The Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026 programme is now open, offering financial support to eligible South African students pursuing qualifications in accounting, agriculture, retail business management, and supply chain or logistics studies.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As Africa’s largest food retailer, the Shoprite Group continues to invest heavily in education, skills development, and youth empowerment. This bursary programme is part of the Group’s long-term strategy to develop scarce and critical skills while creating a sustainable talent pipeline for the retail and agricultural sectors.
The bursary is aimed at students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a genuine interest in building a long-term career within the retail, finance, agriculture, or logistics industries.
About the Shoprite Group
The Shoprite Group was established in 1979 following the acquisition of eight supermarkets in Cape Town. Over the decades, it has grown into the largest food retailer in Africa, operating more than 2,700 stores across 16 African countries and Indian Ocean islands.
The Group’s extensive brand portfolio includes:
- Shoprite
- Checkers and Checkers Hyper
- Usave
- Hungry Lion
- MediRite
- OK Furniture
- OK Express
- House & Home
In addition to its corporate stores, Shoprite operates a large franchise network in South Africa and Namibia. The Group employs hundreds of thousands of people and plays a major role in food security, economic development, and job creation across the continent.
Through initiatives such as the Shoprite Group Bursary Programme, the company actively supports skills development, transformation, and long-term workforce sustainability.
About the Shoprite Bursary Programme 2026
The Shoprite Bursary Programme 2026 is designed to support students studying in fields aligned with the Group’s operational and strategic needs. These include finance, agriculture, retail management, and supply chain disciplines that are critical to the functioning of a modern retail business.
The bursary is awarded for the 2026 academic year and includes a work-back commitment, ensuring that graduates gain valuable workplace experience within the Shoprite Group after completing their studies.
Fields of Study Covered in 2026
The Shoprite Group will award bursaries in the following priority disciplines:
Accounting (CA Stream – SAICA)
- Number of bursaries available: 10
- Focused on developing future Chartered Accountants within the Shoprite Finance division
Biological and Agricultural Sciences
- Number of bursaries available: 10
- Supporting skills needed in fresh produce sourcing, food sustainability, and agricultural innovation
Retail Business Management
- Number of bursaries available: 60
- Targeted at developing future retail leaders and store managers
Supply Chain and Logistics
- Number of bursaries available: 10
- Focused on logistics optimisation, distribution, and supply chain efficiency
What the Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026 Covers
The Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026 provide funding for essential study-related expenses, helping to reduce the financial burden on students and their families.
Bursary Benefits Include:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation allowance (where applicable)
Bursary Value:
- Between R30,000 and R60,000 per year
- The amount depends on the field of study and the institution attended
Work-Back Obligation Explained: Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026
All successful bursary recipients are required to sign a work-back agreement with the Shoprite Group.
Work-Back Terms: Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026
- One year of employment for every year of bursary funding received
- Employment is within the Shoprite Group, based on business needs and the graduate’s field of study
This structure allows graduates to gain real-world experience while contributing their skills to one of Africa’s most influential retail organisations.
Career Opportunities After Graduation: Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026
Graduates who complete their studies under the Shoprite bursary programme may be placed in various divisions across the Group.
Accounting (CA Stream – SAICA)
- Entry into the Shoprite Accounting Articles Programme
- Career progression within the Group’s Finance and Audit teams
Biological and Agricultural Sciences
- Opportunities within Freshmark and Fresh Foods divisions
- Roles linked to sourcing, quality control, and agricultural development
Retail Business Management
- Store management and regional retail leadership pathways
- Long-term growth into senior retail and operations roles
Supply Chain and Logistics
- Development into logistics planners, supply chain analysts, and distribution specialists
- Exposure to complex national and regional supply chain systems
Eligibility Requirements for Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026
Applicants must meet the general requirements as well as the specific criteria for their chosen field of study.
Accounting (CA Stream – SAICA)
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 27 years old or younger
- Have completed Matric
- Be studying towards a BCom Accounting or BAcc degree (CA stream)
- Be entering 2nd, 3rd, 4th year, or PGDA / CTA in 2026
- Have a minimum overall academic average of 65%
- Have at least 65% in Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation
- Be registered at a recognised South African tertiary institution
Biological and Agricultural Sciences
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 27 years old or younger
- Have completed Matric
- Be studying Horticulture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness Management, or Agriculture with a crop or plant production focus
- Be entering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year in 2026
- Have a minimum overall academic average of 60%
- Be registered at a recognised South African tertiary institution
Retail Business Management
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 27 years old or younger
- Have completed Matric
- Be pursuing a degree or Advanced Diploma in Retail Business Management
- Be entering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year in 2026
- Have a minimum overall academic average of 60%
Supply Chain and Logistics
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 27 years old or younger
- Have completed Matric
- Be studying BCom Logistics, Supply Chain Management, BSc Operational Research, or a Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain or Logistics Management
- Be entering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year in 2026
- Have a minimum overall academic average of 60%
How to Apply for the Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026
Applications must be completed online only. Email submissions will not be accepted.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Step 1: Register an account on the Shoprite recruitment website
- Step 2: Login to your account
- Step 3: Visit the link to the bursary you are applying for:
- Shoprite Bursary Application 2026: Accounting (CA Stream – SAICA) (Reference number: SHO260120-5)
- Shoprite Bursary Application 2026: Biological and Agricultural Sciences (Reference number: SHO260120-7)
- Shoprite Bursary Application 2026: Retail Business Management (Reference number: SHO260120-4)
- Shoprite Bursary Application 2026: Supply Chain & Logistics (Reference number: SHO260120-9)
- Upload all required documents
Documents Required for Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026
Applicants must upload certified copies of the following:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate
- Full tertiary academic record (on official institutional letterhead)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026 Closing Date for Applications
- Closing Date: 31 May 2026
- Late applications will not be accepted
Selection Process
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 30 days after the closing date
- If no response is received within this period, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful
- Internal candidates may receive preference in line with Shoprite’s Employment Equity objectives
Why the Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026 Stands Out
The Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026 offer more than just financial support. They provide:
- Industry-relevant qualifications
- Guaranteed workplace exposure
- Structured career development pathways
- Opportunities within one of Africa’s most stable and influential companies
For students in accounting, agriculture, retail management, or supply chain studies, this bursary represents a direct bridge between academic success and meaningful employment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026 fully funded?
The bursary covers tuition, prescribed textbooks, and accommodation allowances, with values ranging from R30,000 to R60,000 per year.
Can first-year students apply?
No. The bursary is open to students entering their 2nd year or higher, depending on the field of study.
Is there a work-back requirement?
Yes. Students must work one year for the Shoprite Group for every year of bursary funding received.
Are email applications accepted?
No. All applications must be completed online via the Shoprite employment platform.
Can I apply for more than one field?
Applicants should apply for the field that matches their current qualification and career goals.
Final Thoughts – Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026
The Shoprite Group Bursaries 2026 programme is a powerful opportunity for South African students who are serious about building careers in accounting, agriculture, retail management, and supply chain or logistics.
With strong financial support, real-world work experience, and long-term career prospects, this bursary is ideally suited for ambitious students who want to grow within a respected and stable organisation.
Eligible students are strongly encouraged to apply early and ensure that all requirements are met before the closing date.
Amina Sechaba is a passionate career writer and employment researcher dedicated to helping South Africans find better job opportunities and prepare for successful careers. With years of experience in content writing and career development, Amina creates informative articles, application guides, and interview tips that empower job seekers to reach their full potential. Through her work with Submit Your CV, she aims to simplify the job application process and provide reliable information on learnerships, internships, and career advice for both students and professionals.