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PAMSA invests in future engineers to drive South Africa’s circular bioeconomy

R320,000 Master’s bursary programme targets final-year chemical engineering students to boost skills and industry innovation

The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) is investing in the next generation of chemical engineers through its 2027–2028 Master’s in Engineering Bursary Programme, aimed at strengthening South Africa’s skills pipeline and advancing innovation in the circular bioeconomy.

This initiative has been equipping young chemical engineering students for more than a decade with their industry-relevant research helping the South African pulp and paper sector to further contribute to the circular bioeconomy and develop more resource-efficient processes.

“Students on this programme work at the forefront of innovation in an industry that transforms renewable wood fibre and recycled materials into everyday essentials such as printing paper, packaging, tissue and wood fibre-based materials,” says Jane Molony, executive director of PAMSA.

Funding the next generation of engineers

Open to final-year students studying a BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering, the programme offers a two-year bursary valued at R320,000, covering tuition, accommodation, study materials and living expenses. Successful candidates would undertake full-time Master’s study at leading South African institutions, including North-West University, Stellenbosch University, the University of Pretoria and the University of the Witwatersrand.

“Over the course of two years, students will engage in research projects that align closely with industry priorities, covering areas such as process optimisation, energy and water efficiency, waste-to-value innovation, and the development of bio-based materials and fuels,” explains Molony.

She adds that many of the programme’s graduates go on to become engineers-in-training at PAMSA’s member companies, gaining valuable practical experience and career opportunities.

Who should apply

The programme is only open to final-year students and recent graduates with a BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering.

The students are required to demonstrate strong academic performance, with a minimum 60% average in their final year, and must have completed, or be on track to complete, their studies within five years. In addition, candidates should be committed to pursuing full-time Master’s study and be motivated to contribute to research that supports industry needs and advances the circular bioeconomy.

Applications close on 12 June 2026. Apply here.

Chris du Toit is a chemical engineer in training at Sappi’s Saiccor mill on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast. His work focuses on process improvement, combining proactive trend monitoring to identify optimisation opportunities with root cause investigations to resolve operational challenges. Working within multidisciplinary teams, he contributes to designing more efficient systems through both theoretical analysis and hands-on involvement, including simulations, sampling, experiments and overseeing equipment installation and maintenance.

Chris du Toit

Chris du Toit is a chemical engineer in training at Sappi’s Saiccor mill on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast. His work focuses on process improvement, combining proactive trend monitoring to identify optimisation opportunities with root cause investigations to resolve operational challenges. Working within multidisciplinary teams, he contributes to designing more efficient systems through both theoretical analysis and hands-on involvement, including simulations, sampling, experiments and overseeing equipment installation and maintenance.
Qiniso Ngiba, a process engineer and graduate of the 2020–2021 Master’s programme at Stellenbosch University, researched the conversion of lignin from waste pulping liquors into slow-release nitrogen fertilisers and soil conditioning materials, supporting more sustainable use of forestry resources.

Qiniso Ngiba

Qiniso Ngiba, a process engineer and graduate of the 2020–2021 Master’s programme at Stellenbosch University, researched the conversion of lignin from waste pulping liquors into slow-release nitrogen fertilisers and soil conditioning materials, supporting more sustainable use of forestry resources.
Lerato Tau, a master’s student at University of Pretoria, is using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to better understand how paper materials respond to heat. By tracking how materials lose weight as temperatures rise, her research reveals their composition and thermal stability. This faster, safer method delivers results in hours rather than days, offering practical benefits for the papermaking industry. She will be graduating this year. 

Lerato Tau

Lerato Tau, a master’s student at University of Pretoria, is using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to better understand how paper materials respond to heat. By tracking how materials lose weight as temperatures rise, her research reveals their composition and thermal stability. This faster, safer method delivers results in hours rather than days, offering practical benefits for the papermaking industry. She will be graduating this year. 
Kelly Campbell, a chemical engineering graduate completing her MEng at Stellenbosch University, is exploring how food waste can be converted into ethanol through fermentation. Her research aims to divert organic waste from landfill while producing a high-value product with applications in the chemical and transport sectors.

Kelly Campbell

Kelly Campbell, a chemical engineering graduate completing her MEng at Stellenbosch University, is exploring how food waste can be converted into ethanol through fermentation. Her research aims to divert organic waste from landfill while producing a high-value product with applications in the chemical and transport sectors.
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