The Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Southern Africa Bursary Programme 2026 invites applications from South African graduates pursuing postgraduate studies in environment-related fields. This bursary aims to support talented individuals committed to sustainability, environmental management, and socio-economic development through research and applied learning.
The Bursary Sponsor
ERM is a global environmental, health, safety, risk, and sustainability consultancy operating across more than 40 countries. ERM partners with leading organisations to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that balance business success with social and environmental responsibility. In Southern Africa, ERM continues to drive transformation by nurturing diverse talent and building a pipeline of skilled professionals in environmental and related sciences.
What Is This Bursary Program?
The ERM Bursary Programme supports graduates intending to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at recognised universities in South Africa.
It provides limited bursary places for studies in fields such as:
- Environmental Science
- Earth or Natural Sciences
- Engineering disciplines
- Economics
- Social Sciences
The programme includes academic funding, mentorship, and potential professional exposure to ERM’s consulting environment.
Essay Requirement:
Applicants must submit an original essay (maximum 3 000 words) on one of the 13 topics provided, ranging from stakeholder engagement, mine closure, climate change, ESG integration, and sustainable remediation, to water management and waste circularity.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be unemployed South African graduates seeking to pursue postgraduate studies in 2026.
- Hold a relevant undergraduate degree in the required disciplines.
- Submit a 3 000-word essay (with plagiarism declaration) on one of the listed topics.
- Provide the following documents:
- CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Latest academic transcript
- Completed essay with plagiarism declaration
Note: Missing any required documents will result in automatic disqualification.
Closing Date
Friday, 28 November 2025
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications via ERM’s Careers Portal by searching for the Bursary Programme listing.
Attach all required documents in the Resume/CV upload section.
Selection Process:
Essays and applications will be evaluated by ERM’s Service experts based on academic merit, writing quality, and area of study relevance. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further review. Successful applicants will sign a bursary agreement with ERM, subject to quarterly academic performance reviews.
ERM is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.