Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary

Fund your ESG Certification Journey with the Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary

IASE Africa’s Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary is a flagship initiative providing partial funding for professionals who are ready to start their ESG journey but need financial support to do so. If you’re committed to sustainable impact—whether in business, public service, or grassroots work—this bursary can help you earn a globally recognised ESG certification.

The bursary application form is open year-round. However, applications are formally reviewed during dedicated bursary windows that align with Level 1 cohort start dates. This ensures fair processing, predictable review cycles, and a smooth onboarding experience for successful applicants.

This program is part of our broader initiative to promote affordable ESG tuition, expand access to ESG training funding, and connect you with top ESG tuition providers that align with global standards.

What the bursary covers.

What the Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary Covers

Successful applicants will receive partial ESG financial assistance for:

  • An online ESG training course (ISB ADVISOR® or ISF ADVISOR® level)

  • IASE Board Exam registration fees

  • First-time IASE Global membership fees

Note: This is not a full bursary. You may still need to cover additional costs such as optional study tools, resit fees, or administrative expenses.

Awarded bursaries must be used for the next available Level 1 cohort. Awards cannot be deferred to later intakes, so applicants should ensure they are ready to commit once selected.

Award Value:
The Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary provides partial financial support. Most bursary allocations fall between 20% and 50% of the total Level 1 training and exam fees — typically between R3,000 and R8,500 (≈ USD 160 – USD 450) depending on financial need, application strength, and available funding.

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African woman researching ESG scholarships and bursaries on her laptop

Why Ubuntu?

The Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary is inspired by the African principle of Ubuntu — “I am because we are.” This philosophy teaches that our collective progress depends on shared opportunity, mutual responsibility, and the belief that every individual’s growth benefits the wider community. By helping aspiring ESG professionals who face financial constraints, the bursary honours the spirit of Ubuntu: uplifting individuals so that the organisations, communities, and societies they serve can thrive.

Apply for the Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary Now
Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary Program

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is best suited to:

  • Early to mid-career professionals passionate about ESG

  • Professionals residing in Africa or countries with emerging ESG sectors

  • Individuals working in the public, non-profit, or grassroots sectors

  • Applicants without employer financial support

  • Those demonstrating financial need and motivation for ESG work

Applicants may apply at any time of the year. Those who apply outside a review window will automatically be queued for assessment in the next upcoming window.

Please note: This is a partial bursary designed to reduce financial barriers — applicants should expect to contribute toward their total study costs.

Think this is you? Submit your application today
Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary Program Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary, you must:

  • Meet entry requirements for ISB ADVISOR® or ISF ADVISOR® certification

  • Not already be registered or paid for an IASE board exam

  • Demonstrate financial need and ESG career goals

  • Not be receiving sponsorship from an employer or third party

✔️ Unemployed applicants and those from the non-profit sector are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility is assessed holistically, and you only need to meet the minimum requirements at the time of application. Applications remain valid for review in the next available cycle.

Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary Program - Eligibility

Selection Criteria

Our selection panel assesses candidates using a holistic lens, considering:

  • Financial background and ability to pay

  • Motivation to complete ESG certification

  • Commitment to community, governance, or sustainability

  • Alignment with IASE values: equity, ethics, and excellence

🎓 Only the most recent bursary award applies if selected for multiple IASE funding programs.

Selection takes place during defined bursary review windows before each Level 1 cohort start date. Applicants will be notified once the review period for that cycle is complete.

See how decisions are made.
IASE-sponsored ESG student studying sustainability online

Application Process & Deadlines

Apply via the official bursary application portal by completing the following steps:

  1. Complete the online application form

  2. Upload proof of identity and education

  3. Submit a short personal motivation statement

  4. (Optional) Add letters of recommendation or supporting documents

⚠️ Do not register for your board exam while your application is under review. Doing so may void your eligibility.

Application Windows:
The Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary accepts applications throughout the year. However, applications are reviewed in three formal cycles aligned with the Level 1 program start dates.

  • Applications received before a review window will be assessed in the upcoming cycle.

  • Applications received after a review window closes will automatically roll into the next cycle.
    This structure ensures that awards are aligned with the next available training cohort and that shortlisted applicants can begin their ESG studies immediately.

Corporate sponsor supports ESG bursary in Africa

Award Conditions

  • Sponsorships are non-deferrable, non-transferable, and non-cash

  • You must accept your award and register for training within the deadline

  • Missed exams may affect your ability to apply for future funding

🤝 By applying, you agree to comply with all IASE bursary terms.

Awardees who are unable to join the next cohort may reapply in future cycles, but previous awards cannot be carried forward.

Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary Logo

How Decisions Are Made

To ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency, the Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary is administered under a structured evaluation framework overseen by the IASE Africa Bursary Committee. All applications are assessed holistically against the bursary’s objectives and available funding.

