For South African students who dream of shaping the future through sustainability, the Impembelelo Trust Bursary Programme 2026 presents a golden opportunity. The Trust is dedicated to empowering historically disadvantaged groups by funding postgraduate students who are committed to advancing sustainable development in South Africa and beyond. If you are pursuing studies in the fields of Natural Sciences, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Economics, Environmental Law, BCom, BAC, or Environmental Science, this bursary could be your gateway to achieving academic and professional success.
What the Bursary Covers
Successful candidates will receive funding in the form of Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) bursaries.
- FCS bursaries are reserved for South African citizens and permanent residents who are financially needy (family income ≤ R350,000 per annum), living with a disability, or exceptional academic achievers.
- PCS bursaries assist students with partial funding towards their study requirements.
This funding ensures that postgraduate students can focus fully on their research and studies, without being hindered by financial barriers.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed on academic potential, financial need, and chosen study programme relevance. To qualify, you must:
- Be an African, Coloured, or Indian South African citizen (as defined by the B-BBEE Act).
- Be pursuing or intending to pursue a full-time postgraduate qualification in sustainability-related fields.
- Be enrolled at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution.
- Have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% in the 2024/25 academic year.
- Specify details of your study programme, including institution name and start/end dates.
- Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Final selection will be done by a panel of experts, and decisions will be final. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email or phone, followed by an in-person interview before final bursary awards are announced.
Required Documents
Applications without the correct supporting documents will not be considered. Ensure that you submit:
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Full academic record with the latest results.
- Proof of address.
- Proof of income for household (choose applicable option):
- Salary/wage slips of parents/guardians.
- Affidavit if unemployed or self-employed (include income details).
- Latest audited financial statements or 3 months’ bank statements for self-employed guardians.
- SASSA letter (if applicable).
- Death certificates of parents (if applicable).
- Divorce/separation court letter or affidavit confirming child support amount.
- Budget breakdown of required study costs.
- 500-word motivation letter on why you deserve the bursary and how your degree will contribute to sustainable development.
- Two reference letters from lecturers or alumni/student body members.
Note: The bursary cannot be used to pay for existing loans or debts.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY PROGRAMME FOR 2026 HERE
Why Apply?
The Impembelelo Trust Bursary is not just about financial assistance – it is about building future leaders in sustainability. By investing in postgraduate students, the Trust ensures that South Africa has highly skilled professionals equipped to address pressing challenges in climate change, environmental protection, sustainable energy, and responsible resource management.
If you have the passion, the academic drive, and the vision to contribute to national sustainable development, this bursary could be your chance to transform both your life and your community.
CLOSING DATE: 15 SEPTEMBER 2025
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