If you’re between 16 and 28 years old, have a planet-positive idea for tackling an environmental challenge and want support to build it, the beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship provides training, mentoring, funding and community. Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are open now, and you need to apply before 25 January 2026. At BursaryForms, we are your guide to success!

About the Fellowship Provider

beVisioneers is a global fellowship funded by Mercedes-Benz and run by The DO School Fellowships. The program accelerates young innovators who want to make environmental change in their communities. It offers online training modules, in-person summits, local hub meet-ups, mentoring and possible project funding. At BursaryForms, we’re excited to connect visionaries with this opportunity.

Fields Covered by beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship

This fellowship isn’t restricted to academic subjects; it supports work in areas like:

  • Environmental protection & sustainability
  • Decarbonization projects
  • Waste management, clean energy, ecosystem restoration, and related fields
  • Green innovation for local environmental challenges

If your idea addresses an environmental issue, whatever the field, you may be eligible.

Expenses Covered by beVisioneers Fellowship

Fellowship benefits include:

  • Free participation — the program is fully funded by Mercedes-Benz.
  • Mentorship, venture coaching & peer support
  • Access to project scholarships of up to €20,000 to grow your environmental project (after first foundational year)
  • Where needed, financial or technology-assistance so you can participate (e.g., for those with limited resources)

Eligibility Requirements for beVisioneers Fellowship

To apply, you need to meet all of the following:

  • Aged 16-28 years at the time of application
  • Reside in one of the participating countries (e.g. South Africa among them) and plan to stay in a participating country for the duration of the Fellowship.
  • Good command of English (oral and written) because materials / interaction are in English.
  • Have identified an environmental challenge you want to tackle with a concrete idea or plan.
  • Not work for, nor have a parent or guardian who works for Mercedes-Benz.

You don’t need prior entrepreneurial experience — what matters is your commitment and idea.

This page was updated on October 7, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply for beVisioneers Fellowship

Application steps are:

  • Register on the beVisioneers application platform.
  • Complete a written application: your idea, motivation, financial needs, etc., and include a scanned ID or passport.
  • Record and submit a short video (up to 3 minutes) explaining the environmental challenge and your idea. Applications without the video are not considered.
  • (Optional) If you need financial support to participate, fill in that additional section: provide references (non-family) and income declaration.

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date for beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship 2026

25 January 2026, 23:59:59 Central European Time

Don’t miss the deadline — incomplete or late applications are not accepted.

Contact the Fellowship Provider

For more questions or help applying:

beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship
Email: admissions@bevisioneers.world
Website: https://bevisioneers.world
Partner: The DO School Fellowships

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about beVisioneers Fellowship.

1. Can I apply if I’m under 16 or over 28?+
No. Age requirement is 16-28 at the time of application. Applicants outside this range aren’t eligible.
2. Do I need a fully developed project to apply?+
No. You need an environmental challenge you want to address and some concrete idea, but you don’t have to have a finished product or venture.
3. Is there a cost to participate?+
No. The Fellowship is fully funded by Mercedes-Benz, and there is no fee to join. All Fellows receive access to resources, training and community.
4. Do I need to move countries or relocate?+
No. The programme is hybrid (online & local hubs), and you just need to reside in a participating country for the duration. Relocation is not required.
5. Will the Fellowship cover costs for my project?+
Yes. After the first foundational year, you may access project scholarships of up to €20,000 to advance your project.
6. Is financial support available if I can’t afford internet or tech?+
Yes. You can apply for financial support during the application. They ask for an income declaration and references to assess need.
7. What languages are required?+
English: good oral and written skills required, since all learning materials and interactions are in English.
8. If I am already working on environmental projects, does that give me an advantage?+
It helps to show what you are already doing or passionate about, but previous entrepreneurial experience is not required. What’s more important is the idea, drive, and plan.
9. When will I know if I’m shortlisted?+
Shortlisting results will be announced by the first week of March 2026.
10. Who owns the intellectual property for ideas developed?+
Fellows keep exclusive rights to any inventions or products they develop during beVisioneers.

Before you apply for any bursary, make sure you have a clear plan. Download our comprehensive Bursary Application Checklist to stay organized, submit your documents correctly, and increase your chances of success.

Bursary Application Checklist