Impembelelo Trust Bursary South Africa 2026

The Impembelelo Trust Bursary is a postgraduate scholarship programme dedicated to supporting South African students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to advancing sustainable development. Aimed at Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral candidates, it offers either full or partial funding for studies in environment-related fields, positioning recipients to become leaders in sustainability.

Fields of Study Supported

The bursary supports full-time postgraduate study in areas vital to sustainability, including:

• Natural Sciences
• Engineering (including Chemical Engineering)
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Law
• Economics
• BCom or BArts with sustainability focus

Applicants should align their research or studies with the goal of promoting sustainable development in South Africa.

Who Should Apply

To qualify for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary, applicants must:

• Be South African citizens from historically disadvantaged groups (African, Coloured, or Indian)
• Be enrolled or intending to enroll full-time in Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral studies at a recognised institution in South Africa
• Have a minimum average of 70% in most recent academic results
• Demonstrate academic strength, financial need, or be living with a disability
• Submit a compelling motivation and study proposal tied to sustainability

Bursary Coverage

Funding options include:

• Full Cost of Study (FCS): Covers tuition, materials, and possibly study-related expenses for financially needy applicants or those with disabilities
• Partial Cost of Study (PCS): Offers partial financial support to assist with essential study costs

This funding helps students focus on research rather than financial stress and contributes to building capacity in sustainability sectors.

How to Apply

To apply, prepare and submit the following before the deadline:

1. Personal Details & Application Form – Typed and signed; handwritten forms not accepted
2. Certified Documents:
   • SA ID (or proof of permanent residency)
   • Academic records and latest transcripts
   • Proof of university registration or acceptance
   • Budget breakdown of study costs
   • Motivation letter (approx. 500 words) on how your work contributes to sustainability
   • Two reference letters
   • Supporting documentation for income, disability, or extenuating circumstances

Submit your application before 15 September 2025 (5 pm SAST). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

What Makes This Bursary Valuable

By investing in postgraduate research in sustainability, the Impembelelo Trust Bursary contributes to South Africa’s development goals. It empowers scholars to tackle environmental challenges, innovate in the green economy, and influence policy and practice—all while supporting personal and academic success during a critical phase of their education. Recipients join a community of researchers dedicated to building a greener, more equitable future.

Final Thoughts

If your research or academic interests lie in sustainability—whether in engineering, environmental science, law, economics, or agriculture—the Impembelelo Trust Bursary offers both financial relief and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change. Apply early, craft your proposal carefully, and show how your work supports a sustainable future for South Africa.