University of Cambridge DE-GSJ Free Online Courses 2026: Apply for Fully Funded Sustainability, Climate and International Law Training

Applications are open for the 2026 Fall Courses under the Democratising Education for Global Sustainability and Justice (DE-GSJ) Programme, an international educational initiative co-hosted by Lucy Cavendish College and Hughes Hall at the University of Cambridge. The programme provides learners around the world with free access to specialised education focused on sustainability, international law, public policy, climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development.

For the 2026 Fall offering, applicants can express interest in courses addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Paris Agreement. The Fall courses will run between September and November 2026, with the full application deadline set for 1 September 2026 at 11:59 PM BST.

The DE-GSJ Programme is particularly valuable for law and policy leaders, government officials, academics, civil society professionals, practitioners and other individuals interested in using law and policy to address some of the world’s most pressing sustainability and justice challenges.

About the Democratising Education for Global Sustainability and Justice Programme

The Democratising Education for Global Sustainability and Justice (DE-GSJ) Programme was created to harness the potential of international law to empower governments and communities around the world, with particular attention to highly vulnerable countries facing interconnected global crises.

Co-hosted by Lucy Cavendish College and Hughes Hall at the University of Cambridge, the initiative makes education concerning the law and policy dimensions of sustainability more accessible to learners internationally.

The programme also seeks to train law and policy specialists who can contribute to implementing essential international treaties at different levels of governance.

Rather than approaching sustainability solely as an environmental issue, the programme explores the important relationship between sustainable development, international agreements, governance, public policy and legal frameworks.

This gives participants an opportunity to understand not only major global sustainability challenges, but also how laws, treaties, institutions and policies can be used to translate international commitments into practical action.

2026 DE-GSJ Fall Courses

The DE-GSJ educational offerings page states that applications are open for its Fall Courses 2026.

Three courses are included in the Fall 2026 schedule:

1. Key Essentials: The Sustainable Development Goals and the Law
   • Course dates: 28 September – 9 October 2026
2. Key Essentials: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Sustainable Development and the Law
   • Course dates: 12 October – 23 October 2026
3. Key Essentials: The Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development and the Law
   • Course dates: 26 October – 6 November 2026

These dates allow learners to potentially build knowledge across several interconnected areas of international sustainability law during the Fall 2026 period.

1. Key Essentials: The Sustainable Development Goals and the Law

The Key Essentials: The Sustainable Development Goals and the Law course provides an introduction to emerging approaches and frameworks in sustainable development law.

It is designed for leaders and learners involved in areas such as:

• Law;
• Policymaking;
• Policy analysis;
• Legal and policy practice;
• Monitoring and reporting;
• Government;
• Academia;
• Civil society; and
• Practitioner communities.

The course examines important challenges and possible solutions relating to sustainable development and considers the role that law can play in scaling up implementation globally and within learners’ own jurisdictions.

Learning Objectives

Through the course, learners are introduced to the relevance of sustainable development law and governance.

Participants are encouraged to:

• Understand the relevance of sustainable development law and governance;
• Think critically about how sustainable development is reflected in legal and governance systems worldwide;
• Understand the role of governance within sustainable development law;
• Strengthen the role of law and policy in monitoring and reporting; and
• Explore opportunities to advance careers related to global sustainability and justice.

Course Modules

The Sustainable Development Goals and the Law course covers:

• Module 1: Introduction to the SDGs
• Module 2: Sustainable Development Law Principles and Practices
• Module 3: Law and Practice of SDGs in the Global Economy
• Module 4: Law and Practice of SDGs in the Global Biosphere
• Module 5: Law and Practice of SDGs
• Module 6: Course Conclusion and Final Remarks

2. Key Essentials: Convention on Biological Diversity, Sustainable Development and the Law

The second Fall 2026 course focuses on biodiversity and the international legal frameworks designed to protect it.

The programme highlights the seriousness of global biodiversity loss and provides learners with an overview of the Global Biodiversity Framework under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

It examines challenges, possible solutions and the role of law in strengthening implementation internationally and within individual jurisdictions.

Learning Objectives

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Examine major biodiversity law and governance challenges;
• Explore the Global Biodiversity Framework;
• Understand tools available to policymakers and lawmakers, including those relating to finance, transparency and science;
• Identify and analyse innovative domestic legal and policy solutions;
• Strengthen understanding of monitoring and reporting through law and policy; and
• Develop knowledge relevant to careers in sustainability and justice.

