Empowering Future Environmental and Engineering Leaders
ERM Southern Africa is inviting applications from passionate and ambitious South African graduates for the 2026 ERM Bursary Programme. This opportunity is designed for individuals who wish to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at reputable, accredited universities in South Africa.
Closing Date: Friday, 28 November 2025
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Industry: Environmental and Engineering Services
Category: Education and Training
Contract Type: Fixed Term (Bursary Contract)
Remuneration: Market Related
About ERM
Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is a global sustainability consulting firm that partners with leading organisations to tackle the world’s most complex environmental, health, safety, risk, and social challenges.
ERM Southern Africa continues to foster transformation, diversity, and inclusion through initiatives that empower the next generation of professionals. By investing in promising students, ERM aims to develop future leaders in environmental science, engineering, economics, and social sciences who will contribute to sustainable development across the continent.
Who Can Apply
The ERM Bursary Programme 2026 is open to unemployed South African graduates who wish to further their studies in disciplines relevant to ERM’s areas of expertise. Applicants must:
- Hold an appropriate undergraduate qualification in a relevant field.
- Be planning to pursue full-time postgraduate studies in 2026.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and a strong passion for sustainability, environmental stewardship, and innovation.
Eligible fields include, but are not limited to:
- Environmental Science
- Earth Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering (various fields)
- Economics
- Social Sciences
ERM’s bursary programme focuses on supporting high-calibre students from diverse backgrounds who can make meaningful contributions to the environmental and industrial sectors.
Essay Requirement
As part of the application process, candidates must submit a 3,000-word essay on one of the following topics:
- The importance of stakeholder engagement in regional mine closure.
- The dark side of the green critical mineral exploitation.
- The function of the carotid rete in desert-adapted ungulates and its implications for climate change.
- The concept of sustainable remediation and the challenges of implementation.
- Investigating groundwater contamination due to a petrol spill and mitigation approaches.
- Emerging contaminants in Africa and associated industrial risks.
- Water management strategy improvements for an opencast mining operation.
- Water and nature risks in business strategy and corporate governance.
- Managing long-term groundwater contamination with limited client funding.
- Waste circularity in soil and groundwater remediation planning.
- The rationale for companies adopting “net zero” emission targets in Africa.
- The impact of ESG integration on business models, risks, and opportunities.
- The importance of climate change considerations for business resilience.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must include the following documents in their submission. Missing documentation will result in automatic disqualification:
- Comprehensive CV.
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Latest academic transcript.
- Completed essay (maximum 3,000 words) with the signed Plagiarism Declaration on the first page.
Plagiarism Declaration:
Applicants must acknowledge that plagiarism is unacceptable, confirm all sources are cited, and declare the essay as their own original work. Submissions found to be plagiarised will result in disqualification and possible bursary withdrawal if discovered later.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by ERM’s subject-matter experts, who will assess candidates based on:
- Academic performance
- Quality and originality of the essay
- Relevance of chosen field of study
Successful candidates will enter into a bursary contract with ERM Southern Africa, which will be reviewed quarterly in line with the student’s academic progress.
Why Apply for the ERM Bursary Programme?
The ERM Bursary 2026 is more than financial assistance — it is an opportunity to join a global leader in environmental consulting and sustainability solutions.
Benefits include:
- Full or partial financial support for postgraduate studies.
- Mentorship and guidance from ERM’s global network of professionals.
- Potential pathways to employment within ERM upon successful completion.
- Exposure to real-world environmental challenges and sustainable solutions.
- A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and transformation in professional growth.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications online through the official ERM career portal.
Apply here: ERM Bursary Programme 2026 Application
Application Deadline: Friday, 28 November 2025
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure that all required documents are attached to their online submission.
ERM’s Commitment to Inclusion
ERM is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and supported. The company encourages applications from students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those from underrepresented communities.
Once selected, bursary recipients will receive the necessary support and accommodations to ensure they can succeed academically and professionally.
Conclusion
The ERM Bursary Programme 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for driven graduates to pursue their postgraduate studies while contributing to meaningful work in sustainability, environmental science, and engineering.
If you are passionate about solving environmental challenges and ready to make a difference, apply before 28 November 2025 and take your first step toward a purpose-driven career with ERM Southern Africa.