Impembelelo Trust Bursary 2026 – Closing Date: 15 September 2025 Apply Now!

Hey future changemakers! Are you dreaming of a postgraduate degree in critical fields like sustainability, engineering, or science? Well, get ready because the Impembelelo Trust Bursary 2026 is here to make those dreams a reality! This incredible bursary is specifically designed to empower talented South African youth like you to become leaders and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The Impembelelo Trust, operating under Carbon Trust Africa, believes education is the key to growth. They offer bursary opportunities to help young South Africans pursue higher studies in high-demand sectors like sciences, engineering, sustainability, and the built environment. South Africa needs skilled professionals in these areas, and this bursary aims to support the next generation of innovative thinkers who can make a real difference.

Beyond just financial help, being an Impembelelo Trust bursary recipient also connects you with the Carbon Trust – a global climate consultancy with over 20 years of experience! This means you’ll get academic support AND real-world exposure to meaningful work in sustainability, setting you up for a purposeful career and a brighter South Africa.

Who Can Apply?

Ready to see if you qualify? Make sure you meet these key requirements:

You must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident.
You must be between 18 and 30 years old.
You need to be studying or planning to study full-time for a postgraduate degree (Honours, Masters, or Doctoral) in one of the following fields for the 2026 academic year:
- Economics
- Engineering
- Environmental Law
- Environmental Science
- Natural Sciences
You must have achieved a minimum average of 70% for the 2024/25 academic year.
You must be studying or accepted to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
Your chosen 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 be in financial need (with a combined household family income of NOT more than R350 000 per annum) OR living with a disability OR have an exceptional academic record.
Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply!

What Does It Cover?

The Impembelelo Trust Bursary helps you financially so you can focus on your studies. Successful candidates will receive either a Full Cost of Study (FCS) bursary or a Partial Cost of Study (PCS) bursary, depending on your needs and academic standing.

Your registration fees and first term study fees will be paid directly to your university or college once they send an official invoice. Just remember, this bursary is for new studies and won’t cover any outstanding fees or existing loans.

How to Apply?

Think you’re a perfect fit? Here’s how to submit your application for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary:

Applications must be submitted online via this link: Impembelelo Trust Bursary Application 2026
When applying, make sure to clearly state the exact name of your qualification, the name of your tertiary institution, and the precise start and end dates of your study programme.

You’ll also need to submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with your online application. Don’t skip any of these, as missing items could lead to your application being disqualified:

Your ID document (certified copy).
A clear head and shoulder photo of yourself.
Your full academic transcript for 2025, including your latest available results.
Proof of your residential address.
A detailed financial breakdown of the funds required for your course, as per your institution’s requirements.
A motivational letter (around 500 words) explaining why you need the bursary and how your qualification will positively contribute to South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030.
Two reference letters from lecturers or educational alumni/student body members as a character reference.
Parents or guardians’ proof of household income (choose what applies to your family):
- If employed: latest salary or wage slips.
- If unemployed: an affidavit stating unemployment.
- If self-employed: an affidavit stating self-employment.
- If a business owner: your most recent audited financial statement or 3 months’ most recent bank statements.
- If receiving a SASSA grant: a letter stating the grants received.
- If deceased: death certificates.
- If receiving child support: a court letter stating child support amounts.
If you, the applicant, are employed: proof of income, proof of employer, and 3 months’ bank statement.

Important Dates:

All applications will be screened by the end of September 2025. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be contacted and invited for an in-person interview by the end of November 2025. If you don’t hear back by then, please consider your application unsuccessful.

The closing date for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary is 15 September 2025 at 17:00 SAST. Make sure your application is in before this deadline – late applications will not be accepted!

If this sounds like the right bursary for you, don’t wait — apply now and explore more bursaries on Bursaries Room!