Wilmar Bursary 2027

## About the Provider Wilmar SA is a leading agribusiness company involved in the manufacturing and distribution of food products, edible oils, and agricultural solutions across South Africa. As part of the global Wilmar Group, the company is committed to supporting sustainable growth, innovation, and community development. Its operations connect agriculture, manufacturing, and trade, making it an important player in the food and agricultural sectors. The agribusiness sector is essential to South Africa and to the world. It encompasses the production, processing, and distribution of food and agricultural products, and it touches the lives of everyone who relies on a stable food supply. Companies like Wilmar play a key role in ensuring that food products reach consumers efficiently and reliably, while also supporting farmers and the broader agricultural economy. To do this work well, the company depends on skilled professionals across a wide range of fields. Wilmar SA believes that education plays an important role in building a stronger future. The company understands that investing in young people is one of the most effective ways to develop the skills the industry needs while also contributing to the development of the country. Through its bursary programme, Wilmar aims to empower talented students and help them complete their qualifications, particularly those who face financial barriers to finishing their studies. The bursary reflects Wilmar's commitment to transformation and to supporting students from historically disadvantaged and underprivileged backgrounds. By focusing on these students, the company helps to widen access to education and to develop a more diverse and representative pool of skilled professionals. This commitment is especially important in a country working to address the inequalities of the past. What makes the programme distinctive is its focus on final-year students. The final year of study is a critical moment, when students are close to completing their degrees but may face financial challenges that threaten their ability to finish. By providing comprehensive support at this stage, Wilmar helps talented students reach the finish line and graduate, ready to enter the workforce and contribute to the economy. For talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are in their final year of study in fields connected to business, agriculture, engineering, or supply chain management, the Wilmar SA Bursary represents a valuable opportunity. It offers comprehensive funding, a connection to a leading agribusiness company, and crucial support at a key moment in their studies. Through this programme, Wilmar invests in skilled young professionals who can contribute to the agribusiness sector and the broader economy, helping to build a stronger and more sustainable future.

## About the Program The Wilmar SA Bursary funds final-year undergraduate studies for the 2027 academic year. It is aimed at students entering the final year of their undergraduate degree in fields connected to business, agriculture, engineering, and supply chain management. By focusing on final-year students, the programme helps talented young people complete their qualifications and prepare to enter the workforce. The bursary covers a wide range of fields, including Accounting, Agro-economics, Econometrics, Engineering, Finance, Human Resources Management, International Trade, Operations Management, Production Management, Marketing and sales-related fields, and Supply Chain. This selection reflects the diverse skills that a large agribusiness company requires across its operations, from finance and economics to production and logistics. The funding is comprehensive, covering tuition fees, accommodation, a book allowance, and a living allowance. This level of support helps cover both the academic and living costs of a final year of study, allowing recipients to focus on completing their degrees successfully. Candidates are selected based on financial need and academic potential. Shortlisted candidates are contacted within two weeks of the closing date, and those who do not receive feedback by then should consider their application unsuccessful. The final selection is made at the company's discretion, which means the bursary is competitive. The academic requirements are strong. Applicants must be currently enrolled for an undergraduate degree in one of the listed fields, must be entering their final year of undergraduate studies in 2027, and must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% in their most recent examinations. This focus on strong results reflects the programme's interest in supporting high-achieving students who are close to completing their qualifications. The programme is aimed at South African citizens who are historically disadvantaged persons or from an underprivileged background, as defined by the relevant legislation. Applicants must be studying at an accredited institution of higher learning in South Africa. This focus reflects the company's commitment to transformation and to supporting students who face greater barriers to completing their education. Applications are submitted online. By funding the final year of study for students in business, agriculture, engineering, and related fields, the Wilmar SA Bursary helps to develop skilled professionals who can contribute to the agribusiness sector and the broader economy, while supporting talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds as they complete their qualifications.

## Bursary Benefits The Wilmar SA Bursary provides comprehensive financial support to help students complete their final year of undergraduate study. By covering both academic and living costs, the bursary removes much of the financial pressure that students face as they work towards completing their qualifications. The bursary covers: - **Tuition fees** - **Accommodation** - A **book allowance** to support academic work - A **living allowance** to help with everyday costs Because the bursary is focused on the final year of study, it provides crucial support at a key moment, helping students reach the finish line and graduate. For many students, the final year can be financially challenging, and this support can make the difference between completing a degree and dropping out due to a lack of funds. The combination of tuition, accommodation, and allowances makes this a well-rounded bursary that addresses the main costs of studying. By covering accommodation in particular, the bursary helps students who may need to live away from home to complete their studies. Beyond the financial support, recipients gain a connection to a leading agribusiness company. This association, combined with a completed qualification, can be valuable as students move into the job market. The bursary reflects Wilmar's commitment to supporting education and developing skilled professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

## Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Failing to satisfy every criterion will result in an application not being considered. - You must be a **South African citizen** - You must be a **Historically Disadvantaged Person** or from an underprivileged background, as defined by the relevant legislation - You must be currently enrolled for an **undergraduate degree** in one of the listed fields - You must be entering your **final year of undergraduate studies in 2027** - You must be studying at an **accredited institution of higher learning** in South Africa - You must have achieved a minimum overall average of **70%** in your most recent examinations These criteria reflect the programme's focus on supporting high-achieving final-year students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Applicants should confirm that they meet all the requirements before applying, as incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered. Candidates are selected based on financial need and academic potential.

## Required Documents Submit clear, certified copies of the following supporting documents with your online application. Missing documents may lead to disqualification, so prepare them carefully before you begin. - A certified copy of your **ID document** - A **head and shoulders photo** - Your **Matric final results or certificate** - Your **full academic record**, including your 2026 first semester results - Parents' or guardians' **proof of household income** (latest payslips if employed, or an affidavit if unemployed) Make sure all copies are clear, legible, and properly certified where required. Because the bursary is for final-year students and considers both academic potential and financial need, your academic record and proof of income are especially important. Having a complete set ready will make the online application process faster and smoother.

