Are you passionate about building a greener world? If so, the Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter could change your life. It offers full funding to study a top sustainability-focused master’s program in the UK.
Exeter is a Russell Group member ranked 11th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2026. It also holds the 155th spot globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Most importantly, Exeter is home to the UK’s five most influential climate scientists. Because of this, it’s the ideal place to grow as an environmental leader.
Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of this award—from what it covers to how you can apply.
What Is the Green Futures Scholarship?
The Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship is a fully funded award from the University of Exeter. It supports one exceptional international student each year to study a sustainability-related master’s program in the Faculty of Environment, Science, and Economy. Students from low- and lower-middle-income countries are the target audience for this award.
This scholarship is part of Exeter’s wider Green Futures campaign, which aims to drive real action on the climate crisis. Through the program, the university builds a network of change-makers who share knowledge and lead change from within their communities.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Green Futures Scholarship at the University of Exeter provides a generous funding package. Here’s what it includes:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full tuition fee waiver for one year |
| Living Costs | Stipend to cover daily expenses |
| Academic Support | Access to world-class faculty and research |
| Networking | Mentorship and sustainability-focused events |
As a result, the recipient does not need to worry about tuition or basic living expenses. The full cost of the scholarship is about £36,000, funded through alumni donations and university matching.
Which Master’s Programs Are Eligible?
The scholarship applies to one-year, full-time, campus-based master’s programs within the Faculty of Environment, Science, and Economy. Here are some of the eligible courses:
- MSc Applied Data Science (Environment and Sustainability)
- MSc Applied Data Science (Renewable Energy)
- MSc Conservation and Biodiversity
- MSc Global Sustainability Solutions
- MSc Sustainable Business Management
- MSc Sustainable Development
Each of these programs links directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, you’ll be working on issues that matter globally. On top of that, you’ll learn from academics at the forefront of climate research.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You must be an international student for tuition fee purposes.
- Applicants need to be a citizen or passport holder of a low- or lower-middle-income country, as classified by the World Bank.
- You must already hold an offer of admission for one of the eligible master’s programs at Exeter.
- Your undergraduate degree should match the equivalent of a UK first-class degree.
- You must not have previously studied or worked in a high-income country.
Keep in mind, this award is highly competitive. Only one student is selected each year. However, meeting all requirements gives you a strong chance of being shortlisted.
How to Apply Step by Step
Applying for this scholarship involves two stages. Here’s how to do it:
First, apply for a master’s program. Visit the University of Exeter’s postgraduate study pages. Choose one of the eligible courses and submit your application before the stated deadline.
Next, get your offer of admission. You need either a conditional or unconditional offer before applying for the scholarship. Therefore, submit your program application as early as possible.
Then, complete the scholarship form. Once you receive your offer, fill out the online scholarship application form on the university’s funding page.
After that, write your personal statement. A 500-word personal statement is required. It must answer these key questions:
- What is your interest in your chosen program, and how does it relate to a green future in your home country?
- How have you pursued this interest so far, both as an individual and with others?
- What do you hope to gain and give back during your time at Exeter?
- What are your plans after graduation, and how will you stay connected to the university?
Finally, submit before the deadline. For the 2025/26 cycle, the scholarship deadline was 30 April 2025. Decisions were released by 16 June 2025.
Tips to Write a Winning Application
Because only one student is selected each year, your application must stand out. Here are some smart tips.
- Be specific about your country’s needs. The panel wants to see a clear link between your studies and sustainability challenges at home. For instance, explain a local environmental issue and how your chosen program will help you address it.
- Show what you’ve already done. Talk about real projects, volunteer work, or initiatives you’ve been part of. As a result, the panel will see you as someone who takes action — not just someone who talks about change.
- Connect your past to your future. Explain how your experience, your studies at Exeter, and your goals all fit together. In addition, a clear story makes your application more convincing.
- Answer every question directly. Each prompt in the personal statement has a purpose. Therefore, give each one a clear, focused response.
- Proofread carefully. Ask a mentor or friend to review your statement before you submit. After all, small details can make a big difference.
Why Choose the University of Exeter for Sustainability?
Exeter is not just any university—it’s a global leader in climate and environmental research. Here’s why it stands out:
- Ranked 2nd in the world for Responsible Consumption and Production in the THE Impact Rankings 2025.
- Welcomes 30,000 students from over 150 countries across four campuses in Devon and Cornwall.
- Graduates are among the top 10 most targeted by leading UK employers, per High Fliers Research 2025.
- Awarded the Gold Overall standard in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework.
On top of that, the Faculty of Environment, Science, and Economy leads cutting-edge research in areas like plastic pollution, food security, renewable energy, and circular economy. Consequently, you’ll learn from academics who are shaping the future of sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Green Futures Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it covers full tuition fees and provides a stipend for living costs. The total value is about £36,000, removing all key financial barriers.
2. How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Only one scholarship is offered per year. Because of this, the selection process is very competitive.
3. Can I combine this with other Exeter scholarships?
No, you cannot hold this award together with any other University of Exeter scholarship. Also, it cannot be deferred or transferred to a different program.
4. Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
Yes. First, apply for your master’s program. Then, once you receive your offer, complete the separate scholarship application form on Exeter’s funding page.
5. Which countries are eligible?
Applicants must be citizens of a low- or lower-middle-income country as listed by the World Bank. You can check the full list on the World Bank’s website.
Final Thoughts
The Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter is a rare and life-changing opportunity. It gives one talented student the chance to study sustainability at a world-leading university—completely free of charge.
If you come from a developing country and care deeply about the environment, this award was made for you. Choose an eligible program, apply early, and craft a personal statement that shows your passion.