Admission requirements and selection process

Applications for 2027 entry will open in September 2026.

Blended programme key information

Online programme key information

A £2,350 fee reduction is applied to candidates who have successfully completed a CISL 8-week online course.

Find out more about bursaries and other sources of funding.

Download the postgraduate study brochure to receive further information on our postgraduate programmes, including updates on application deadlines.

Admissions requirements

Besides enthusiasm and commitment, applicants must have:

• An undergraduate degree from a recognised university, or evidence of equivalent work experience/achievement and ability to read for a Master's-level programme
• An acceptable ability in written and spoken English language (evidence will be required of participants’ proficiency if English is not their first language. See below for further information.)
• A minimum of 3 years’ work experience after graduation
• Written support from an organisation that will be the focus of your work on the programme. See below for further information.
• Demonstrable enthusiasm and/or aptitude for sustainability leadership
• Academic and/or professional excellence
• Commitment to using learning from the programme to lead or influence change within their business context
• Access to appropriate computer technology and internet software
• Ability to pay the course fees or identify a sponsoring institution
• Ability to attend both workshops for the blended programme or to join online virtual sessions in the online programme. 

Application and selection process

Applications are made via an online application form. Applicants should expect to receive an update on the progress of their application within 6 weeks. This may be a request for further information, and invitation to interview or a notification that the application has been unsuccessful. Any offer of a place would be subject to success at interview. 

The Selection Panel will adjudicate applicants against the above criteria. While academic performance is one of the criteria used to identify the strongest candidates, we will also consider the other listed indicators of ability. 

Applications are considered as they are received, on a rolling admissions basis. We typically receive a large volume of applications towards the closing date, hence applying as early as possible can increase the likelihood of receiving an early indication of the likely/final outcome. This can be especially helpful for applicants requiring time to obtain organisational approval, funding or visas to study, or make other travel or personal arrangements.  

Using AI in your application

When completing an application, candidates should read the University of Cambridge guidance on the restrictions and risks of using AI tools.

Language requirement

All teaching and assessment on CISL's postgraduate-level programmes is in English. The University of Cambridge requires all applicants to demonstrate competence in the English language at a very high level before they begin their proposed course of study. Adherence to this requirement is strict.  

Applicants that are a national of a majority English-speaking country are not normally required to take a language test. However, individual circumstances may lead to this being set as a condition of an offer. Majority English-speaking countries, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), are listed here.

Applicants who are not a national of a majority English-speaking country will likely be required to take a test and as such we recommend early investigation of test options available, including waiting list times and preparation requirements.

If applicants are required to take a test as part of their offer conditions the test must meet the University’s English language requirement, currently; 

• IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Online: Overall score of 7.0 (a minimum of 7.0 in listening, speaking and writing and a minimum of 6.5 in reading).
• TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition) taken on or before 21 January 2026*: Overall score of 100 (a minimum of 25 in each individual component) 
• C1 (CAE): Grade A and B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185) plus a Language Centre assessment 
• C2 (CPE): Grade A, B, or C (overall score of 200 with no element lower than 185) 

*Due to changes in the test format, candidates who complete TOEFL and meet the score requirement after 21 January 2026 will be required to pass an additional online assessment with the University of Cambridge Language Centre. There is a fee associated with this assessment.

It is not necessary to have met the Language requirement at the point of application, but applicants are advised to make arrangements to sit a test as soon as possible if this is applicable to them.

Letter of support

Completion of the two individual assignments requires students to have access to an organisation where they can investigate a sustainability challenge or opportunity and develop an evidence-based strategic action plan. These assignments can provide valuable insights and practical recommendations that may help the organisation improve its sustainability performance. Applicants must identify and submit a Letter of Support from a suitable organisation, which may be their employer or any other organisation seeking to enhance its sustainability performance, such as a business, non-governmental organisation (NGO), government department, public sector body, or charity. The letter must be written on the organisation's official letterhead; be signed by a senior representative of the organisation, with their name, job title and contact details provided; confirm access to information and/or colleagues able to share insights regarding the organisation's sustainability initiatives/ambitions and capacity to support this; and specify any restrictions or limitations, where applicable. It is desirable, though not essential, for the organisation to indicate its willingness, in principle, to consider implementing the resulting action plan. 

Visa requirements

For blended PCSB programmes, students who do not hold a UK or Irish passport will need immigration permission in order to come to the UK and study at Cambridge. Further details can be found on the University of Cambridge International Students website.  

Fees and funding

The course fee for the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business can be found in the overview table. Bursary funding has been made available for deserving candidates who are currently prevented from studying due to financial reasons. For details of this bursary and other funding options please see the bursaries page. 

Terms and conditions

Candidates offered a place on the course will be asked to sign terms and conditions via an admissions agreement and/or financial undertaking form. Download the terms and conditions document, which provides some indicative terms.