What Does the Biodiversity Course Cover?

The course begins with an introduction to its structure and resources and includes engagement with instructors and learners from different parts of the world.

Participants are introduced to the Convention on Biological Diversity, COP15 developments and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The subsequent modules explore several major areas.

Nature Conservation, Ecosystem Restoration and Biodiversity Protection

Learners examine international goals and targets related to reducing threats to biodiversity, slowing extinction, maintaining genetic diversity and expanding or improving natural ecosystems.

Sustainable Use and Management of Biodiversity

Participants explore international targets concerning sustainable biodiversity use and management, together with examples of regional, national and local policies.

The course also examines international commitments concerning the sustainable use, harvesting and trade of wild species and their relationship with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Benefit-Sharing and Traditional Indigenous Knowledge

Learners explore international targets concerning access and benefit-sharing.

The module introduces important international instruments including:

• The Nagoya Protocol;
• The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture; and
• The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

It also considers the importance of protecting traditional knowledge.

Biodiversity Finance and Capacity-Building

Another module addresses the resources necessary to implement international biodiversity commitments, including:

• Financial resources;
• Capacity-building;
• Technical cooperation;
• Scientific cooperation; and
• Access to and transfer of technology.

The course concludes with a live closing session and provides learners with insights into potential career paths related to the Global Biodiversity Framework, sustainable development and law. Learners are also invited to join a course alumni network.

3. Key Essentials: The Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development and the Law

Climate change is another central focus of the Fall 2026 DE-GSJ programme.

The Key Essentials: The Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development and the Law course introduces learners to the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The programme connects climate change with wider social, economic, environmental and human rights challenges and examines the role of law in responding to climate impacts and implementing international commitments.

It is intended for leaders and learners working in law, policymaking, analysis, practice and reporting across governments, academia, civil society and practitioner communities.

Learning Objectives

The course seeks to help learners:

• Understand pressing climate change law and governance challenges;
• Explore the Paris Agreement;
• Understand tools available to policymakers and lawmakers, including climate finance, transparency and science;
• Identify innovative domestic policy and legal solutions;
• Strengthen the role of law and policy in monitoring and reporting; and
• Build knowledge relevant to international careers in sustainability and justice.

What Will Participants Learn About the Paris Agreement?

Course Introduction and Orientation

Participants first become familiar with the course structure, resources, instructors and other learners.

They are also introduced to the major elements, structures and principles of the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC.

Climate Mitigation and Net-Zero Transitions

Learners examine mitigation obligations under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, including legal commitments relating to the transition towards net zero.

The module examines law and policy measures designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and efforts to limit average global warming.

Climate Adaptation, Resilience and Loss and Damage

Participants explore:

• Adaptation commitments under the Paris Agreement;
• Nationally Determined Contributions;
• National adaptation plans;
• Climate resilience;
• Legal and governance dimensions of adaptation; and
• Loss and Damage provisions and related international developments.

Climate Finance and Carbon Markets

Another module examines climate finance provisions under the Paris Agreement and international efforts to align financial flows with its goals.

Learners are also introduced to carbon-market policy structures and low-greenhouse-gas development pathways.

Climate Compliance, Capacity and Transparency

Participants examine the Paris Agreement’s enhanced transparency framework and the modalities, procedures and guidelines developed through subsequent Conferences of the Parties.

The course also introduces the functions and objectives of the Paris Agreement Implementation and Compliance Committee (PAICC).

The final module includes a live closing session where instructors provide insights into climate law, governance and possible career pathways. Participants are also invited to join an alumni network.

Course Format and Learning Experience

The DE-GSJ courses are designed to combine expert instruction with flexible independent learning.

According to the programme information provided, courses generally involve approximately eight to ten hours of total learning time, with focused modules delivered by University of Cambridge and international experts.

The learning experience can include:

• Recorded or focused expert instruction;
• Live classroom engagements;
• Access to selected learning materials;
• Independent reading;
• Recommended resources;
• Self-paced study;
• Assessments; and
• Opportunities to engage with instructors and an international community of learners.

For example, the programme describes one of its short courses as providing approximately eight hours of learning across six recorded modules, two live Zoom classroom engagements and approximately two to three hours of independent work.

