The global climate crisis is not a distant concern, it is today’s challenge, and it demands bold thinkers who are ready to act. Rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and energy transitions are issues that require a new generation of global leaders with both scientific knowledge and practical skills.
To support this mission, the University of Exeter has launched the Green Futures Postgraduate Scholarship 2025/26. This fully funded award is aimed at exceptional international students from low- and lower-middle-income countries, offering them the chance to pursue advanced Master’s degrees in sustainability, renewable energy, biodiversity, and environmental science.
Unlike many scholarships that only reduce tuition fees, the Green Futures award provides full financial coverage, mentorship, and access to an international network of researchers and industry leaders, empowering scholars to become real change-makers in their home countries and beyond.
About the University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top 15 universities in the UK and is a proud member of the Russell Group, which represents the nation’s leading research-intensive institutions.
What makes Exeter stand out is its global leadership in sustainability-focused research. The university is internationally recognized for work in areas such as:
- Climate science: Shaping policy at the UN and international climate negotiations.
- Renewable energy and clean technologies: Supporting the transition to net-zero economies.
- Biodiversity conservation: Leading research on protecting ecosystems and endangered species.
- Sustainable business and tourism: Developing business models that balance profit with social responsibility.
With cutting-edge facilities like the Environment and Sustainability Institute and the Global Systems Institute, Exeter attracts academics and students from all over the world who share one vision: building a future where people and nature thrive together.
For international students, Exeter offers more than just academics, it provides a supportive, multicultural community, access to UK industry partnerships, and career opportunities that extend globally.
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What is the Green Futures Scholarship?
The Green Futures Scholarship is not simply a financial package. It is a transformational program designed to create tomorrow’s environmental leaders.
Each year, one highly talented student is selected to receive this fully funded award. Beyond tuition and living support, the scholarship provides:
- A chance to study at one of the UK’s most prestigious universities.
- Training to address sustainability challenges at local and global levels.
- Mentorship opportunities from leading academics and industry experts.
- A platform to connect with fellow scholars, policymakers, and researchers worldwide.
This is an opportunity for students who want to move beyond classroom theory and apply their learning to real-world problems whether that’s combating deforestation in their home country, improving renewable energy infrastructure, or advancing climate justice in vulnerable communities.
Scholarship Benefits
The Green Futures Scholarship offers one of the most comprehensive funding packages available to international postgraduate students:
- Full Tuition Coverage: The award pays for 100% of tuition fees for an eligible one-year Master’s program at Exeter.
- Living Allowance: Scholars receive an annual stipend of approximately £16,536, which covers accommodation, food, study materials, local travel, and personal expenses.
- Visa and Travel Assistance: While not guaranteed, most fully funded scholarships also provide help with visa applications, health insurance, and international flights.
- Academic Mentorship: Scholars gain direct access to Exeter’s world-leading sustainability researchers and professional networks.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for conferences, workshops, and industry collaborations that enhance employability.
This level of financial and academic support ensures that students can focus entirely on their studies and leadership development without the burden of financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this competitive award, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be classified as an international student for tuition purposes.
- Hold citizenship from a low- or lower-middle-income country, as defined by the World Bank.
- Already possess an offer of admission to an eligible Master’s program starting September 2025.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, typically shown through a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent.
- Show evidence of previous commitment to sustainability, such as research projects, internships, volunteer work, or community initiatives.
- Have not previously studied or worked in a high-income country.
Because this scholarship is highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to showcase their leadership potential and explain clearly how their studies will make a difference in their country of origin.
Eligible Master’s Programs
Students applying for the Green Futures Scholarship can choose from a wide range of sustainability-focused postgraduate degrees, including:
- MSc Renewable Energy Engineering: Training to design, develop, and manage green energy solutions.
- MSc Global Sustainability Solutions: A program combining policy, business, and science for holistic change.
- MSc Conservation & Biodiversity: Focused on protecting species, habitats, and ecosystems.
- MSc Marine & Coastal Sustainability: Addressing challenges in ocean and coastal environments.
- MSc Applied Data Science (Environment & Sustainability tracks): Using data to solve ecological and environmental issues.
- MSc Weather & Climate Science: For students keen on advancing research in climate systems.
- MSc Mining Environmental Management: Sustainable practices in resource extraction.
- MSc Construction Design Management: Balancing construction with environmental responsibility.
- MSc Sustainable Development: Strategies for economic growth aligned with sustainability.
- MSc Evolutionary & Behavioural Ecology: Understanding biodiversity through ecology.
- MSc Geographical Information Science: Using mapping and GIS for environmental planning.
- MSc Sustainable Business Management (Environment or Tourism pathways): Creating eco-friendly business solutions.
These programs are designed not only to teach theory but also to equip graduates with hands-on skills applicable to industries, governments, and NGOs worldwide.
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How to Apply
The application process is straightforward but competitive. Here’s what you need to do:
- Apply for Admission: Select your preferred Master’s program and apply via the University of Exeter postgraduate portal.
- Secure an Offer: Receive confirmation of acceptance for the September 2025 intake.
- Scholarship Application: Complete the Green Futures Scholarship form, including:
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- A 500-word personal statement explaining your motivation, past contributions, and future goals.
- Evidence of leadership, sustainability involvement, or community engagement.
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- Interview Stage: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual interview.
- Final Decision: Scholarship decisions will be announced around June 2026.
When writing your personal statement, highlight specific challenges in your home country (e.g., deforestation, energy shortages, plastic pollution) and explain how your chosen program at Exeter will prepare you to tackle them.
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Why This Scholarship Matters
The Green Futures Scholarship is more than just an educational opportunity, it is an investment in global sustainability leadership.
For many students from low- and middle-income countries, studying abroad in the UK is financially out of reach. This scholarship removes that barrier, opening doors to:
- High-quality education in a top UK institution.
- Global exposure and access to sustainability experts.
- A chance to return home as a leader, capable of designing and implementing innovative solutions.
The world urgently needs leaders who can balance development with environmental responsibility. If you are passionate about climate action, renewable energy, conservation, or green business, this scholarship could be your gateway to a career that impacts generations to come.
The University of Exeter Green Futures Scholarship is a unique chance to study at one of the UK’s best universities without financial burden, while contributing to a more sustainable world. If you dream of being part of the solution to global environmental challenges, this scholarship is your opportunity to turn that dream into reality.