1. Review Windows

Although applications are accepted at any time, assessments occur only during official review windows aligned with upcoming cohort start dates.

Current Window:

  • 2 December 2025 – 4 January 2026

  • Decisions: 7–14 January 2026

Late submissions automatically roll into the next cycle.

2. Multi-Step Review Process

Step 1 — Eligibility Screening

Applications are first screened to confirm that the applicant:

  • Meets ADVISOR® entry requirements

  • Demonstrates financial need

  • Does not have employer/third-party sponsorship

  • Has not registered for any IASE Board Exam

  • Submitted required documentation

Incomplete applications may be placed on hold or rejected.

Step 2 — Holistic Scoring

Eligible applications are scored across several criteria:

  1. Financial Need (weight: high)
    Consideration of income, employment status, dependents, and financial commitments.

  2. Motivation and Purpose (weight: high)
    Strength of motivation statement, clarity of goals, and alignment with ESG.

  3. Commitment to Impact (weight: medium)
    Past or current engagement in community, governance, public service, or sustainability.

  4. Career Relevance (weight: medium)
    Suitability of the applicant’s current or intended field for ESG certification.

  5. Readiness to Complete (weight: medium)
    Ability to commit to training timelines and exam readiness.

Step 3 — Internal Panel Review

All shortlisted applications are reviewed by at least two independent assessors to minimize bias.

Step 4 — Final Deliberation and Ranking

The Committee ranks candidates based on:

  • Combined scores

  • Available bursary funding

  • Diversity considerations (sector, region, gender, impact area)

  • Strategic priorities (where relevant)

Step 5 — Approval & Notification

Approved candidates receive an official acceptance email with:

  • Award conditions

  • Instructions for enrolment

  • Cohort timelines

  • Mandatory response deadlines

Applicants not selected may remain in the pool for future cycles.

3. Confidentiality and Data Handling

All application information is handled under strict confidentiality and in line with POPIA and international data-protection principles.

4. Appeals

The bursary decisions are final.
Due to the high volume of applications, IASE Africa does not offer an appeals process.

Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary Program - Award Conditions

Future Sponsorship Rounds

IASE Africa is actively working on expanding its bursary and sponsorship portfolio to support a diverse range of ESG learners. Future rounds may include fully funded and sector-specific opportunities under themes such as:

  • Women in ESG Leadership Bursary – supporting African women rising in ESG governance and sustainability roles.

  • Youth ESG Catalyst Fund – targeting recent graduates and young professionals eager to enter the ESG space.

  • Low-Income Professional Sponsorship – tailored for high-potential applicants facing significant financial barriers.

💡 If you’re an organisation, foundation, or corporate partner interested in co-developing or sponsoring future ESG scholarships, contact our partnerships team.

Partners may also propose sponsoring specific review windows, allowing them to support learners who will enter the next available Level 1 cohort.

African woman reviewing ESG scholarship application documents in a well-lit office

Frequently Asked Questions

Bursary Program

  • What is the Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary?

    The Ubuntu ESG Access Bursary is an IASE Africa initiative providing partial financial support for eligible professionals pursuing ESG training, IASE Global Board Examinations, and first-time IASE membership. 

  • Is this a full scholarship?

    No. The bursary covers partial costs. Applicants may still need to pay for optional study tools, exam resit fees, data/technology requirements, or supplementary materials. 

  • Who is eligible to apply?

    Applicants must:

    • Meet ISB/ISF ADVISOR® entry requirements,
    • Demonstrate financial need,
    • Not be sponsored by an employer or third party,
    • Not be registered for an IASE Board Exam,
    • Show clear ESG motivation and career commitment,
    • Reside in Africa or be of African nationality.

    Unemployed applicants are encouraged to apply. 

  • Can I apply if I’ve already registered for an exam?

    No. This sponsorship is only open to applicants who have not yet registered for an upcoming IASE board exam. 

  • Can I still apply if I’m unemployed?

    Yes. We encourage applications from unemployed or underemployed professionals, especially those pursuing ESG careers. 

  • Is this sponsorship open to all African countries?

    Yes. Citizens or residents of any African country may apply. Future bursaries may target specific countries or sectors. 

  • Do I need a specific degree or qualification to apply?

    You must meet IASE’s minimum entry requirements for the ADVISOR® level of the ISB or ISF track. 

  • Can I apply at any time?

    Yes. The bursary application form is open year-round.

    However, applications are assessed only during official review windows aligned with cohort start dates.

    Submissions outside a review window are rolled forward to the next cycle. 

  • Can I defer the sponsorship if selected?

    No. You must use your award within the period specified in your award email. It cannot be transferred or deferred. 

  • When will I know if my application is successful?

    We aim to notify all applicants within 30 days of the application closing date. 

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