Hey future environmental leaders and innovators! 🌍 Ready to level up your education? If you’re an unemployed South African graduate eyeing full-time postgraduate studies in environmental, earth, natural sciences, engineering, economics, or even social sciences, then listen up! The ERM Bursary Programme 2026 could be your ticket to getting your studies funded. This isn’t just about money; it’s about investing in your potential to tackle some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges with a global leader like ERM!
The ERM Bursary Programme is designed to give talented South African graduates the financial boost they need to pursue their postgraduate dreams. ERM (Environmental Resources Management) is a huge name in sustainability consulting worldwide, and they’re committed to building up skilled professionals right here in Southern Africa. If you get this bursary, you’ll be signing a contract with ERM Southern Africa, and they’ll even check in on your academic progress quarterly. How cool is that for support?
Who Can Apply?
This bursary is open to:
- Unemployed South African graduates seeking to pursue full-time postgraduate studies in 2026.
- Applicants with an undergraduate qualification in relevant disciplines such as:
- Environmental Sciences
- Earth or Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Economics
- Social Sciences
Note: Applicants must submit all required documents and a completed essay to be considered.
What Does It Cover?
This bursary provides essential financial support for eligible South African graduates pursuing full-time postgraduate studies in the specified fields. While specific monetary values aren’t detailed, it aims to alleviate the financial burden of higher education, allowing recipients to focus on their academic and research goals.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? Here’s the lowdown:
1. Gather Your Documents (PDF format only!):
To be considered, applicants must attach the following (in PDF format):
- Comprehensive CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Latest academic transcript
- Completed essay (maximum 3,000 words) with a Plagiarism Declaration included on the cover page
Plagiarism Declaration (to include on the first page of your essay)
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.
2. Choose Your Essay Topic (Pick ONE!)
Applicants must write and submit an essay on one of the following topics (max 3,000 words):
- The importance of Stakeholder Engagement in regional Mine Closure
- The Dark Side of Green Critical Mineral Exploitation
- Evaluating the function of the carotid rete in desert-adapted ungulates
- Understanding and implementing Sustainable Remediation
- Investigating contaminated groundwater from a petrol spill – methodologies and risk mitigation
- Emerging contaminants and their future impact in Africa
- Water management improvement strategies for opencast mines
- Addressing water and nature risks in corporate sustainability strategies
- Managing high inorganic salt load seepage impacts under limited funding
- Waste circularity during soil and groundwater remediation
- Why companies are adopting “Net Zero” targets in Africa
- The role of ESG performance in modern business models
- The impact of Climate Change on business operations and risks
3. Submit Your Application:
👉 Click here to apply for the ERM Bursary Programme 2026
- Upload all required PDF documents under the Resume/CV section. Seriously, don’t miss anything!
- Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified. (You’ve been warned!)
- Applications and essays will be reviewed by ERM’s Service Experts.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be notified, so keep an eye on your inbox!
Additional Notes:
- ERM bursaries are limited and awarded competitively.
- The bursary contract will be reviewed quarterly based on academic progress.
- By applying, you consent to the use of your data as per the ERM Data Privacy Notice.
If you’re passionate about sustainability and ready to make a real impact, this ERM Bursary Programme is an incredible opportunity. Don’t let it slip by – apply before 28 November 2025! What are you waiting for? Your future in environmental excellence starts now. And hey, while you’re at it, explore more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
