Impembelelo Trust Bursary

Who can apply

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be between 18 and 30 years old
• You must 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
• You must have achieved a minimum average of 70% in the final year modules of the preceding, completed degree
• You must 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
• You must 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
• 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

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to Impembelelo Trust - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

Impembelelo Trust Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY COVER?

The Impembelelo Trust is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for Postgraduate studies (Honours, Masters or Doctoral degrees), within the following fields:

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

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY COVER?

Successful candidates will receive either a Full Cost of Study (FCS) bursary or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) bursary.

Registration fees and first term study fees will be paid directly to the educational institutions upon receipt of an official invoice from the institution.

The bursary will NOT provide cover for any outstanding fees or existing loans.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY?

Candidates will be selected based on the following main criteria: academic potential, financial need and study programmes.

After interviews, the final successful candidates will be notified. Bursaries will then be awarded by the 2nd week of February 2027, and beneficiaries will be notified via email.

If you do not receive any feedback by this date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY?

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

(Select the “external applicant” option).

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the Impembelelo Trust Bursary.

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.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• 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 employed: latest salary or wage slips If unemployed: affidavit stating unemployment If self-employed: affidavit stating self-employment If a business owner: most recent audited financial statement or 3 months most recent bank statements If receiving a SASSA grant: letter stating the grants received If deceased: death certificates If receiving child support: court letter stating child support amounts
• If applicant is employed: proof of income, proof of employer, 3 months bank statement

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY?

30 September 2026 (at 5pm).

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Impembelelo Trust directly:Contact page: https://www.carbontrust.com/contact-our-team

WHAT DOES THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST DO?

The Impembelelo Trust, under Carbon Trust Africa, supports talented South African youth by providing access to higher education. Its bursary programme assists students studying in key fields such as science, engineering, sustainability and the built environment.

The programme aims to help address South Africa’s skills shortages while developing graduates who can contribute to a more sustainable future. In addition to financial support, bursary recipients may benefit from exposure to Carbon Trust, a global climate consultancy focused on the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Through education and industry exposure, the Trust helps students build the skills and experience needed for meaningful careers.

- END -

Frequently asked questions

Sources

This page summarises information published by: