Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter

If you’re a high-achieving student from a low or lower-middle income country with a passion for sustainability, the Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter can be your gateway to a world-class master’s degree—fully funded and purpose-driven. This guide explains what the award covers, who’s eligible, how to apply, and the dates you can’t miss. It’s written in an engaging, professional, and accessible tone so you can move from interest to application with confidence.

Exeter’s commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership

The University of Exeter is recognized globally for its leadership in climate science, biodiversity research, environmental economics, and sustainable business. From pioneering climate modeling and coastal resilience to clean energy and nature-positive innovation, Exeter brings together scientists, engineers, business scholars, and policymakers to solve complex global problems. That cross-disciplinary strength makes Exeter a natural home for the next generation of green leaders.

The vision behind the Green Futures Scholarship

The Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter exists to remove financial barriers for talented students who want to tackle environmental and social challenges through advanced study. The award’s purpose is twofold:

Access: Enable outstanding candidates from low and lower-middle income countries to pursue an eligible master’s degree at Exeter.
Impact: Equip recipients with the knowledge, networks, and tools to drive sustainability outcomes in their home countries and regions.

Scholarship Overview

What the scholarship covers

The Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter provides a comprehensive funding package designed to support you from enrollment to graduation:

Duration

One year, non-renewable (aligned to the standard length of eligible taught master’s programmes).

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter, applicants typically must:

Citizenship & Fee Status
- Be an international student from a Low or Lower-Middle Income Country (as classified globally).
Programme Offer
- Hold an offer—conditional or unconditional—for an eligible taught master’s programme beginning September 2025.
Academic Excellence
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance, usually equivalent to a UK First-class degree (or the highest distinction in your national system).
Prior Study/Work Context
- Not have previously studied or worked in a high-income country (or only minimally, where permitted by the scheme’s terms).
Financial Need
- Not hold another full scholarship and not possess substantial personal or family funds sufficient to self-finance the programme.
Purpose & Leadership
- Show a compelling commitment to sustainability, leadership potential, and a credible plan to deliver positive impact upon return to your home country.

Meeting eligibility does not guarantee an award—selection is highly competitive and based on overall excellence and alignment with the scholarship’s mission.

Eligible Master’s Programmes

The Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter focuses on master’s degrees that directly advance environmental and sustainability goals. Example programmes include (but are not limited to):

MSc Applied Data Science (Ecology and Evolution)
MSc Conservation and Biodiversity
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering
MSc Sustainable Business Management
MSc Weather and Climate Science
MSc Global Sustainability Solutions
MSc Environmental Economics and Climate Change
MSc Marine Environmental Management
MSc Sustainable Development (specialist pathways)
MSc Energy Policy and Sustainability

These degrees sit primarily within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (and affiliated schools), with select sustainability-aligned programmes in other faculties. Always check the official, annually updated list of eligible degrees when you apply.

Selection Criteria & Process

What selectors are looking for

Applications are assessed holistically, typically emphasizing:

Academic excellence: top grades, awards, relevant research or capstone projects
Leadership & service: campus or community leadership, volunteering, entrepreneurial or policy initiatives
Sustainability relevance: a clear, evidence-based link between your chosen programme and measurable environmental or social impact
Personal statement strength: authenticity, clarity, and a realistic plan for post-graduation contribution
Potential for lasting impact: the likelihood you will amplify skills and networks to advance sustainability at home

How the process works

Application format: You submit an online scholarship application (via the University’s funding portal) that includes a short personal statement—typically around 500 words—addressing the prompts provided (motivation, leadership/impact so far, programme fit, and intended outcomes).
Supporting documents: You’ll usually upload your offer letter, academic transcripts, CV, and English language evidence if required for your programme.
Interviews: Virtual interviews may be used to clarify motivation and assess leadership potential.
Timeline:
- Deadline: 30 April 2025
- Notification of outcomes: By 16 June 2025

Pro tip: Draft your statement early and have a mentor or lecturer review it. A focused, authentic narrative is often the deciding factor among academically strong candidates.

Funding Impact

The Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter does more than pay bills—it changes trajectories:

Full funding = full focus: With tuition and living costs covered, you can dedicate your energy to mastering advanced concepts, field methods, and analytical tools.
Cohort effect: You’ll join a community of like-minded scholars tackling biodiversity loss, climate risk, clean energy transitions, and circular economy challenges.
Professional acceleration: Access to Exeter’s research groups, innovation hubs, and employer networks boosts your employability and leadership profile.
Home-country outcomes: The scholarship prioritizes candidates who will translate knowledge into policies, ventures, and community projects where resources are most constrained.

Why It Matters

Personal benefits

Earn a globally respected master’s that signals high academic capability and subject-matter expertise.
Build technical and leadership skills in data, analysis, systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable innovation.
Gain confidence and networks to lead change—whether you join government, NGOs, the private sector, or academia.

Societal benefits

The award advances equity in global education, ensuring brilliant minds are not excluded by cost.
Graduates return with immediately applicable skills to strengthen climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, clean energy access, and sustainable livelihoods.
The growing alumni network fosters south-south collaboration and knowledge exchange, multiplying long-term impact.

In short, the Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter invests in people who will drive sustainable development where it’s needed most.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Follow this sequence to stay organized and competitive:

1) Choose your programme

Review eligible master’s degrees and confirm content, prerequisites, and English language requirements.
Shortlist a programme that aligns tightly with your experience and impact vision.

2) Apply for admission

Submit your course application and include strong evidence of academic excellence (grades, prizes, research).
Use your personal statement to explain programme fit and sustainability goals.
Aim to receive your offer well before the scholarship deadline.

3) Prepare your scholarship materials

Draft a 500-word statement addressing the prompts (motivation, leadership, programme relevance, intended impact and dissemination at home).
Update your CV (reverse chronological, achievements quantified).
Gather transcripts, offer letter, references (if requested), and English language evidence where applicable.

4) Complete the scholarship application

Log into the funding portal and complete every field carefully.
Upload supporting documents in the requested formats and file sizes.
Double-check names, dates, and contact details to avoid administrative delays.

5) Submit before the deadline

Deadline: 30 April 2025 (don’t wait until the final day).
Save a copy or screenshot of your confirmation page/email.

6) Prepare for virtual interview (if invited)

Be ready to discuss:
- Your academic journey and key challenges you’ve overcome
- A concrete impact plan for 12–36 months after graduation
- How you will share learning (training workshops, policy briefs, startup pilots, open data, or community toolkits)

7) Track your outcome and next steps

Notification by: 16 June 2025
If successful, follow instructions to accept the award, meet any remaining conditions, secure your CAS, and submit your Student visa application.
Plan arrival and accommodation in line with programme start in September/October 2025.

Key Dates at a Glance

Application Deadline: 30 April 2025
Outcome Notification: By 16 June 2025
Programme Start: September/October 2025

Tips for a Standout Personal Statement

Lead with purpose: Open with the specific environmental or social challenge you’re committed to solving, and why it matters in your context.
Show evidence, not slogans: Use data, results, and examples—field projects, policy briefs, prototypes, community trainings, or hackathons.
Connect the dots: Explain exactly how your chosen Exeter programme delivers the skills, methods, and networks you need to deliver impact.
Anchor the return plan: Outline roles, partnerships, or pilot projects you will pursue at home. Timeline them (e.g., 6, 12, 24 months).
Keep it authentic: Avoid buzzwords for their own sake. Clear, honest writing beats vague claims every time.
Polish the basics: Grammar, structure, and word count matter. Ask a mentor to review it, and submit early.

These principles align with what selectors seek for the Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter—clarity of purpose, track record, and realistic plans for change.

Frequently Asked Questions (Quick Reference)

Is this scholarship truly fully funded?
Yes. It includes a full tuition waiver and a living stipend for the academic year. Amounts are set annually.

Can I apply if I already hold another major scholarship?
No. The award is intended for students without other full funding and with clear financial need.

Can I defer the scholarship?
Awards are generally tied to the entry year. Check the current rules, but plan to start in September/October 2025.

Is work experience required?
Not always, but evidence of leadership and impact—through research, community projects, internships, or entrepreneurship—significantly strengthens your case.

Are all master’s programmes eligible?
No. The focus is on sustainability-aligned degrees. Always consult the current eligible list when you apply.

Conclusion

The Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter is more than financial support—it’s a launchpad for careers that serve people and planet. With tuition and living costs covered, you can immerse yourself in a top-tier master’s, join a dynamic sustainability cohort, and return home ready to lead.

Your next steps:

Select an eligible master’s that aligns with your impact vision.
Apply for admission and aim to secure your offer well ahead of the deadline.
Complete the scholarship application—craft a focused 500-word statement, upload documents, and submit by 30 April 2025.
Prepare for interviews and watch for notification by 16 June 2025.
If awarded, finalize visa and arrival plans for September/October 2025.

With preparation, authenticity, and a clear plan for impact, you can win the Green Futures Postgraduate Taught Scholarship at the University of Exeter and help build a greener, fairer future.