The Shoprite Group invites ambitious, high-achieving students enrolled in degree studies in Accounting, Retail Business Management, Supply Chain and Logistics, or Biological and Agricultural Sciences to apply for its comprehensive bursary programme.
“We look forward to welcoming the next generation of professionals to our business and
supporting their journey towards success,” says Lindsey Joseph, head of group talent
solutions at the Group.
The bursaries cover tuition fees and on-campus accommodation, providing full financial support. In addition, successful applicants are offered employment upon graduation, ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce, with opportunities to learn from the best talent, industry experts and mentors. Recipients also receive a monthly grocery allowance and can benefit from the retailer’s Employee Wellness Programme.
“As South Africa’s largest private employer and leading retailer, we recognise that a skilled and talented workforce is crucial for our long-term sustainability,” says Joseph, adding that their bursary programme plays a vital role in attracting top talent and ensuring that the Group continues to innovate and grow. “We look forward to welcoming the next generation of professionals to our business and supporting their journey towards success.”
In the last financial year, the Shoprite Group invested over R19 million in its bursary programme, funding more than 230 students. The retailer is a certified Top Employer in South Africa, was recognised as the 2024 Employer of Choice in the retail category by the South African Graduate Employers Association (SAGEA) Employer Awards, and was voted Gradstar Students’ Choice Award winner in the retail category for a fourth consecutive year.
Bursary opportunities
The comprehensive Shoprite bursaries support students who are studying or intending to study a variety of scarce skills, providing financial assistance towards tuition and on-campus accommodation. The bursaries are also linked to work-back agreements, ensuring job opportunities upon graduation. Students enrolled for degree studies in criminology, accounting, information technology, retail business management, food science and more can apply for a bursary. Applications open in July of each year for study in the following academic year.
Who can apply for a Shoprite Group bursary?
South African youth under 27 years of age who are registered for undergraduate or postgraduate degree study at an accredited university.
Requirements
Bursaries are offered across various categories of study. Each field has its own qualifying criteria. For more information, or to apply online, visit the individual bursary pages.
Opportunities for graduates
Shoprite offers recent graduates a range of programmes in diverse professional fields. These
programmes include the necessary resources and support to help graduates succeed in their fields of expertise. Graduates in the programme will work alongside industry specialists, thereby gaining insights into real-world challenges and contributing to cutting-edge projects.
Training programmes
The training programmes include a three-year Trainee Accountant Programme (in preparation for the SAICA APC exam), and other graduate training programmes in one of the Shoprite Group’s many academies, including their Technology and Buying (Foods and Non-Foods) Academies.
In addition, the Group also runs several other programmes to upskill the South African youth. These include:
- Retail Readiness Programme (RRP)
This skills programme provides young people with no previous work experience with the basic skills to work in a retail environment. It comprises two weeks of theory, plus five weeks of practical training. Successful participants receive an NQF level 3 qualification upon completion.
Who can apply? South African youth between the ages of 18 and 34 who have had no previous work experience.
Requirements: A South African matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
How to apply: Send a WhatsApp to 087 240 5709 and select Job Opportunities, then follow the prompts. Submit your CV at the nearest Shoprite, Checkers, or Usave supermarkets.
- Youth Employment Services (YES)
The Youth Employment Service is a business-driven initiative that, in collaboration with government and labour departments, builds economic pathways for youth to help reduce unemployment.
The programme provides 12 months of on-the-job training where participants are exposed to various aspects of the retail business. On completion, successful YES learners will be skilled to work in retail or even start their own retail business.
Who can apply? South African youth between the ages of 18 and 34.
Requirements: A South African matric certificate or equivalent qualification
Success stories
Mapaseka Mashabela (27), from Mooiplaas in Pretoria, joined the Group in 2021 after the retailer funded her diploma in Retail Business Management and advanced diploma in Management from the Vaal University of Technology. Her journey has taken her from Trainee Manager to her current role as Fresh Foods Manager in the Gauteng division.
“Education is the key to success, and this is the largest food retailer in Africa, so there are plenty of opportunities for growth,” says Mashabela.
Atlegang Mpa, a 24-year-old from Johannesburg, became part of the Group in 2024 as a Trainee Accountant. This opportunity came after the retailer supported her in obtaining both her Bachelor of Accounting Science degree and her Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of the Witwatersrand.
“I was looking for a bursary that would allow me to complete my articles outside of audit while offering strong support. The Shoprite Group’s bursary programme provided both the opportunities and the guidance I needed,” Mpa added.
