The Impembelelo Trust, operated under Carbon Trust Africa, is committed to fostering South Africa’s next generation of leaders through education. With a strong focus on sustainability, engineering, sciences, and related fields, the Bursary aims to address the critical skills shortage in these sectors, providing bursaries to deserving students across the country.
About Impembelelo Trust
The Impembelelo Trust’s mission is to nurture the talents of South African youth, enabling them to pursue higher education in fields that are crucial for the country’s growth. By offering financial support, the Trust not only empowers students but also connects them to Carbon Trust, a global consultancy dedicated to driving the transition to a low-carbon future.
This unique partnership ensures that bursary recipients gain practical exposure to real-world challenges in sustainability, preparing them for impactful careers.
Fields of Study Covered by the Bursary
Applications for the 2026 academic year are now open for postgraduate students in the following fields:
- Economics
- Engineering
- Environmental Law
- Environmental Science
- Natural Sciences
The bursary programme is open to Honours, Masters, and Doctoral students committed to making a difference in these critical sectors.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Be aged between 18 and 30 years old
- Be enrolled or planning to study full-time for a postgraduate degree in one of the listed fields
- Have achieved a minimum academic average of 70% in the 2024/25 academic year
- Study at a recognised South African tertiary institution
- Plan to contribute towards sustainability management and consultancy
- Be from a historically disadvantaged group (African, Coloured, or Indian)
Additional criteria apply for Full Cost of Study (FCS) bursary applicants, who must meet one of the following conditions:
- In financial need (family income of R350,000 or less per annum)
- Living with a disability
- Have an exceptional academic record
How to Apply for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary
Interested candidates should apply online through the Impembelelo Trust Bursary Application Portal. During the application process, applicants must:
- Include details such as the qualification name, institution name, and study programme dates
Supporting Documents required for submission include:
- A certified copy of your ID
- A recent passport-style photo
- Your academic transcript (including the latest available results)
- Proof of residence
- A financial breakdown of course fees
- A 500-word motivational letter outlining your need for the bursary and your future goals
- Two character reference letters (from lecturers or alumni)
- Proof of household income (such as salary slips, affidavits, or financial statements)
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview by November 2025. The final successful candidates will be notified in the second week of February 2026.
If you do not receive feedback by this time, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- Closing Date for Applications: The deadline for applications is 15 September 2025 at 17:00 SAST. Late applications will not be considered, so make sure to apply before the closing date.
- Contact Information: For further queries, you can contact the Impembelelo Trust directly via their contact page.
The Impembelelo Trust Bursary Programme is a valuable opportunity for South African students to pursue postgraduate studies in critical fields such as engineering, economics, and environmental sciences.
With a focus on fostering skills in sustainability and creating a brighter future, the programme offers both financial support and real-world exposure through its partnership with Carbon Trust. Apply now to join the next generation of change-makers.
Check also: EY Bursary Programme 2026