ERM Bursary Programme 2026 – Graduate Opportunities | Apply Now

ERM invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Bursary Programme 2026 vacancies.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 28 November 2025.

Quick Overview of the ERM Bursary Programme 2026

Check if you qualify for this Bursary Here.

About ERM (Environmental Resources Management)

ERM is a global sustainability consultancy that works in more than 40 countries, including South Africa. They help mining companies, energy firms, governments, and private organisations solve big environmental and social problems.

What ERM Is Doing in South Africa

• Promote transformation – Make sure the sector includes people from all backgrounds.
• Develop new professionals – Give students and graduates training in real‑world environmental work.
• Support high‑calibre graduates – Open doors for talented people who can bring fresh ideas.
• Strengthen the consulting sector – Make the industry safer and more efficient.

With ERM, you’ll see how cutting‑edge research, engineering tools and sustainability ideas can change both industry and society.

What the ERM Bursary Programme Offers

• Access to ERM technical experts who can guide you.
• Mentors and academic help to keep you on track.
• Hands‑on exposure to research that matters to industry.
• Possible job opportunities inside ERM after graduation.
• Quarterly reviews to help you improve academically.

Who Should Apply?

You should apply if you:

1. Are unemployed and want to study full‑time in 2026.
2. Are a South African graduate.
3. Have an under‑grad degree in one of the following:
   • Environmental Sciences
   • Natural Sciences
   • Earth Sciences
   • Social Sciences
   • Engineering (any branch)
   • Economics
4. Can write a 3,000‑word essay on a topic that interests you.
5. Have a CV, certified ID, academic transcript, and the essay ready.

Important: Missing any document means your application will be automatically rejected.

Required Documents (Must Include)

1. CV – A clear summary of your education and experience.
2. Certified copy of your South African ID – Proof of identity.
3. Latest academic transcript – Show your grades and courses.
4. 3,000‑word essay – Must contain a plagiarism declaration, your signature, and the submission date.

You must upload all four in the Resume/CV section of the online application. If one is missing, your application will not be considered.

Essay Topics – Pick One

Here’s a quick rundown of the 13 topics. Pick the one that feels most interesting to you.

1. Stakeholder Engagement in Regional Mine Closure – Why talking with local communities matters when mines shut down.
2. The Dark Side of Green Critical Mineral Exploitation – Hidden environmental and social costs of mining “green” minerals.
3. Function of the Carotid Rete in Desert Ungulates – Study scientific ideas about climate change effects on animals like gemsbok.
4. Sustainable Remediation: Why It Matters – Explain what sustainable cleanup is and how it works.
5. Groundwater Investigation After a Petrol Spill – Describe how you’d investigate a spill and protect nearby wells.
6. Emerging Contaminants in Africa – Find a new pollutant, talk about how it’s detected and regulated.
7. Improving Water Management at an Opencast Mine – Give practical tips for better water use at a mine.
8. Water & Nature Risks: Impact on a Client’s License to Operate – Analyze risks, governance and benefits for a real company.
9. Long‑Term Contamination from an Unlined Effluent Dam – Recommend ways to investigate and fix this problem on a tight budget.
10. Waste Circularity in Soil & Groundwater Remediation – Propose a clean technology that reduces waste.
11. Net‑Zero Targets in Africa – Explain why companies set big climate goals.
12. Impact of ESG Integration in Modern Business Models – Discuss risks and chances when companies focus on environment, social and governance.
13. Is Climate Change Important for Business? – Evaluate how climate affects companies, both physically and through policy changes.

Mandatory Plagiarism Declaration

Put this on the first page of your essay, sign it and date it:

I know that plagiarism is wrong. Plagiarism is using someone else’s work and pretending it is yours. Every big idea or quote that I used in this essay is properly cited and referenced using the Harvard (or Author‑date or APA) system. This essay is my own work, and I have not copied any text. I do not allow anyone else to copy my work and claim it as theirs.

Signed:
Date of Submission:

How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step

1. Get your CV, certified ID, and latest transcript ready.
2. Choose ONE essay topic from the list above.
3. Write a 3,000‑word essay that follows the plagiarism declaration rule and includes citations.
4. Save all documents as PDF files.
5. Go to the ERM careers page or the dedicated bursary portal.
6. Upload all documents under the Resume/CV section.
7. Submit your application before Friday, 28 November 2025.
8. Wait for ERM’s shortlist notice.
9. If selected, sign the bursary contract and start your studies in 2026.

Apply for the ERM Bursary Programme here.

Use the Edupstairs online tools below to help you prepare your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the ERM Bursary available to undergraduate students?
   No – it is only for postgraduate studies.

2. Can employed students apply?
   No – only unemployed South African graduates are eligible.

3. Can I submit more than one essay topic?
   No – you must pick just one.

4. What happens if I forget one document?
   Your application will be automatically disqualified.

5. Do I need high academic marks?
   While not a strict requirement, good grades improve your chances of being shortlisted.

6. Will ERM offer employment after studies?
   Employment is not guaranteed, but top performers may join ERM’s graduate pathways.

Closing Date

28 November 2025

Disclaimer

Edupstairs is not affiliated with ERM. All information comes from the official bursary announcement. Always double‑check the details on the ERM website because deadlines and requirements can change.

Want more ways to fund your studies?
Check out the SETA Bursaries you can still apply for this year for additional funding options.