Impembelelo Trust Bursary South Africa 2026

The Impembelelo Trust, operating under Carbon Trust Africa, is dedicated to empowering South Africa’s youth through education. Rooted in the belief that education is the foundation of individual growth and national progress, the Trust provides bursary opportunities that enable talented young people to pursue higher studies in critical fields such as sciences, engineering, sustainability, and the built environment. As South Africa continues to face a shortage of skills in these sectors, the Impembelelo Bursary Programme aims to close the gap by supporting a new generation of creative, critical thinkers who can contribute to building a more sustainable future. Beyond financial assistance, beneficiaries also gain the unique opportunity to connect with the Carbon Trust—a global climate consultancy with more than 20 years of experience in driving the transition to a low-carbon future. This ensures that students not only receive academic support, but also real-world exposure to meaningful work in sustainability, equipping them for purposeful careers and a brighter South Africa.

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered): You must be a South African citizen or a permanent residentYou must be between 18 and 30 years oldYou must be studying or intend on studying full-time towards a postgraduate degree (Honours, Masters or Doctoral), within one of the fields of study listed aboveYou must have achieved a minimum average of 70% for the 2024/25 academic yearYou must be studying or accepted to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South AfricaYour field of study must aim to contribute towards the growth of the sustainability management and consultancy sectorYou must be from a historically disadvantaged group, as defined by the B-BBEE Act (African, Coloured or Indian)Full Cost of Study (FCS) applicants:you must fall into either of the following categories: in financial need (with a combined household family income of NOT more than R350 000 per annum) OR living with a disability OR have an exceptional academic recordStudents with disabilities are welcome to apply

Information not available

Applications must be submitted online at:Impembelelo Trust Bursary Application 2026 Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the Impembelelo Trust Bursary. Note: in your application, please indicate the exact name of your qualification, name of the tertiary institution and the start and end dates of the study programme. Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified): ID document (certified copy)Photo (clear head and shoulder image)Full academic transcript for 2025, including latest available resultsProof of residential addressFinancial breakdown of required funds as per course requirementsMotivational letter stating why you require the bursary and how your qualification in the relevant qualification can contribute positively to South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 (500 words)(read our tips onhow to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)2 reference letters from lecturers or educational alumni/ student body members as a character reference(read our tips onhow to get a letter of reference/ testimonial for your bursary application)Parents or guardians proof of household income:If employed: latest salary or wage slipsIf unemployed: affidavit stating unemploymentIf self-employed: affidavit stating self-employmentIf a business owner: most recent audited financial statement or 3 months most recent bank statementsIf receiving a SASSA grant: letter stating the grants receivedIf deceased: death certificatesIf receiving child support: court letter stating child support amountsIf applicant is employed: proof of income, proof of employer, 3 months bank statement