Postgraduate Certificate funding opportunities for 8-week online alumni

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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.

Applications are now open for 2027 start dates. Download the brochure to find out more.

Funding opportunities for Postgraduate Certificates

Below we highlight specific financial support available to CISL Network members who have completed an 8-week online programme with CISL and wish to continue to one of our Postgraduate Certificate programmes. Other sources of funding can be found on the programme webpages. 

Fee reduction

The £2,350 fee reduction is available to all CISL Network Members who have completed a CISL 8-week online course no later than end of September 2026. Please mention in your Postgraduate Certificate application which 8-week online course you have completed and the team will apply the fee reduction directly to your fee account once you complete your application and are offered a place. 

 

CISL Alumni Changemaker Scholarship 

The CISL Alumni Changemaker Scholarship widens access to Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership (CISL)'s Postgraduate Certificate programmes to talented individuals who have real potential to drive positive sustainability outcomes but are unable to participate due to financial constraints. A limited number of scholarships are available and successful applications will be determined by a panel of CISL representatives. 

Funded through a dedicated alumni and supporter fundraising campaign, the Scholarship will reduce financial barriers to participation and support a more diverse cohort of future participants across: 

Eligibility criteria 

To be considered for the CISL Alumni 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, including: 

  • The potential to catalyse positive system-level change for the benefit of wider society, specifically where impact can 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. 

Key dates 

Applicants must submit their programme application and scholarship application by the scholarship deadline below.  Applications received after this date will not be eligible for scholarship consideration. 

  • 11 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: 

  1. Please describe your personal, academic, and professional achievements. (300 words) 
  2. How will participation in the programme support your ambition to catalyse positive system-level change? (300 words) 
  3. What unique experience or perspective will you bring to the programme that will enrich the learning experience of your cohort? (300 words) 
  4. 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 (150 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 CISL Alumni 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 fee reduction 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. 
Apply for CISL Alumni Changemaker Scholarship
Find out more about the postgraduate programmes
Download the postgraduate programmes brochure

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. Find out more.