Reading to invest £34m in green leader scholarships
22 January 2025

Hundreds of high achieving new University of Reading students will be able to apply for a generous new scholarship for sustainability leaders of the future.
The University of Reading has today announced one of the UK's largest-ever sustainability-focused undergraduate scholarship programmes, offering up to 400 talented undergraduate students (300 in the first year) £6,000 a year, and up to £24,000 each over their degree programme, to become the next generation of global sustainability leaders.
The Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship will provide £6,000 per year to high-achieving students across all academic disciplines who demonstrate passion and commitment to addressing climate change and environmental challenges.
The programme represents a significant investment of at least £34 million for the first five years’ intake. The University will create an interdisciplinary community of undergraduates, with the aim of creating the future sustainability leaders with the skills and experience needed by the UK economy, as well as the global environment.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “At a time when some parts of the world are going backwards on the environment, we are going forwards.
“This ambitious scholarship programme is a natural progression for the UK’s Sustainable University of the Year, and reflects our continuing commitment to tackling the defining challenges of our time – climate change and environmental degradation.
“We are looking for the brightest minds across all disciplines, from arts to sciences, who share our vision for a sustainable future. This provides generous financial support and also seeks to create a community of future leaders who will drive positive environmental change in whatever career they choose."
The announcement comes as research shows sustainability increasingly influences students' university preferences. According to the QS Sustainability Student Survey, 68% of students prefer a sustainable university over one ranked in the top 500, while 78% favour sustainability over a top 1,000 ranking.
The scholarship programme, open for 2025 entry, will provide successful applicants with:
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£6,000 annual maintenance funding.
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Specialised sustainability leadership development opportunities.
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Cross-disciplinary learning experiences.
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Dedicated careers support.
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Access to industry networks and sustainability experts.
Successful applicants will need to achieve AAA at A-level (or equivalent), with slightly adjusted criteria for students from more disadvantaged backgrounds, to encourage wider participation to the scheme for high-achieving students of all backgrounds.
The scholarship is open to up to 250 UK and up to 150 international students across all undergraduate programmes at Reading's UK campuses (200 UK and 100 international for entry in September 2025, the first year of the scheme). Half of the scholarships for UK students for 2025 entry (100) will be earmarked for those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Professor Dominik Zaum, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Resources and Planning, said: “This scholarship programme represents a step-change in how universities approach sustainability education.
“We're seeking to create the next generation of sustainability leaders who will tackle global challenges across every sector of society. Whether you're studying art or zoology, or from ancient history to computer science, this scholarship will equip you with the skills and knowledge to drive positive environmental change in your chosen field.”
Applications for the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship open today, 22 January 2025. For more information, visit the University of Reading Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship information webpage.