Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship
These scholarships provide a valuable opportunity for students who want to be empowered to make a genuine positive difference to help the planet.
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
- taking positive action for sustainability
- building relevant networks
- engaging in cross-disciplinary learning and activities
- being part of a growing community of global sustainability leaders of the future
- careers support and the potential to enhance your employability.
Benefit from our expertise in environmental sustainability
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.
Whatever your background or your subject of interest, if you share our passion for environmental sustainability, we want to enable you to lead positive change and help build a sustainable future.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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 and you receive higher grades than predicted, or if we didn’t originally receive your predicted grades, you will be invited to apply for the scholarship if you are eligible.
Application deadline
For students enrolling in 2025, you'll have until 3 September 2025 to apply. We will contact you soon afterwards to let you know if you’ve been successful.
What to expect from the scholarship development scheme
The scholarship development scheme is designed to be flexible. We recognise that our scholars will have different backgrounds, experiences and aspirations – and be studying a wide variety of courses.
Most opportunities within the development scheme are optional, enabling you to tailor your experience to align with your own ambitions, goals and schedules.
The University expects all Global Sustainability Leaders scholars to be proactive and fully engaged in the scheme, and to contribute to the University community.
Development and Impact Record
The only mandatory component of the scholarship is the Development and Impact Record, which all scholars must maintain throughout their time at the University.
We'll provide a framework for you to track and reflect on activities you’ve engaged with, and to consider areas for your future development and career. You’ll need to maintain your record each year, providing evidence of your activities and forward planning. The record will be reviewed periodically.
Global Sustainability Leaders: opportunities for growth and impact
As a Global Sustainability Leaders scholar, you'll 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 opportunities within the scholarship development scheme are weighted more heavily towards the first half of your time at University. These elements are designed to deepen your understanding of sustainability and equip you with essential skills.
As you progress through your degree, the scheme will provide increasing opportunities to collaborate and engage in hands-on sustainability activities.
Year 1
- Our new short online course Advocating for a Better Planet provides tools and skills for climate and sustainability action.
- The Sustainability Fundamentals lecture series is delivered by experts from every school at the University. These lectures cover key topics outlined in the GreenComp Framework.
- The RED Sustainable Action Award is a flexible, skills-based award recognising sustainability engagement. We recommend that you start this in Year 1 and complete it at your own pace throughout your time at Reading.
Year 2
- The Sustainability Fundamentals lecture series continues.
- Receive leadership training through expert-led masterclasses and skills practice from Henley Business School.
- Through our Global Sustainability Challenges, work on real sustainability issues in interdisciplinary teams, guided by University of Reading academics.
Year 3
- You'll be encouraged to explore sustainability within your degree subject through your dissertation or capstone project.
- The Global Sustainability Leaders Scholars Conference provides the ideal forum for the scholar community to gather, reflect, and share learnings for the benefit of all.
Opportunities and support throughout
- Take part in sustainability events such as the Reading Students’ Union Sustainability Summit and the University’s annual Green Festival.
- Build industry connections and professional networks through events, placements, volunteering, internships, and mentoring with experts from various sectors.
- Take part in community and outreach initiatives, join student societies, and participate in events like Reading Climate Festival. You'll also have the opportunity to make your voice heard and raise awaremess of sustainability to wider audiences.
- Our Careers team will provide guidance to help you explore career paths and opportunities that reflect your sustainability ambitions.
Global Sustainability Leaders alumni programme
Our Global Sustainability Leaders alumni programme allows you to remain connected to the University and other scholars after graduation. You’ll join a growing network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about sustainability.
By remaining connected after graduation, you’ll also have the opportunity to engage with and inspire future Global Sustainability Leaders scholars.
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We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2026/27 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2025/26 courses.