About this opportunity
The Green Institute has opened applications for the February 2027 cohort of its Officially Green Global Fellowship, a programme for emerging leaders who want to advance sustainability through education, advocacy and community action. Applicants aged 18 to 35 from any country are welcome, and you do not need to be a sustainability expert or have extensive prior experience.
This is an action-oriented fellowship rather than a course you sit through. Fellows complete a compulsory Massive Open Online Course, then establish and sustain an Officially Green Club in a primary or secondary school, reaching at least 20 young students. They promote the seven Officially Green pledges on social media and in their communities under #OfficiallyGreen, attend every designated fellowship conference, and submit brief reports that document the activities carried out and the results achieved.
In return, fellows learn from sustainability experts and thought leaders, develop leadership, advocacy, communication and project-management skills, gain practical experience in sustainability education, and join a network of young sustainability leaders. A certificate follows successful completion of all fellowship requirements. One outstanding fellow who meets every requirement and shows documented impact may receive a US$1,000 post-fellowship award to continue or expand an impactful sustainability initiative, and selection alone does not guarantee either the certificate or the award.
Applications close on 7 January 2027 at 4:00 p.m. GMT, which is 5:00 p.m. in Nigeria, and The Green Institute notifies applicants of the outcome by email during the first week of February 2027. Before applying, weigh the commitments carefully, especially the need to find a school or community where you can build and sustain a club, and keep reliable internet access and a willingness to pass knowledge to the next generation at the centre of your plan.
What you receive
- Learn directly from sustainability experts and thought leaders
- Build leadership, advocacy, communication and project-management skills
- Gain practical experience in sustainability education and community engagement
- Join a network of young sustainability leaders from around the world
- Receive a certificate on successful completion of all fellowship requirements
- Build a portfolio of documented sustainability projects and impact
- Chance at a US$1,000 post-fellowship award for documented impact
Who can apply
- Aged between 18 and 35 at the application deadline
- Genuine commitment to sustainability and environmental action
- Willing to pass sustainability knowledge to the next generation through an Officially Green Club
- Available to attend all designated fellowship conferences and take part actively
- Reliable internet access and ready to document activities and impact
- No previous sustainability experience required
Who should not apply
- Selection alone does not guarantee the certificate or the US$1,000 award
Documents to prepare
- Details requested in the online application form
How to apply
- Review the expectations, eligibility and participation commitments on the official fellowship page
- Open the application form through the Apply Now link on that page
- Complete the form accurately and submit it before 4:00 p.m. GMT on 7 January 2027
- Watch your email for the outcome, sent during the first week of February 2027
Selection process
- Applications are assessed against the fellowship commitments and eligibility requirements
- Applicants are notified of the outcome by email in the first week of February 2027
- Certification depends on completing the MOOC, the school club, the pledge advocacy, the conferences and the progress reports
Sources and verification
Related opportunities
- EEP Africa Rising Energy Leader 2026
A continental award spotlighting up to five young professionals, no older than 35 in 2026, who are driving Africa’s clean energy transition through projects funded by EEP Africa.
- IBCI Blue Carbon Fellowship 2026 by the International Blue Carbon Institute
A USD 60,000 research grant spread over two years for one blue carbon scientist or practitioner, with applications welcome from all regions and African applicants particularly encouraged for this cycle.
- North South CURRENTS Programme Research Fellowship 2026
A one month funded research training fellowship in marine carbon dioxide removal for researchers based in low and middle income countries, with a maximum of $25,000 per researcher.
- My Little Big Thing Sustainability Challenge 2026/2027, 10th Anniversary Edition
A free three-month sustainability innovation challenge for young African innovators, closing with a Demo Day at Strathmore University in front of investors.
Questions applicants ask
Do I need experience in sustainability to apply?
No. The programme welcomes emerging leaders willing to learn, develop their skills and champion the Officially Green pledges in their communities.
What is expected of a fellow during the programme?
Complete the compulsory Massive Open Online Course, establish and sustain an Officially Green Club in a primary or secondary school, promote the seven Officially Green pledges, attend the fellowship conferences convened during your cohort, and submit brief reports on your activities and impact.
Is the US$1,000 award guaranteed?
No. A US$1,000 post-fellowship support award may go to one outstanding fellow who fulfils all requirements and demonstrates meaningful, documented impact. Selection as a fellow does not guarantee it.
When will I hear back?
The Green Institute notifies applicants by email during the first week of February 2027.
Can I get a recommendation letter later?
Recommendation letters may be considered for fellows who keep a sustained relationship with The Green Institute and show meaningful impact for at least one year after completing the fellowship.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
