The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), acknowledged as the ‘voice of the pulp and paper industry’, promotes the use of paper as a renewable and recyclable material for communication, packaging and a myriad of other applications. Some of its members rank among the top 20 pulp producers in the world, making the South African pulp and paper manufacturing sector robust, well-regulated and highly developed.
Representing more than 90% of paper, packaging and tissue manufacturers in South Africa, PAMSA has been actively advancing the ‘story of paper’ since its foundation in 1992. Even though some of their industry members have global footprints, their origins are firmly rooted in this country, as forest and land owners, and pulp and paper producers.
With their member companies continually striving to improve the way they do business, PAMSA supports their efforts by bringing them together on pre-competitive issues of mutual concern. These include education and training, energy production and use, water and waste, and research and development.
As a platform for engagement on common views and industry challenges, PAMSA has the active member participation at an executive and operational level as well as on its education and environmental committees.
Sustainability, growth and competitiveness cannot be mutually exclusive. Striking that crucial balance between people, planet and profit is an ongoing challenge, especially in the face of the global economic turbulence. As an industry their focus is on conscientious environmental stewardship, resource efficiency and innovation.
The PAMSA bursary will provide funding for 2 years of full-time study, to the value of R160 000 per year.
Students will also be able to acquire advanced skills during the postgraduate training, within specialist fields (including chemical analysis, process modeling, material flow analysis, material and energy balances, wood science and separation techniques).
Bursary recipients will be required to sign a contract with PAMSA industrial partner, which will require them to work as an engineer-in-training for 2 years after graduation.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited to attend an interview, which will be conducted in August. Applicants who do not receive any feedback should consider their application unsuccessful.
Requirements and eligibility
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
You must preferably be a South African citizen.
You must be a BSc graduate or a final year BSc student.
You must have achieved or will achieve a minimum overall average of 60% in your final year of study.
You must have a strong academic record.
You must complete your BSc qualification in 5 years or less.
You must be interested in studying full-time towards a Masters in Chemical Engineering (focusing on biotechnology within the pulp, paper, tissue and paper packaging sectors)
You must study at one of the following institutions: University of Stellenbosch, University of Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria or University of North West.
You must meet the requirements of the institution, for the course of study.
Your research project must benefit industry and satisfy research framework.
How to apply
*Note: Applications for the PAMSA Bursary are currently closed and are set to open again in April 2023. Applications close at the end of June each year.
Submit clear copies of the following documentation with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
Curriculum Vitae
Full academic record/ transcripts for all years of university study (on institutions letterhead)
Motivational letter stating why you should be awarded the bursary (1 page)
Letter of reference from lecturer (with their contact details)