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Introducing one of the UK's largest ever sustainability-focused undergraduate scholarship programmes

These scholarships provide a valuable opportunity for students who want to be empowered to make a genuine positive difference to help the planet.

Professor Robert Van de Noort CBE
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar at the University of Reading

This exciting new undergraduate scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. We will be offering up to 400 scholarships per year (300 in 2025), for high-achieving students from the UK and overseas.

Each scholar will receive £6,000 a year, for up to four years of full-time study on their course (subject to terms and conditions), for maintenance and living costs.

Scholars will also receive access to opportunities including:

  • developing knowledge and leadership skills relevant to addressing climate and nature issues
  • engaging in cross-disciplinary learning and activities
  • taking positive action for sustainability
  • building relevant networks
  • being part of a growing community of global sustainability leaders of the future
  • careers support and the potential to enhance employability.

Winner of The Times and The Sunday Times Sustainable University of the Year 2025, the University of Reading is renowned for world-class research in climate change and its impact on the environment and society. No matter your background or your subject of interest, we want to enable those who share our passion for building an environmentally sustainable world to lead positive change.

How to get involved 

To be considered eligible for the scholarship, you will need to:

  • be a UK or international fee-paying student holding an offer for a University of Reading undergraduate programme in 2025/26
  • achieve grades AAA or above in your A levels (or equivalent qualification) or AAB for students eligible for a contextualised offer
  • successfully complete the scholarship application process for this scheme.

Full terms and conditions for the scholarship (PDF - 833KB).

Eligible offer holders will be contacted directly by the University with full details of the scheme, and invited to apply for the scholarship. 

Applying after results day

Eligible applicants who accept an offer through Clearing will be invited to apply for this scholarship.

If you are already a University of Reading offer holder, but you receive higher grades than predicted, or if we didn’t originally receive your predicted grades, you will also be invited to apply for the scholarship if you are eligible.

You'll have until 3 September 2025 to apply, and we will contact you soon afterwards to let you know if you’ve been successful.

Global Sustainability Leaders: opportunities for growth and impact

As a recipient of the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship, you will have access to a range of opportunities designed to enhance your knowledge, develop your leadership skills, and empower you to make a meaningful impact in sustainability.

Learning and Development

You will gain access to a variety of learning opportunities designed to deepen your understanding of sustainability and equip you with essential skills for impactful action.

  • Our new short online course Advocating for a Better Planet provides tools and skills for climate and sustainability action.
  • The Sustainability Fundamentals lecture series are expert-led sessions covering key topics and competencies across different disciplines.
  • The RED Sustainable Action Award is a flexible, skills-based award recognising sustainability engagement.
  • Our Development and Impact Record is a personalised framework to track progress and achievements in sustainability.
  • Other opportunities to explore sustainability within your field will include your dissertation or capstone project.

leadership and careers

This scholarship provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, build professional networks, and prepare for a career that makes a difference in sustainability.

  • You will receive leadership training through expert-led masterclasses and skills practice from Henley Business School.
  • Our Careers team provides guidance to help you align your career with your sustainability ambitions.
  • You will have plenty of opportunity to build valuable industry connections through events, placements, volunteering, internships, and mentoring with experts across various sectors.

Engagement and action

This scholarship offers hands-on opportunities to collaborate, engage with sustainability initiatives, and contribute to real-world change.

  • Through our Global Sustainability Challenges, you will work in interdisciplinary teams on real sustainability issues, guided by University of Reading academics.
  • You will take part in sustainability events such as the Reading Students’ Union Sustainability Summit and the University’s annual Green Festival led by our Sustainability Services team.
  • You'll be able to take part in community and outreach initiatives, including joining student societies and participating in the Reading Climate Festival. You'll also have the opportunity to make your voice heard and communicate sustainability to wider audiences.
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