You’re a climate champion—there’s no doubt about it. And whether you see yourself advancing climate policy, educating the next generation of environmental activists, or diving into sustainability management, you know a graduate degree in sustainability can help get you there.
But let’s be honest: passion alone doesn’t pay tuition.
The good news? There are countless scholarships, fellowships, and funding opportunities designed specifically for future environmental leaders like you. Some are national, others school-affiliated. Some are tailored to policy changemakers, others to science-driven researchers or justice-focused educators.
Explore the possibilities—and find the support that matches your mission.
Environmental scholarships
We've narrowed down what could be an exhaustive list of green scholarships to highlight the most relevant opportunities for aspiring sustainability master’s students. Below, you’ll find a curated breakdown to help you navigate your options with ease—and start planning how to fund your graduate journey. See how we’ve broken out our list of sustainability scholarships below.
General sustainability scholarships
Sustainability scholarships help lighten the financial load so you can stay focused on your studies and future impact. Whether you’re pursuing solar energy, ocean conservation, or environmental education, these scholarships support students who are committed to building a more sustainable world. Explore the list below to find funding opportunities that align with your goals, passions, and academic path.
1. Solar Energy International’s SEI General Scholarship
- Award: 25-100% of course tuition and supporting services
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens pursuing careers in solar energy
Solar Energy International (SEI) offers need-based scholarships to cover tuition costs for solar training to a select number of aspiring and current solar professionals each year.
2. HeySunday Success Scholarship for Single Moms
- Application deadline: June 1
- Award: $2,500
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are either undergraduate or graduate students at a U.S. university and who are mothers,
HeySunday makes laundry delightful, and sustainability is part of their mission, creating products that are safe for their customers and the planet. The company is committed to empowering women who want to make a difference for their families. It's never easy deciding to go to school, but HeySunday has your back. Whether you're returning or trying college for the first time, they want you to thrive with their HeySunday Success Scholarship for Single Moms.
3. Ventana Ocean Conservation Scholarship
- Application deadline: July 15
- Award: $3,000 and a gift of Ventana eco apparel
- Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students studying ocean conservation, marine science, environmental science, marine biology, etc. Students must be California-based
If your major or area of study is related to ocean conservation, this scholarship is perfect for you. Ventana creates hollow-framed, reclaimed-wood surfboards, bodysurfing handplanes, eco-surf apparel, and sustainable surf supplies. It’s important to them to support bright students who care about the conservation of our oceans. Their goal is to ensure that no deserving student has to discontinue their studies because of financial constraints.
4. Eckenfelder Scholarship
- Application deadline: February 28
- Award: $5,000
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled full-time in their junior year, senior year, or graduate program at an accredited institution
Dr. Wesley Eckenfelder Jr. was a heavyweight in the environmental field. He trained thousands of graduate students and professionals in the science and art of industrial wastewater treatment. With a career that spanned more than 50 years, this $5,000 scholarship honors his legacy and supports students interested in pursuing an environmental career.
5. The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies
- Application deadline: January 10
- Award: $5,000
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are graduate students, enrolled in a U.S.-based institution, pursuing advanced degrees in coastal wetlands science
Though the Anne M. Rockefeller Fund was established in 1966, its focus was sharpened in 1999 to concentrate on coastal wetlands research. Today, this scholarship is meant to promote, expand, and enrich the body of research concerning the coast by actively supporting graduate students in the field of coastal wetland science.
6. The TGF Founders Fund
- Application deadline: October 1
- Award: $5,000
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and a 3.5 in environmental courses
Funded by Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Inc., this scholarship supports exceptional graduate students pursuing studies in environmental fields like cold-water fisheries management, environmental law, environmental policy, fisheries management, aquatic biology, natural resource management, and hydrology. And don’t worry—you don’t have to be a fly-fisher to apply (though it probably doesn’t hurt)!
Environmental fellowships
Beyond traditional sustainability scholarships, environmental fellowships open the door to hands-on research, academic collaboration and real-world impact. In exchange for your contributions to sustainability-related studies and projects, you’ll gain valuable experience, build your network, strengthen your résumé, and form meaningful connections with professors, scholars, and fellow graduate students.
