South Africa’s environmental and sustainability sector is growing rapidly — and high-calibre young professionals are needed more than ever. The ERM Bursary Programme 2026 is now open, offering unemployed South African graduates an opportunity to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at recognised universities. This bursary is ideal for students in environmental sciences, natural sciences, engineering, economics, earth sciences and social sciences who want to build a career solving real-world environmental, social and governance challenges.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Organisation | Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Southern Africa |
| Study Level | Postgraduate (Full-time) |
| Eligible Fields | Environment, Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Economics, Social Sciences |
| Who Can Apply? | Unemployed South African graduates with relevant undergraduate degrees |
| Application Requirement | A 3,000-word essay (choose ONE topic) + required documents |
| Closing Date | Friday, 28 November 2025 |
| Status | Now Open |
Check if you qualify for this Bursary Here
About ERM (Environmental Resources Management)
ERM is a global sustainability consultancy operating in more than 40 countries, including Southern Africa. They partner with mining houses, energy companies, governments, and private organisations to solve complex environmental and social challenges.
In South Africa, ERM is committed to:
- Promoting transformation
- Developing new environmental professionals
- Supporting multicultural, high-calibre graduates
- Strengthening the environmental consulting sector
The organisation provides exposure to cutting-edge environmental research, engineering solutions, and sustainability innovations that impact both industry and society.
What the ERM Bursary Programme Offers
Selected candidates receive support to complete full-time postgraduate studies, while gaining:
- Access to ERM technical experts
- Mentorship and academic guidance
- Strong exposure to industry-relevant research
- Possible career pathways within ERM
- Quarterly performance reviews to help you succeed academically
Who Should Apply?
You should apply if you:
- Are unemployed
- Are South African
- Hold a relevant undergraduate degree in:
- Environmental Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Engineering Fields
- Economics
- Want to pursue full-time postgraduate studies in 2026
- Can submit a 3,000-word essay (choose one topic)
- Have all required documents ready (CV, certified ID, academic transcript)
Important: Missing any document = automatic disqualification.
Required Documents (Must Be Included)
You must upload the following in the Resume/CV section of the online application:
- Your CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Your latest academic transcript
- A 3,000-word essay with:
- A Plagiarism Declaration
- Signature
- Submission date
Without all four documents, your application will NOT be considered.
Essay Topics (Choose ONE)
Below is a human-friendly summarised list of the 13 essay topics. Choose the one that best aligns with your postgraduate ambitions.
Topic 1
Stakeholder Engagement in Regional Mine Closure
Explore why engaging communities and stakeholders is critical when closing mines.
Topic 2
The Dark Side of Green Critical Mineral Exploitation
Evaluate the hidden environmental and social consequences behind “green minerals”.
Topic 3
Function of the Carotid Rete in Desert Ungulates (e.g., gemsbok)
Critically evaluate scientific interpretations and assess climate-change implications.
Topic 4
Sustainable Remediation: Why It Matters
Explain Sustainable Remediation and outline sustainable management practices (SMPs).
Topic 5
Groundwater Investigation After a Petrol Spill
Describe your investigation approach and assess risks to nearby borehole users.
Topic 6
Emerging Contaminants in Africa
Identify an emerging contaminant and discuss detection, regulation, and risk challenges.
Topic 7
Improving Water Management at an Opencast Mine
Recommend practical interventions for better groundwater and surface water management.
Topic 8
Water & Nature Risks: Impact on a Client’s License to Operate
Analyse risks, governance strategies, and value-creation opportunities (with an example company).
Topic 9
Long-Term Contamination from an Unlined Effluent Dam
Advise on investigation, mitigation and responses under limited client funding.
Topic 10
Waste Circularity in Soil & Groundwater Remediation
Propose a remedial technology focusing on waste minimisation and environmental efficiency.
Topic 11
Net-Zero Targets in Africa
Explain why companies adopt ambitious net-zero commitments.
Topic 12
Impact of ESG Integration in Modern Business Models
Discuss risks and opportunities linked to strong ESG performance.
Topic 13
Is Climate Change Important for Business?
Evaluate physical vs transitional climate impacts and their influence on organisations.
Mandatory Plagiarism Declaration Format
Place this on page 1 of your essay, sign it, and date it:
I know that plagiarism is wrong. Plagiarism is to use another’s work and pretend it is one’s own. Each significant contribution to, and quotation in this essay that I have taken from the work(s) of other people has been attributed and has been cited and referenced. I have used the Harvard (or Author-date or APA) system for citation and referencing. This essay is my own work, and I have not copied any other text. I have not allowed and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as his or her own work.
Signed:
Date of Submission:
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Prepare your CV, certified ID, latest academic transcript.
- Choose ONE essay topic from the list.
- Write your 3,000-word essay, including:
- Plagiarism Declaration
- Proper citations
- Compile your documents into PDF format.
- Visit the ERM career page or dedicated bursary portal.
- Upload all documents under the Resume/CV section.
- Submit your application before the deadline
- Wait for ERM’s shortlist communication.
- If selected, sign the bursary contract and begin postgraduate studies in 2026.
APPLY FOR THE ERM BURSARY PROGRAMME HERE
Use Edupstairs Online Tools below to prepare your application:
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the ERM Bursary available to undergraduate students?
No. It is strictly for postgraduate students.
- Can employed students apply?
No. Only unemployed South African graduates are eligible.
- Can I submit more than one essay topic?
No. You must choose one topic only.
- What happens if I forget one document?
Your application will be automatically disqualified.
- Do I need high academic marks?
While not stated, strong marks improve your chances during shortlisting.
- Will ERM offer employment after studies?
Not guaranteed, but high-performing bursars may enter ERM’s graduate pathways.
You can also:
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
CLOSING DATE: 28 NOVEMBER 2025
Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not affiliated with ERM. All information is sourced from the official bursary advertisement. Always verify details on the official ERM website before applying. Deadlines and requirements may change at ERM’s discretion.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE