Funding opportunities for CISL Network members
Global markets are facing almost unprecedented levels of disruption and organisations are under increasing pressure to respond commercially, strategically, and at pace. The challenges are complex, and the solutions must seek to build resilient businesses that are well positioned to deliver the innovations needed to support thriving societies. Within this complexity, the pathways to success must be informed by the best available evidence and expertise, and take a systemic view of the opportunities and challenges..
Our programmes are informed by world-leading practitioners, leaders and academics and are designed for working professionals who want to move beyond intention and drive change across their organisation and beyond, and comprise:
- Master of Studies (MSt) in Sustainable Business
- Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (blended and fully online)
- MSt in Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment
- Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment (Blended)
Below we highlight specific financial support available to CISL Network members who have completed an 8-week online programme with CISL. Other sources of funding can be found on the programme webpages.
Eligibility Criteria
The £2,350 fee waiver is available to all CISL Network Members who have completed a CISL 8-week online course no later than end of September 2026. You do not need to do anything, the team will apply the fee waiver directly to your fee account once you complete your application to the Postgraduate programme of your choice and are offered a place.
The scholarship is available to all CISL Network Members who have:
- Have completed a CISL 8-week online course no later than end of September 2026
- Have applied for one of the eligible Postgraduate Certificates above and received an offer of admission for 2027 entry. Please see below for timelines for applications. See the programme web pages for details of the programme admissions criteria.
- Have completed a PG Changemaker Scholarship application no later than 3 November 2026
CISL Alumni Changemaker Scholarship
The CISL Alumni Changemaker Scholarship aims to widen access to CISL's Postgraduate Certificate programmes by providing financial support to talented individuals who have the potential to drive positive sustainability outcomes but may otherwise be unable to participate due to financial constraints.
The scholarship will be funded through a dedicated alumni and supporter fundraising campaign and will support future participants across the following programmes:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (Blended)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (Online)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment
By reducing financial barriers to participation, the scholarship seeks to increase the diversity of perspectives, experiences, sectors, and backgrounds represented within each cohort while supporting the development of future sustainability leaders.
Scholarship application process
Eligibility criteria
To be considered for the Changemaker Scholarship, applicants must:
- Have successfully completed a CISL 8-week online course by 30 September 2026.
- Have applied for one of the eligible Postgraduate Certificate programmes and received an offer of admission for 2027 entry.
- Meet the admissions requirements of their chosen programme.
Selection criteria
Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of a holistic assessment of merit, potential impact, diversity of perspective, and financial need.
Scholarships will be awarded to candidates who can best demonstrate:
- The potential to catalyse positive system-level change for the benefit of wider society, and whose impact could be significantly accelerated through participation in a CISL Postgraduate Certificate programme.
- Strong leadership potential, influence within their sphere of activity, and the ability to apply learning to create tangible sustainability outcomes.
- Excellence, achievement, and/or innovation within their professional field, together with the motivation and commitment to contribute meaningfully to the programme.
- Strong academic capability and the ability to engage successfully with a postgraduate-level learning experience.
- A unique experience, background, or perspective that would enrich the learning experience and diversity of the cohort.
- Demonstrated financial need or other barriers to participation, where scholarship support would enable them to undertake the programme and realise their potential impact.
- The potential to catalyse positive system-level change for the benefit of wider society, and whose impact could be significantly accelerated through participation in a CISL Postgraduate Certificate programme.
- Excellence, achievement, and/or innovation within their professional field.
- Strong academic capability.
- A unique experience or perspective that would enhance the learning experience of fellow participants.
Applicants seeking scholarship funding must submit both their programme application and scholarship application by the scholarship deadline. Applications received after this date will not be eligible for scholarship consideration.
Key dates
- 9 September 2026: Programme and scholarship applications open.
- 3 November 2026: Scholarship application deadline. Applicants must also submit their programme application by this date to be considered for funding.
- By 26 January 2027: Admissions decisions released for scholarship applicants. Candidates must be available for programme interviews between November and January, where applicable.
- By 16 February 2027: Scholarship decisions released.
Applicants who receive a programme offer but are not awarded a scholarship may still join the programme if they can secure alternative funding to cover the programme fees.
Scholarship application questions
Applicants will complete a separate online scholarship application form and respond to the following questions:
- Please describe your personal, academic, and professional achievements, highlighting examples of leadership, innovation, or impact. (300 words)
- How will participation in the programme support your ambition to catalyse positive system-level change, and how do you intend to apply the learning in your work and sphere of influence? (300 words)
- What unique experience, perspective, or background will you bring to the programme, and how will it enrich the learning experience of your cohort? (300 words)
- Please describe any financial circumstances or other barriers that may prevent you from participating in the programme without scholarship support, and explain how receiving this scholarship would help you achieve your goals. (300 words)
- Please describe your personal, academic, and professional achievements. (300 words)
- How will participation in the programme support your ambition to catalyse positive system-level change? (300 words)
- What unique experience or perspective will you bring to the programme that will enrich the learning experience of your cohort? (300 words)
- Scholarship awards will be determined by a selection panel comprising representatives from CISL, which will assess applications against the published criteria to ensure a fair and transparent process.
Scholarship value
The Changemaker Scholarship will cover 50% of programme tuition fees.
As programme fees vary, applicants should refer to the relevant programme webpage for current fee information. Scholarship awards will be calculated against the programme fee after any applicable alumni discount associated with completion of a CISL 8-week online course.
Scholarship funding will be credited directly to the recipient's CISL fee account at the start of the programme and cannot be transferred.
Recipients are responsible for any remaining programme fees as well as accommodation, travel, subsistence, and any additional costs associated with their studies.
Recipient commitments
Recipients will be expected to contribute to the CISL community by participating in at least one of the following activities:
- Providing a short testimonial about their learning experience.
- Writing a blog reflecting on their sustainability leadership journey and the impact of the programme.
Scholarship termination
A scholarship may be withdrawn if a recipient:
- Is found to be in breach of University statutes, regulations, or programme requirements.
- Violates the terms set out in their scholarship or programme offer.
- Is convicted of an offence under the laws of England and Wales.
- Withdraws from the programme or is unable to continue their studies.
- Fails to make satisfactory academic progress as determined by the University.
Ask any questions you have at our next live Meet the Directors webinar
Join a live webinar session hosted by the Directors of our part-time postgraduate courses as they give you an overview of our programmes and admissions process and answer your questions. The next Meet the Director webinar will take place on the 22nd October at 1.30pm GMT - register here.