Hey future change-makers! Are you a passionate postgraduate student in South Africa dreaming of making a real impact in the sustainability field? Well, guess what? The Impembelelo Trust Bursary 2026 is here to turn those dreams into reality! This awesome bursary, founded by Carbon Trust Africa, is all about empowering historically disadvantaged students like you to pursue Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees in vital sustainability-related fields.
If you’re ready to tackle environmental challenges, innovate for a greener future, and need a financial boost to get there, keep reading! This could be your golden ticket to academic success and a career that truly matters.
What Does It Cover?
The Impembelelo Trust Bursary is designed to support your postgraduate studies (Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral levels) in a range of sustainability-focused fields. Depending on your financial situation and academic standing, you could receive either Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) funding. FCS covers everything, helping students from lower-income households (earning ≤ R350 000 annually) or those with disabilities, as well as exceptional academic achievers.
Wondering if your degree fits? This bursary covers postgraduate studies in exciting areas like:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering (including Chemical Engineering)
- Economics
- Environmental Law
- BCom
- BAcc
- Environmental Science
Basically, if your studies are all about building a more sustainable world, you’re likely on the right track!
Who Can Apply?
Think you’ve got what it takes? Here’s a quick checklist to see if you’re eligible for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary:
- South African Citizen: You need to be a South African citizen. Plus, this bursary specifically encourages applications from African, Coloured, or Indian students as defined by the B-BBEE Act.
- Postgraduate Student: You must be studying or planning to study a full-time postgraduate qualification (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral) in a sustainability-related field.
- Registered at an SA Institution: You need to be registered at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution right here in South Africa.
- Academic Achiever: You should have a minimum overall average of 70% for your 2024/25 academic year. Show off those grades!
- Study Details: Make sure you can provide clear details about your study programme, the institution, and your start/end dates.
- Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability, you are strongly encouraged to apply – your application will be prioritised.
- Financial Need (for FCS): For Full Cost of Study funding, your household income should be R350,000 per annum or less, OR you live with a disability, OR you’re an exceptional academic achiever.
Required Documents:
Ready to apply? Gather these essential documents:
- A clear, certified copy of your South African ID.
- Your full academic record, including your latest results.
- Proof of address (like a utility bill).
- Proof of household income (think salary slips, affidavits, SASSA letters, bank statements, etc.).
- A detailed budget breakdown of your study costs.
- A powerful 500-word motivation letter explaining why you deserve this bursary and how your degree will contribute to sustainable development.
- Two stellar reference letters from your lecturers or academic mentors.
- And don’t forget the completed application form! (Incomplete applications will unfortunately be disqualified, so double-check everything!)
How to Apply?
Applying is super straightforward! Just follow these steps:
- Click on the official application link below.
- Fill out the application form carefully and completely.
- Upload all your required documents before the deadline.
Here are some important dates to mark in your calendar:
- Closing Date: 15 September 2025 at 5pm (SAST) – Don’t miss this!
- Interview Notifications: You’ll hear back by the end of November 2025.
- Final Awards: Expect the final decisions by the 2nd week of February 2026.
- Payment: Good news! Registration fees will be paid directly to your institution once they send an official invoice.
Ready to take the leap? Apply for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary 2026 right here:
Apply for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary 2026
If this incredible opportunity resonates with your academic and career goals, don’t hesitate! The Impembelelo Trust Bursary could be the financial stepping stone you need to achieve your dreams in sustainability. Apply now and while you’re at it, explore more amazing bursary opportunities on Bursaries Room to secure your future!
