake research focused on pulp, paper and bio-based materials
What's Included
- ✓ Two years of full-time Master's funding valued at R320,000 (tuition, research costs and study-related expenses)
- ✓ Hands-on research tackling real-world challenges in pulp, paper and bio-based materials, including waste valorisation, energy and water efficiency, bioethanol and lignin extraction
- ✓ Possible employment as an engineer-in-training at participating PAMSA member companies
- ✓ Exposure to South Africa's circular bioeconomy and renewable-resources sector
Work Commitment
There is no formal study-back obligation, but high-performing researchers may be offered employment as engineers-in-training at participating PAMSA member companies.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) (administered directly by PAMSA; programme contact Julie Borland) bursary application
- 1
Visit the official PAMSA programme page on thepaperstory.co.za to review the current cycle's requirements
- 2
Complete the online application form (historically hosted via SurveyMonkey and linked from the PAMSA programme page)
- 3
Upload your CV, academic transcripts for all years of study, and a motivational letter or statement
- 4
Submit a lecturer or reference letter in support of your application
- 5
Apply early - early-bird applicants receive priority - and before the closing date of 12 June 2026 for the 2027 intake
- 6
Wait for PAMSA to review applications and contact shortlisted candidates
Required Documents
- 📄 Curriculum vitae (CV)
- 📄 Academic transcripts for all years of study
- 📄 Motivational letter or statement
- 📄 A lecturer or reference letter
- 📄 Proof of acceptance or intended registration for a Master's in Chemical Engineering (2027 intake)
- 📄 Certified ID or passport copy
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much is the PAMSA Master's in Engineering bursary worth?
- The bursary is valued at R320,000 in total over two years, covering tuition, research costs and study-related expenses for full-time Master's study in Chemical Engineering.
- Who qualifies for the PAMSA Master's in Engineering bursary?
- You should be a final-year student or recent graduate with a BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering, with a minimum 60% average in your final year, intending to pursue a Master's in Chemical Engineering for the 2027 intake. Studies must be completed within five years or less. South African citizenship is preferred, but international applicants are welcome.
- Which universities take part in the PAMSA programme?
- The participating universities are Stellenbosch University, the University of the Witwatersrand, North-West University, and the University of Pretoria, where the Master's research on pulp, paper and bio-based materials is hosted.
- When is the closing date for the PAMSA bursary?
- For the 2027 cycle, applications close on 12 June 2026, with early-bird applicants receiving priority. This is an annual programme and deadlines typically fall around May or June each year.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 12 June 2026.
Check Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) (administered directly by PAMSA; programme contact Julie Borland)'s official site for the next application window.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) (administered directly by PAMSA; programme contact Julie Borland)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) (administered directly by PAMSA; programme contact Julie Borland):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 011 803 5063
Information verified 2026-06-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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