Impembelelo Trust Bursary

Fields of study

• Economics
• Engineering
• Environmental Law
• Environmental Science
• Natural Sciences

Who can apply

• Be a South African citizen
• Be between 18 and 30 years old
• Be studying or intend on studying full-time towards a postgraduate degree (Honours, Masters or Doctoral), within one of the fields of study listed above
• Have achieved a minimum average of 70% in the final year modules of the preceding, completed degree
• Be studying or accepted to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
• Your field of study must aim to contribute towards the growth of the sustainability management and consultancy sector
• Be from a historically disadvantaged group, as defined by the B-BBEE Act (African, Coloured or Indian)
• Full Cost of Study (FCS) applicants: you must fall into either of the following categories
  • Be in financial need (with a combined household family income of NOT more than R350 000 per annum)
  • Be living with a disability
  • Have an exceptional academic record
• Students with disabilities are welcome to apply

What the bursary covers

• Any outstanding fees or existing loans

Documents you will need

• ID document (certified copy)
• Photo (clear head and shoulder image)
• Full academic transcript for 2025, including latest available results
• Proof of residential address
• Financial breakdown of required funds as per course requirements
• Motivational letter stating why you require the bursary and how your qualification in the relevant qualification can contribute positively to South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 (500 words) (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)
• 2 reference letters from lecturers or educational alumni/ student body members as a character reference (read our tips on how to get a letter of reference/ testimonial for your bursary application)
• Parents or guardians proof of household income:
• If applicant is employed: proof of income, proof of employer, 3 months bank statement

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   Impembelelo Trust Bursary Application 2027

   Applications must be submitted online at: Impembelelo Trust Bursary Application 2027

   (Select the “external applicant” option).

   Note: in your application, please indicate the exact name of your qualification, name of the tertiary institution and the start and end dates of the study programme.

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around September. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

About Impembelelo

The Impembelelo Trust, linked to Carbon Trust Africa, funds young South Africans studying sustainability-related fields.