1. American Meteorological Society Graduate Fellowship
- Application deadline: January 17
- Award: a nine-month stipend, plus partial travel support to attend the AMS annual meeting
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents entering their first year of graduate school with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, pursuing a degree in the atmospheric or related sciences at a U.S.-accredited institution
Looking to pursue a graduate degree in the atmospheric or related sciences? This program is designed to help first-year graduate students get educated about the unique challenges facing the world, so that they may better tackle real-world issues post-graduation. In addition to financial support, fellows will get ongoing academic and career support and the opportunity to be special guests at the AMS Annual meeting, in addition to other exclusive events.
2. EDF Environmental Fellowships
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Application deadline: Varies by program
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Award: Paid fellowships (1–2 years)
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Eligibility: Recent undergrad, graduate, or doctoral recipients in fields like science, policy, law, or economics
EDF’s Environmental Fellowships place emerging professionals alongside EDF experts to tackle pressing environmental challenges across North America. Whether you're a legal advocate defending policy, a postdoctoral researcher driving scientific breakthroughs, a project manager coordinating climate initiatives, or a community-focused environmental justice fellow, these roles offer hands-on impact, professional development, and a launchpad into a meaningful environmental career
3. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
- Application deadline: Mid‑October (varies by field)
- Award: Three years of support over five years; includes a $37,000 annual stipend plus a $16,000/year Cost‑of‑Education allowance to your institution.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents pursuing full‑time, research‑based M.S. or Ph.D. programs in science, engineering, mathematics, or STEM education.
The NSF GRFP is one of the most prestigious graduate fellowships in the U.S., designed for students demonstrating exceptional potential in STEM research. Fellows receive flexible funding, academic independence, and access to a national network of researchers—empowering them to advance groundbreaking projects and launch their careers in science and engineering.
4. Switzer Fellowship
- Application deadline: January 15
- Award: $17,000 cash award in two installments
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, residents by virtue of the Dream Act of 2021, or refugees/asylees according to the definition provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security enrolled in an accredited graduate institute in California or New England
This is a one-year fellowship for highly talented graduate students: 21st-century leaders who have the ability, determination, and integrity to effect positive change. Your studies and career goals must be directed toward environmental improvement. The fellowship includes a $17,000 cash award, plus leadership training, access to a network of nearly 700 Switzer Fellowship alums, and opportunities for professional development and grants beyond the fellowship year.
5. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship
- Application deadline: Typically mid-February
- Award: One-year paid fellowship in Washington, D.C.
- Eligibility: Graduate students interested in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and policy (must be enrolled at time of application)
Sponsored by NOAA and Sea Grant, the Knauss Fellowship places graduate students in legislative or executive branch offices to work on marine policy. Fellows gain hands-on experience at the intersection of science and policy at the federal level.
6. ROMBA Fellowship
- Award: Minimum $20,000 scholarship per academic year
- Eligibility: Open to all MBA applicants at participating schools, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
This fellowship supports LGBTQ+ business leaders with scholarships, leadership development, and community-building opportunities. Fellows also serve as campus ambassadors and gain access to exclusive events and networking throughout their MBA program.
Sustainability scholarships and fellowships at Bard
When it comes to school-affiliated sustainability scholarships and fellowships, Bard offers exceptional value. Get this: when you apply for financial aid as an applicant for Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability, you’re automatically considered for a GPS Fellowship. These sustainability fellowships are awarded in the form of tuition reductions based on financial need—no additional applications, service commitments, or strings attached—just meaningful support to help you pursue your graduate degree in sustainability. Keep reading to explore Bard’s full list of scholarships and fellowships—designed to support mission-driven students in environmental policy, climate science, education, and sustainable business.
Request more information about Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability>>
Scholarships Open to All Bard GPS Applicants:
Opportunity Scholars Program
This program includes two mission-aligned scholarships designed to support students committed to justice-centered sustainability.
- First- General Scholarship – Need-based tuition discounts between 40% and 90% for students who are the first in their families to graduate from college.
- Social Equity Leaders Scholarship – For students with a demonstrated history of engagement or lived experience related to social equity and justice. Awards range from 20% to 90% based on merit and need.
