Apply for the ERM Bursary Programme 2026 to fund your full-time postgraduate studies in environmental, earth, natural, or social sciences. Open to unemployed South African graduates. Closing date: 28 November 2025.
South Africa’s environmental and sustainability sector is expanding rapidly, and talented young professionals are more needed than ever. The ERM Bursary Programme 2026 is now open, giving unemployed South African graduates an incredible opportunity to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
This bursary is perfect for graduates in environmental sciences, natural sciences, engineering, economics, earth sciences, and social sciences who want to make a real impact solving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Southern Africa |
| Study Level | Postgraduate (Full-time) |
| Eligible Fields | Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Economics, Social Sciences |
| Who Can Apply | Unemployed South African graduates with relevant undergraduate degrees |
| Application Requirement | 3,000-word essay (choose ONE topic) + required documents |
| Closing Date | Friday, 28 November 2025 |
About ERM
ERM is a global sustainability consultancy operating in over 40 countries, including Southern Africa. The organisation partners with mining companies, energy firms, governments, and private organisations to address complex environmental and social challenges.
In South Africa, ERM focuses on:
- Promoting transformation
- Developing new environmental professionals
- Supporting high-calibre, multicultural graduates
- Strengthening the environmental consulting sector
Through this bursary, ERM provides graduates with exposure to cutting-edge research, practical solutions, and sustainability innovations that make a real-world impact.
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What the ERM Bursary Offers
Selected bursars will benefit from:
- Financial support for full-time postgraduate studies
- Access to ERM’s technical experts and mentorship
- Exposure to industry-relevant research
- Guidance for career pathways within ERM
- Quarterly academic performance reviews
This programme combines academic funding with professional development to ensure graduates are well-prepared for careers in sustainability and ESG-focused sectors.
Who Should Apply
You should apply if you:
- Are unemployed
- Are a South African citizen
- Hold a relevant undergraduate degree in:
- Environmental Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Economics
- Want to pursue full-time postgraduate studies in 2026
- Can submit a 3,000-word essay on one of the approved topics
- Have all required documents ready (CV, certified ID, academic transcript)
Missing any document will result in automatic disqualification.
Required Documents
All applicants must submit the following:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Latest academic transcript
- 3,000-word essay with:
- Plagiarism declaration
- Signature
- Submission date
Essay Topics (Choose ONE)
- Stakeholder Engagement in Regional Mine Closure
- The Dark Side of Green Critical Mineral Exploitation
- Function of the Carotid Rete in Desert Ungulates (e.g., gemsbok)
- Sustainable Remediation: Why It Matters
- Groundwater Investigation After a Petrol Spill
- Emerging Contaminants in Africa
- Improving Water Management at an Opencast Mine
- Water & Nature Risks: Impact on a Client’s License to Operate
- Long-Term Contamination from an Unlined Effluent Dam
- Waste Circularity in Soil & Groundwater Remediation
- Net-Zero Targets in Africa
- Impact of ESG Integration in Modern Business Models
- Is Climate Change Important for Business?
Mandatory Plagiarism Declaration
Include this at the beginning of your essay:
I know that plagiarism is wrong. Plagiarism is to use another’s work and pretend it is one’s own. Each significant contribution to, and quotation in this essay that I have taken from the work(s) of other people has been attributed and cited. I have used the Harvard (or APA) system for citation and referencing. This essay is my own work. I have not copied any other text and have not allowed anyone else to copy it.
Signed:
Date of Submission:
How to Apply
- Prepare all required documents (CV, certified ID, academic transcript, essay).
- Choose ONE essay topic from the list above.
- Write your 3,000-word essay, including plagiarism declaration and proper citations.
- Combine all documents into a PDF file.
- Visit the ERM bursary portal and upload your documents under the Resume/CV section.
- Submit before 28 November 2025.
- Wait for ERM’s shortlist communication.
- If selected, sign the bursary contract and begin postgraduate studies in 2026.
Apply for the ERM Bursary Programme Here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can undergraduate students apply?
No, this bursary is for postgraduate studies only.
Can employed students apply?
No. Only unemployed graduates are eligible.
Can I submit more than one essay topic?
No. Only one essay per application is allowed.
What happens if I miss a required document?
Your application will be automatically disqualified.
Do I need excellent marks?
While not mandatory, strong academic performance will improve shortlisting chances.
Will ERM offer employment after studies?
Employment is not guaranteed, but high-performing bursars may enter ERM’s graduate programmes.
Conclusion
The ERM Bursary Programme 2026 is a remarkable opportunity for South African graduates who want to make an impact in environmental and sustainability sectors. With financial support, mentorship, and exposure to industry-leading projects, this bursary prepares you for a career solving real-world ESG challenges.
Closing Date: 28 November 2025
