The Impembelelo Trust, established by Carbon Trust Africa (Pty) Ltd, is inviting eligible South African students to apply for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary Programme 2026.
Closing Date: 15 September 2025 at 5pm (SAST)
About the Impembelelo Trust Bursary Programme
The Impembelelo Trust Bursary is designed to support historically disadvantaged postgraduate students pursuing studies in fields linked to sustainability and development.
Bursaries are awarded based on three main factors:
- Academic potential
- Financial need
- Relevance of the chosen study programme
Depending on the applicant’s situation, funding may be offered as either Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS).
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary is open to postgraduate students (Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral level) in the following areas:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Economics
- Environmental Law
- BCom
- BAcc
- Environmental Science
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen (African, Coloured, or Indian, as defined by the B-BBEE Act).
- Be studying or intending to study a full-time postgraduate qualification in a sustainability-related field.
- Be registered at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
- Have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% for the 2024/25 academic year.
- Provide full details of their study programme, institution, and study duration.
- Students living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
For Full Cost of Study (FCS) bursary funding, applicants must fall into one of the following categories:
- From households earning R350 000 or less per year, OR
- Living with a disability, OR
- Recognised as an exceptional academic achiever.
Required Documents
Applicants are expected to submit clear, certified copies of the following documents:
- South African ID
- Complete academic record (including latest results)
- Proof of residential address
- Proof of household income (salary slips, affidavits, SASSA letters, audited statements, or bank statements)
- A detailed budget breakdown of study costs
- A 500-word motivation letter explaining why you should be awarded the bursary and how your studies will contribute to sustainable development
- Two reference letters from lecturers or academic bodies
- Completed application form (incomplete applications will not be considered)
Important Dates
Applicants should take note of the following dates:
- Interview Notifications: By end of November 2025
- Final Awards: By the second week of February 2026
- Payment: Registration fees will be paid directly to the institution upon receipt of an official invoice
How to Apply
Applications must be completed online. To begin your application, use the official form below:
For full details about the bursary, visit the official site:
👉 Welcome – Impembelelo Trust
Conclusion
The Impembelelo Trust Bursary Programme 2026 is a powerful opportunity for South African postgraduate students committed to shaping a more sustainable future. With funding available for fields ranging from natural sciences to environmental law and commerce, this bursary not only eases the financial burden of studies but also encourages academic excellence and social impact. For students ready to use their education to drive meaningful change, this is a chance to take the next step in building a better tomorrow.