Impembelelo Trust Bursary South Africa 2026

 

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – IMPEMBELELO TRUST

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.
 

ABOUT THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY – FIELDS COVERED

The Impembelelo Trust is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for Postgraduate studies (Honours, Masters or Doctoral degrees), within the following fields:

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

 

** RELATED BURSARIES **

 

MORE ABOUT THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY

Candidates will be selected based on the following main criteria: academic potential, financial need and study programmes.

Successful candidates will receive either a Full Cost of Study (FCS) bursary or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) bursary.

Registration fees and first term study fees will be paid directly to the educational institutions upon receipt of an official invoice from the institution.

The bursary will NOT provide cover for any outstanding fees or existing loans.
 

MORE ABOUT THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY – SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants will be updated on the progress of their application via email. All applications will be screened by the end of September 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to attend an in-person interview by end November 2025.

After interviews, the final successful candidates will be notified. Bursaries will then be awarded by the 2nd week of February 2026, and beneficiaries will be notified via email.

If you do not receive any feedback by this date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the Impembelelo Trust Bursary.
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY

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 resident
  • You must be between 18 and 30 years old
  • You 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 above
  • You must have achieved a minimum average of 70% for the 2024/25 academic year
  • 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)
  • 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 record
  • Students with disabilities are welcome to apply

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY

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 results
  • Proof of residential address
  • Financial breakdown of required funds as per course requirements
  • Motivational 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 on how 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 on how to get a letter of reference/ testimonial for your bursary application)
  • Parents or guardians proof of household income:
    • 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 3 months most recent bank statements
    • If receiving a SASSA grant: letter stating the grants received
    • If deceased: death certificates
    • If receiving child support: court letter stating child support amounts
  • If applicant is employed: proof of income, proof of employer, 3 months bank statement

 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE IMPEMBELELO TRUST BURSARY

15 September 2025 (at 17:00 SAST).
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Impembelelo Trust directly:
Contact page: https://www.carbontrust.com/contact-our-team
 

Please do NOT contact the Impembelelo Trust if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

This bursary listing was last updated in August 2025.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.