What Are Sustainable Development Scholarships?
Sustainable development scholarships fund international education in areas aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including:
- Climate change & environmental policy
- Renewable energy & sustainable engineering
- Global health, food security & water management
- Social justice, economics, and education reform
They are offered by governments, NGOs, universities, and intergovernmental organizations to support global changemakers in solving pressing environmental and social challenges.
Why Study Sustainable Development Abroad?
- Access to global expertise and research institutions
- Learn from countries leading in green policy (e.g., Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands)
- Develop cross-cultural solutions for local challenges
- Strengthen career prospects in NGOs, international agencies (UN, World Bank), and academia
Top 7 Scholarships for Sustainable Development Degrees (2025)
| Rank | Scholarship Name | Host Country | Program Focus | Funding Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Sustainable Development | EU (Belgium, Sweden, Italy) | Interdisciplinary SDGs | Fully Funded |
| 2 | DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) | Germany | Environment, Water, Energy | Fully Funded |
| 3 | Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) | Sweden | Sustainability, Governance | Fully Funded |
| 4 | Chevening Climate Leadership Scholarships | UK | Climate Change Policy | Fully Funded |
| 5 | Rotary Foundation Global Grants | Global | Peace, Water, Education | Partial (up to $30,000) |
| 6 | Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship | Japan/USA | Sustainability in Development | Fully Funded |
| 7 | ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship | Switzerland | Sustainable Architecture, Engineering | Fully Funded |
Highlight: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Sustainable Development (EMJMD)
- Duration: 2 years, multi-country (Leuven, Lund, Padua, etc.)
- Coverage: Tuition + travel + monthly stipend
- Deadline: Usually February–March
- Programs include:
- Climate policy and adaptation
- Environmental law
- Sustainable urban development
Website: www.imasus.eu
Key Areas Covered by Sustainable Development Scholarships
- Climate Change and Environmental Policy
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Water Resource Management
- Urban Planning and Sustainability
- Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
- Global Health and Education Reform
- Circular Economy and Sustainable Business
Typical Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | Preferably in environmental sciences, economics, or related |
| Strong English proficiency | IELTS/TOEFL scores required |
| Demonstrated interest in SDGs | Via SOP, projects, or work experience |
| Willingness to return home | Many require contributing to home country after graduation |
| Leadership or NGO involvement | Often preferred or required |
Required Documents for Application
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (Europass for EU programs)
- Statement of Purpose (linked to SDGs)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
Career Paths After a Sustainable Development Scholarship
Graduates typically go on to work in:
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- World Bank or regional development banks
- Environmental NGOs (Greenpeace, WWF, etc.)
- National Ministries of Environment or Planning
- Research institutions and think tanks
- Climate consulting and policy analysis
List: Universities with Strong Sustainable Development Program
- Lund University, Sweden
- University of Sussex, UK
- University of Tokyo, Japan
- Wageningen University, Netherlands
- Columbia University (SIPA), USA
- Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
5 FAQs About Sustainable Development Scholarships Abroad
1. Can I get a fully funded scholarship for a sustainability degree?
Yes. Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, and Swedish Institute programs are 100% funded, covering tuition, housing, and stipends.
2. Do I need prior experience in sustainability?
Not always, but programs prefer applicants who have done related volunteer work, internships, or research.
3. Which countries are best for studying sustainable development?
Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and Japan are leaders in sustainability education and policy.
4. Are online programs eligible for scholarships?
Some programs (especially Erasmus) may allow hybrid learning, but most scholarships are for on-campus full-time degrees.
5. When should I apply for 2025 intake?
Applications usually open September 2024 to February 2025, depending on the scholarship.
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
- Emphasize your impact on SDGs in your home country
- Showcase leadership, community projects, and NGO work
- Tailor your Statement of Purpose to climate or sustainability goals
- Include relevant certifications (e.g., climate training, project management)
- Apply early and double-check deadlines
Conclusion
A scholarship in sustainable development abroad is more than just financial aid—it’s a pathway to global impact. These programs empower students to lead the charge against climate change, poverty, inequality, and more. Whether your interest lies in clean energy, food systems, or environmental governance, there’s a scholarship out there designed to help you contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.
Act now, start early, and align your purpose with the UN SDGs—your global career starts with one strong, sustainable application.