Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Southern Africa has opened applications for its 2026 Bursary Programme, inviting graduates who are eager to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at reputable, recognised universities.
With one of the broadest global scopes of work, ERM offers an unparalleled opportunity for students in the environmental sciences, natural sciences, engineering, economics, and social sciences to advance their academic journeys while preparing to join a highly specialised industry.
ERM continues to drive transformation in Southern Africa by fostering talent from multicultural backgrounds and equipping high-calibre professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to address pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.
Who Can Apply?
- All unemployed South African graduates holding the appropriate undergraduate degree in the relevant disciplines.
- Candidates who wish to pursue further studies in environment, earth sciences, engineering, economics, or social sciences.
- Applicants must be prepared to submit supporting academic and personal documentation, including an essay based on the topics provided.
Essay Topics
Applicants are required to select and submit one essay (maximum 3,000 words) with a signed plagiarism declaration. Topics include:
- The importance of Stakeholder Engagement in regional Mine Closure
- The dark side of Green Critical Mineral exploitation
- The carotid rete in desert-adapted ungulates – evaluate prevailing interpretations and climate change implications.
- Sustainable Remediation – importance, practices, roadblocks, and consultant advocacy strategies.
- Groundwater contamination from a petrol spill – investigation techniques, methodology, and safeguarding borehole users.
- Emerging contaminants in Africa – risks, detection, regulation, and case studies.
- Water management in opencast mining – interventions for compliance and sustainability.
- Climate change and biodiversity risks – impacts on licence to operate, corporate strategy, and governance.
- Effluent storage dam contamination – regulatory response and technical/engineering solutions with or without significant risk.
- Waste circularity in soil and groundwater remediation – focus on minimising costs and environmental impact.
- Net Zero targets – rationale, African context, and corporate adoption.
- ESG performance in business models – risks, opportunities, and stakeholder expectations.
- Climate change in business strategy – importance, physical vs. transitional risks, and implications.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of ID
- Latest academic transcript
- Completed essay (maximum 3,000 words) with signed Plagiarism Declaration:
I know that plagiarism is wrong. Each significant contribution and quotation has been cited. This essay is my own work and I have not copied or shared it.
Signed: [Your Name] – Date of Submission
Failure to include any of the above will result in automatic disqualification.
APPLY FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (ERM) BURSARY PROGRAMME HERE
Selection Process
- Applications and essays will be reviewed by ERM experts.
- Shortlisting will be based on academic performance, essay quality, and chosen field of study.
- Successful candidates will enter into a contract with ERM Southern Africa, reviewed quarterly in line with academic performance.
- Limited spaces are available.
Why Choose ERM?
ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued and respected. The bursary programme is not only about financial support but also about building capacity for future leaders in sustainability, environmental consulting, and resource management.
This is an opportunity to study, grow, and contribute to meaningful solutions that balance industry, society, and the environment.
CLOSING DATE: 28 NOVEMBER 2025
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