If you’re interested, learn more about the Opportunity Scholarship on our financial aid page.
Higher Ed Sustainability Leaders (HESL) Scholarship
This scholarship provides funding for individuals who have demonstrated leadership in sustainability at an institution of higher education. This scholarship is open to individuals who have worked, or currently work, in a sustainability role – either as college employees or student interns/workers – at an institution of higher education.
Bard scholarships for master of science programs
The Bard Center for Environmental Policy has scholarships for qualified students in the Master's in Climate Science and Policy and Master's in Environmental Policy programs. For each scholarship, need to submit a statement of of 500 words as part of your application for admission. For more information, see the prompt on our financial aid page. Apply early, because applications are reviewed as they’re received!
Rachel Carson Scholarship
The Rachel Carson Scholars program grants one $20,000 scholarship per year to an applicant who shows promise of a leadership career in environmental policy.
Wangari Maathai Scholarship
This program grants scholarships offering 30-90% tuition discounts to international students who shows promise of a leadership career in environmental policy.
Arctic Climate Change Scholarship
The Bard CEP Arctic Climate Change (ACC) Scholarship will provide funding for two entering students per year for two years to train for a career tackling climate change issues in the Arctic. The ACC Scholarship will provide a 50% scholarship per year plus an internship stipend.
Riverkeeper Scholarship
Riverkeeper is a member-supported organization that protects and restores the Hudson River from source to sea, safeguarding drinking water supplies through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science, and law.
Each year, one Riverkeeper Scholar (RS) will receive a scholarship equal to 30% of tuition for two years of full-time enrollment. As an RS, you’ll have the chance to work with a designated Riverkeeper mentor; you’ll meet at least twice a year to discuss your career interests and professional development. In addition, you’ll receive priority among Bard graduate students for potential internships and capstone projects completed with Riverkeeper.
Bard sustainable MBA scholarships
Many potential applicants to the MBA in Sustainability—ranked the #1 Green MBA—are currently in the workforce. That’s why we’ve partnered with sustainability-minded organizations to get our students a discount.
B Corp Employee Scholarship
Are you a full-time employee of a certified B-Corp or an immediate family member of someone working at a certified B-Corp? If so, you’ll qualify for the B-Corp Employee Scholarship: a 20% tuition discount for the Bard MBA.
B Corp Employee Scholarship
If you work full-time (or have an immediate family member who does) at Clif Bar or B Lab, you’re eligible for a 20% tuition discount on the Bard MBA.
Sustainability scholarships for Returned Service Members & Volunteers
Yellow Ribbon Program
Bard GPS participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for U.S. Military Veterans. Contact the admissions office for more information.
P.S And make sure to read what it’s like going from the military to sustainability with a graduate degree from Bard.
Peace Corps scholarships
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) receive a fellowship that covers at least 33 percent of tuition as part of the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program. How can you take advantage of this? Applicants must provide verification of their service in the Peace Corps by submitting a signed copy of their Description of Service.
P.S. Hear from other returned Peace Corps volunteers and how they began their careers in sustainability.
AmeriCorps fellowship
Awarded to one or more exceptional AmeriCorps alumni, this fellowship supports public service–oriented individuals in continuing their impact through graduate study at Bard GPS.
To apply, submit your Description of Service with your application. If selected, Bard will match any AmeriCorps Education Award funds you apply toward tuition.
City Year Scholarship
Bard GPS provides partial tuition fellowships worth at least 30 percent of tuition to City Year Alum. Applicants must provide an employment verification from City Year to receive this fellowship.
Other sources of funding for a master’s degree in sustainability
To be considered for any form of financial aid (like scholarships, fellowships, or student employment), you must apply for financial aid at the time you submit your application for admission. US Citizens and permanent residents should submit a FAFSA; and International students should complete the International Financial Aid Application.
Curious about combining scholarships, on-campus employment, or external funding sources? Visit our financial aid page or speak to an admissions counselor for personalized guidance.
There’s a broad support system for those interested in graduate degree programs in sustainability. And it’s never been more critical to champion environmental education and research in climate science. We need more leaders to influence environmental policy and transform profit-driven companies into sustainable businesses that can benefit people, protect the planet, and make a profit—all at the same time.