## How to Apply Applications for the Wilmar Bursary must be submitted online through the official application portal. Follow these steps to apply successfully: 1. Gather all your required documents and save clear, certified copies so you can upload them easily. 2. Visit the online application portal for the Wilmar Bursary. 3. Complete the online application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic details. 4. When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter the referral information as requested on the form. 5. Upload all your supporting documents, including your head and shoulders photo and your full academic record with your 2026 first semester results. 6. Review your entire application to confirm there are no errors or missing information. 7. Make sure your academic record clearly shows that you meet the minimum average requirement. 8. Submit your application before the closing date. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, so it is wise to apply well in advance. Note that shortlisted candidates are contacted within two weeks of the closing date, and that the final selection is made at the company's discretion. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.

## Tips for Success A strong bursary application is well prepared, complete, and honest. The following tips can help you give yourself the best chance with the Wilmar Bursary. - **Confirm you are entering your final year.** This bursary is specifically for students entering the final year of their undergraduate degree in 2027. Make sure you qualify before applying. - **Check your average.** You need a minimum overall average of 70% in your most recent examinations. Confirm your results meet this requirement. - **Confirm your field qualifies.** The bursary covers specific business, agriculture, engineering, and supply chain fields. Make sure your degree is one of the listed fields. - **Prepare proof of income carefully.** Financial need is part of the selection, so make sure your family's income documents are recent and clear. - **Gather your academic record.** You will need your full academic record, including your 2026 first semester results. Make sure this is complete and up to date. - **Include a professional photo.** A clear head-and-shoulders photo with a plain background creates the right impression. - **Apply early.** Online systems can become busy near the deadline. Submitting early helps you avoid last-minute technical problems. - **Get documents certified in advance.** Certified copies take time to arrange, so plan a visit to a police station, post office, or Commissioner of Oaths ahead of time. - **Proofread your application.** Errors and missing fields create a poor impression. Review everything before submitting, or ask someone to check it for you. - **Be truthful.** Provide only accurate information. Dishonesty can lead to disqualification and damage your reputation. Because this bursary is competitive and focused on high-achieving final-year students, a complete and accurate application that clearly shows your strong results and financial need will give you the best chance of success.

## Career Prospects The fields funded by the Wilmar SA Bursary lead to careers across business, agriculture, engineering, and supply chain management, all of which are important to the economy and to the agribusiness sector. Because the bursary supports final-year students, recipients are close to entering the workforce and well placed to begin their careers. Graduates in **Accounting and Finance** can become accountants, financial analysts, auditors, and financial managers. These skills are essential to every organisation, including agribusiness companies, and they offer stable and rewarding careers with strong prospects for advancement. Those who study **Agro-economics and Econometrics** can pursue careers as agricultural economists, analysts, and advisors. These professionals understand both economics and agriculture, making them valuable to companies like Wilmar that operate in the agribusiness sector. They help analyse markets, manage risk, and guide decisions about production and trade. Graduates in **Engineering** can pursue careers across many specialisations, building and maintaining the equipment and systems that agribusiness and manufacturing operations depend on. Engineers are valued for their technical and problem-solving skills across numerous industries. Those who study **Supply Chain, Operations Management, and Production Management** can become supply chain managers, operations managers, and logistics specialists. These roles are crucial to a company like Wilmar, which manufactures and distributes food products and agricultural solutions. Effective supply chain and operations management ensures that products reach customers efficiently and reliably. Graduates in **International Trade** can pursue careers in import and export, trade analysis, and global business, which are particularly relevant to a company that operates as part of a global group. Those who study **Marketing and sales-related fields** can become marketing professionals, sales managers, and brand specialists, helping companies promote and sell their products. Graduates in **Human Resources Management** can pursue careers helping organisations recruit, develop, and support their people, an important function in every company. Because the bursary is offered by a leading agribusiness company, recipients gain a valuable connection to the agricultural and food sectors. This association, combined with a completed qualification, can help graduates find employment after they finish their studies. The agribusiness sector is essential to food security and the economy, and skilled professionals are needed across its many functions. For talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the Wilmar SA Bursary offers crucial support to complete their final year and the chance to launch careers in business, agriculture, engineering, and related fields.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the Wilmar Bursary? South African citizens who are historically disadvantaged or from an underprivileged background, currently enrolled for an undergraduate degree in one of the listed fields, entering their final year in 2027 at an accredited institution, with a 70% average, may apply. ## What fields of study does the bursary cover? The bursary covers Accounting, Agro-economics, Econometrics, Engineering, Finance, Human Resources Management, International Trade, Operations Management, Production Management, Marketing and sales-related fields, and Supply Chain. ## What expenses does the bursary cover? The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, a book allowance, and a living allowance. ## What marks do I need? You need a minimum overall average of 70% in your most recent examinations. ## Is this bursary only for final-year students? Yes. The bursary is aimed at students entering the final year of their undergraduate degree in 2027. ## When is the closing date? Applications close on **19 August 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted. ## How do I apply? Applications are submitted online through the official portal. You will need to complete the form and upload your supporting documents. ## When will I hear the outcome? Shortlisted candidates are contacted within two weeks of the closing date. If you do not receive feedback by then, consider your application unsuccessful. ## How are candidates selected? Candidates are selected based on financial need and academic potential, and the final selection is made at the company's discretion.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 19 August 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so apply early to make sure your application is considered.

About the Organization

Wilmar SA Tel: 011 278 0300 Email: info@excella.co.za