Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship (Undergraduate) – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes3 Sep, 2026

The Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship (GSLS) is a prestigious undergraduate scholarship offered by the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. The University awards up to 400 scholarships each year, making the program one of the United Kingdom’s largest sustainability-focused undergraduate scholarship schemes. As a result, successful scholars receive £6,000 per year to support maintenance and living expenses for up to four years, subject to satisfactory academic progress and continued participation in the scholarship development program. Furthermore, scholars benefit from leadership training, networking opportunities, interdisciplinary learning activities, mentoring, and career support throughout their studies.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship (Undergraduate) before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

AAA, AAB

Languages

C1 Advanced 176, C2 Proficiency 176, DuoLingo English Test 125, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 69, TOEFL iBT 88

Tests

Study Levels

Bachelor's, Undergraduate

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

Program Start

2027

Tuition Fee

Living Allowance

Yes

£6,000/year

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount£6,000/year
Deadline3 Sep, 2026
LevelBachelor's, Undergraduate
InstitutionUniversity of Reading
CountryUnited Kingdom
ModeOnline
TypePartially funded

Apply Now

The Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship (GSLS) is a prestigious undergraduate scholarship offered by the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. The University launched the scholarship in 2025 to build a global community of future sustainability leaders. It supports academically outstanding students who demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. Moreover, the program is open to both UK and international students enrolling in eligible full-time undergraduate degree programs.

Background and Purpose

The scholarship aims to prepare future leaders who can address global environmental challenges through knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. Therefore, the University encourages students from all academic disciplines to combine their studies with sustainability leadership. The program welcomes applicants who demonstrate a genuine passion for climate action and environmental responsibility. In addition, it helps scholars develop the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to create positive and lasting change in their communities and future careers.

Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship Benefits

The University awards up to 400 scholarships each year, making the program one of the United Kingdom’s largest sustainability-focused undergraduate scholarship schemes. As a result, successful scholars receive £6,000 per year to support maintenance and living expenses for up to four years, subject to satisfactory academic progress and continued participation in the scholarship development program. Furthermore, scholars benefit from leadership training, networking opportunities, interdisciplinary learning activities, mentoring, and career support throughout their studies.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must first receive an offer for an eligible full-time undergraduate degree program at the University of Reading. They must also meet the University’s academic eligibility requirements for the scholarship. In addition, applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, climate action, and leadership through their scholarship application. The program is open to both UK and international students.

Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship Application Process

Applicants must first apply for admission to an eligible undergraduate program at the University of Reading and receive an offer of admission. Afterwards, eligible students receive an invitation to submit a scholarship application that explains their commitment to sustainability and their potential to become future sustainability leaders. The University reviews applications in multiple rounds each year, allowing students who apply later or through Clearing to remain eligible for consideration.

Opportunities for Scholars

The scholarship enables students to join an international community of future sustainability leaders while completing their undergraduate degree. Moreover, scholars participate in leadership training, mentoring, networking events, and interdisciplinary learning activities alongside academics, industry professionals, charities, businesses, and policymakers. Consequently, graduates develop the knowledge, leadership skills, and professional networks needed to lead sustainable initiatives and build successful careers that create positive environmental and social impact across a wide range of sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

The scholarship is open to UK and international students who hold an offer for an eligible full-time undergraduate program at the University of Reading and meet the required academic criteria.

How do I apply?

You must first apply for and receive an offer from the University of Reading. Eligible applicants are then invited by email to submit a separate online scholarship application.

Can I receive another scholarship together with the GSLS?

Yes, in many cases. However, the GSLS cannot be held alongside certain University of Reading scholarships, such as the Excellence Scholarship, Sanctuary Scholarship, or PwC Flying Start Bursary.

What happens if I study abroad or take a work placement?

If you study abroad as a registered University of Reading student, your scholarship normally continues. If you undertake a work placement for a semester or year, scholarship payments are usually paused until you return to your studies.