Shoprite 2026 Bursary Programme – Start Your Career with an Internship Today
Shoprite Invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Bursary Programme 2026 vacancies. The closing date for applications is 31 May 2026.
Are you a student who wants a real job after you finish university? A bursary that gives you money to study and also opens a door to a career at a big company can feel like a dream. Shoprite’s Bursary Programme is one of those chances. Shoprite is one of the largest grocery chains in South Africa, and it wants fresh talent to grow its business for years to come.
What the Bursary Offers
The bursary not only covers tuition costs but also gives you a step‑by‑step path into a professional career. Whether you’re studying Accounting, Agriculture, Supply Chain, or Retail Management, a Shoprite bursary can turn your study time into a job offer.
Quick Snapshot of the 2026 Bursaries
- Organisation: Shoprite Group (South Africa)
- Closing date: 31 May 2026
- Location: Western Cape and all over South Africa (depending on the stream)
- Age limit: 27 years or younger
- Citizenship: South African citizens only
- Who can apply: Second, third, or fourth year students (or post‑graduate diploma holders) in the relevant fields
- How to apply: Online portal only – no email applications accepted
- Contact email for questions: bursary@shoprite.co.za
- Number of bursaries: Ranges from 10 to 60 per stream
Available Bursary Streams for 2026
1️⃣ Accounting (CA Stream – SAICA)
This stream is for students who want to become Chartered Accountants (CAs) and join Shoprite’s Finance team. The programme is a three‑year structured training path that covers:
- Hands‑on work across the company’s finance operations
- Academic help and mentoring
- Rotations that cover every part of the SAICA learning goals
- Support for the SAICA APC exam
Requirements:
- Studying BCom Accounting or BAcc (CA stream)
- 60%+ aggregate (65%+ for this stream)
- Second, third, or fourth year (or PGDA/CTA)
- South African citizen, 27 years or younger
2️⃣ Agricultural Sciences (Freshmark)
Targeted at students in Biological or Agricultural Sciences who want to work with Freshmark, the part of Shoprite that handles fresh produce. Freshmark is vital because South Africa needs reliable food supplies.
Acceptable degrees:
- Horticulture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, AgriBusiness Management, or any agriculture degree focusing on Crop or Plant Production
Requirements:
- 60%+ aggregate
- Second, third, or fourth year
- South African citizen, 27 years or younger
3️⃣ Supply Chain & Logistics
Shoprite wants students who will become future logistics specialists. This stream focuses on:
- Distribution centres
- Transport routes
- Warehousing
- Inventory planning and forecasting
- Fast grocery supply chains
Eligible programmes:
- BCom Logistics, BCom Supply Chain Management, BSc Operational Research, Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain or Logistics Management
Requirements:
- 60%+ aggregate
- Second, third, or fourth year
- South African citizen, 27 years or younger
4️⃣ Retail Business Management
For students who want a future as a Retail Manager. This bursary is a guaranteed stepping stone into a long‑term career with the group, starting from a trainee manager and moving up to store, regional, or operations roles.
Requirements:
- Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Retail Business Management
- 60%+ aggregate
- Second, third, or fourth year
- South African citizen, 27 years or younger
What You Need to Apply
Even if Shoprite didn’t list every file, most bursaries need the same documents:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Latest transcript or academic record
- Proof of registration for the current year
- Short, professional CV
- Motivation letter if requested
- Matric certificate in some cases
Save each document as a clear PDF and name them properly – e.g., “ID_JohnDoe.pdf”.
Apply Now
Apply for the Shoprite Bursary Programme 2026 here
Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Apply early – the deadline is 31 May, but slots may fill sooner.
- Make sure every file is readable – blurry scans are rejected outright.
- Have your transcript ready before you start the form.
- Double‑check the reference number for the stream you’re applying to.
- Show that you’re serious, can work under pressure, and have long‑term goals.
Career Path After the Bursary
The bursary is more than just money. Here’s a simple career ladder for each field:
- Accounting (CA): Student → SAICA Trainee Accountant → CA(SA) → Finance Analyst → Finance Manager → Senior Finance Lead or CFO track.
- Agricultural Sciences (Freshmark): Student → Fresh Produce Graduate → Crop/Produce Specialist → Supply Planner → Fresh Produce Manager → Senior Food Supply Leader.
- Supply Chain & Logistics: Student → Logistics Trainee → Planner/Coordinator → Warehouse Supervisor → Supply Chain Manager → National Operations Lead.
- Retail Management: Student → Retail Manager Trainee → Store Manager → Regional Manager → Retail Operations Executive.
In short, a Shoprite bursary can move you from a student to a clear career path.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply if I’m in my first year? Most bursaries target second year and above. If you’re a first‑year student, plan early for next cycle.
- Is it only for Western Cape? Some streams are based in Brackenfell; others are nationwide.
- Can I be older than 27? No – the maximum age is 27.
- What if I have a 59% average? Most streams need 60%+ (65%+ for CA). If you’re below the mark, it’s best not to apply unless you can show strong motivation and improvement.
- Can I submit via email? No – Shoprite only accepts online applications.
- Does the bursary guarantee a job? The Retail Management bursary promises a career path after successful completion. Other streams aim to bring talent into the business, but placement depends on performance.
Closing date: 31 May 2026
Important Notes
- This guide is not affiliated with Shoprite and does not promise a placement.
- Always double‑check all details on the official Shoprite career portal.
- Shoprite bursaries are free – do not pay anyone to submit your application.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Emails provided are for queries only, not for submitting applications.
