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Impembelelo Trust Bursary 2027

Impembelelo Trust Bursary invites applications from South African students who wish to further their studies in 2027. The bursary is specifically aimed at postgraduate students who intend pursuing studies in fields related to sustainability and the development of South Africa.

The bursary is available for full-time Honours, Master’s and Doctoral degree studies at recognised and accredited tertiary institutions in South Africa.

Successful applicants may receive either Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) funding, depending on their circumstances and the outcome of the selection process.

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY COVER?

Here is the list of study fields that are catered for by the Impembelelo Trust Bursary:

  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Law
  • Environmental Science
  • Natural Sciences

Your chosen field of study must also aim to contribute towards the growth of the sustainability management and consultancy sector.

WHAT DOES THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY COVER?

The Impembelelo Trust Bursary provides funding in the form of either a Full Cost of Study (FCS) bursary or a Partial Cost of Study (PCS) bursary.

Registration fees and first-term study fees will be paid directly to the tertiary institution after an official invoice has been received from the institution.

The bursary does not cover any outstanding fees or existing loans.

The exact amount of funding received will depend on whether the applicant is awarded Full Cost of Study or Partial Cost of Study funding and the applicant’s circumstances.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY?

Applicants will be assessed based on factors including academic potential, financial need and the relevance of their chosen study programme.

Applications will first be screened and shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited to attend an in-person interview.

For the 2027 academic year, shortlisted candidates are expected to be contacted for interviews by mid-January 2027. Successful bursary recipients will then be notified after the interview process, with bursaries expected to be awarded by the second week of February 2027.

If you do not receive feedback by this time, your application should be considered unsuccessful.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY?

Applicants for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary must meet the minimum prescribed requirements before submitting their application. Here is what you must have to apply:

  • You must be a South African citizen.
  • You must be between 18 and 30 years old.
  • You must be studying or intend on studying full-time towards a postgraduate degree at Honours, Master’s or Doctoral level.
  • Your chosen qualification must fall within one of the fields of study covered by the bursary.
  • You must have achieved a minimum average of 70% in the final-year modules of your preceding completed degree.
  • You must be studying or accepted to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
  • Your field of study must aim to contribute towards the growth of the sustainability management and consultancy sector.
  • You must be from a historically disadvantaged group, as defined by the B-BBEE Act (African, Coloured or Indian).
  • Students with disabilities are welcome to apply.

Applicants applying for Full Cost of Study (FCS) funding must also fall into at least one of the following categories:

  • You are in financial need and your combined household family income is not more than R350 000 per annum.
  • You are living with a disability.
  • You have an exceptional academic record.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY?

Applicants who meet the requirements must submit their application online through the Carbon Trust careers platform.

When completing the application, make sure that you provide the exact name of your qualification, the name of your tertiary institution and the start and end dates of your study programme.

You should also ensure that all the required supporting documents are submitted with your application, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Apply for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY?

Applicants must submit clear copies of the required supporting documents along with their online application. These include:

  • South African ID document (certified copy)
  • A clear head and shoulder photograph
  • Full academic transcript for 2025, including the latest available results
  • Proof of residential address
  • Financial breakdown of the funds required for your course
  • A 500-word motivational letter explaining why you require the bursary and how your qualification can contribute positively to South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030
  • Two reference letters from lecturers or educational alumni/student body members as character references
  • Parents’ or guardians’ proof of household income

Depending on your circumstances, the required proof of household income may include the following:

  • If employed: latest salary or wage slips
  • If unemployed: affidavit stating unemployment
  • If self-employed: affidavit stating self-employment
  • If a business owner: most recent audited financial statement or three months’ most recent bank statements
  • If receiving a SASSA grant: letter stating the grants received
  • If a parent or guardian is deceased: death certificate
  • If receiving child support: court letter stating the child support amounts
  • If you are employed: proof of income, proof of employer and three months’ bank statements

WHAT IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY?

The closing date for the Impembelelo Trust Bursary is 30 September 2026 at 5pm.

Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

This article was last updated in September 2026

HOW TO CONTACT THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST?

For questions related to the Impembelelo Trust Bursary, applicants should use the official Carbon Trust contact channels.

Applicants are encouraged to check the official bursary application information before contacting the provider, particularly for questions about eligibility, required documents and the application process.

Please do NOT contact the Impembelelo Trust if this bursary has already closed.

ABOUT THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST

The Impembelelo Trust operates under Carbon Trust Africa and supports talented South African young people through access to higher education.

The Trust focuses its bursary support on postgraduate students whose studies are linked to areas such as sustainability, science, engineering, economics and environmental studies.

The programme is intended to help develop skilled graduates who can contribute towards South Africa’s sustainability and development objectives.

See other General Bursaries and Scholarships for 2027 academic year.

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