This structure makes the programme particularly relevant to professionals and learners who want intensive training without enrolling in a conventional full-time academic degree.

Are the DE-GSJ Courses Free?

Yes. The programme is designed to widen access to high-quality education, particularly for learners and professionals in countries that are highly vulnerable to climate and sustainability challenges.

Successful applicants can undertake the course without paying the normal course value.

Each selected learner effectively receives a bursary allowing them to complete the training at no charge. The programme information states that the course is valued at £800.

Importantly, this does not mean that successful participants receive £800 as a cash payment.

Instead, the bursary covers access to the educational opportunity, meaning the selected learner does not have to pay the £800 course value.

What Do Successful Learners Receive?

The DE-GSJ initiative is a non-credit-bearing programme. This distinction is important for applicants who may otherwise assume that completing a course provides academic credits toward a University of Cambridge degree.

However, successful completion offers other valuable professional-development benefits.

Upon successfully completing each course, learners are eligible to receive a certificate from leading expert institutes of the University of Cambridge and global partners.

Successful completion may also provide access to potential further scholarship opportunities for intensive professional development courses through Cambridge Advance Online.

For professionals working in government, law, policy, international development, climate change, sustainability, human rights or civil society, the combination of specialised knowledge, certification and access to an international learning network can provide a useful foundation for continued professional development.

Who Can Participate?

The DE-GSJ Programme is primarily designed to train law and policy leaders.

However, participation is not described as being exclusively restricted to lawyers or policymakers.

Individuals who are committed to making a difference through law and policy in support of sustainable development may also seek to become part of the programme’s wider community of practice.

The individual courses specifically reference leaders and learners involved in:

• Government;
• Law;
• Policymaking;
• Policy analysis;
• Legal practice;
• Policy practice;
• Reporting and monitoring;
• Academia;
• Civil society; and
• Practitioner communities.

This makes the opportunity potentially relevant to professionals and emerging leaders whose work intersects with sustainable development, environmental governance, climate action, biodiversity, international development or public policy.

Is the Programme Available Internationally?

Yes. The DE-GSJ Programme describes its mission in global terms and states that it provides free and accessible sustainability law and policy courses to learners from around the world, with particular emphasis on strengthening capacity in highly vulnerable countries.

The supplied programme information does not state a restriction limiting the Fall 2026 courses to one nationality, race or continent.

Applicants should nevertheless carefully review the application form and individual course requirements before applying.

Language of Instruction

The courses are currently offered only in English.

Prospective participants should therefore consider whether they have sufficient English-language ability to follow expert instruction, complete readings and other independent learning activities, participate in live engagements and successfully complete required assessments.

Certificates and Alumni Network

Successful course completion can provide more than knowledge of a particular international agreement.

Participants may become eligible for a certificate associated with leading University of Cambridge expert institutes and global partners.

Individual courses also indicate that learners can be invited to become part of a course alumni network following completion. For example, both the biodiversity and Paris Agreement course descriptions reference invitations to join a network of course alumni.
Such networks can help participants remain connected to a broader international community interested in sustainability, justice, international law and policy.

How to Apply for the DE-GSJ Fall Courses 2026

The application process begins through the programme’s Educational Offerings section.

Applicants should follow these general steps:

1. Review the available courses.
   Read the course descriptions and identify the Fall 2026 offering or offerings most relevant to your professional interests and development goals.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest.
   Use the Expression of Interest form provided through the DE-GSJ Educational Offerings page.
3. Check your email.
   After submitting the Expression of Interest form, prospective learners should receive further information and detailed instructions for completing the full application.
4. Submit a separate application where required.
   Applicants interested in more than one course should follow the programme’s instructions for submitting the necessary application for each course.
5. Submit before the deadline.
   The programme states that applicants seeking consideration for the Fall Courses must submit their application by 1 September 2026 at 11:59 PM BST.
6. Wait for the selection decision.
   Applications are reviewed by the programme’s selection committee, and applicants are notified by email regarding whether they have been selected.

Because participation is free for successful applicants, prospective learners should provide accurate and thoughtful information demonstrating their interest in the programme and their commitment to applying law and policy knowledge toward sustainable development.

APPLY NOW

Application Deadline

The deadline for full applications to the DE-GSJ Fall Courses 2026 is:

1 September 2026 at 11:59 PM BST.

Prospective applicants should avoid waiting until the deadline because the process begins with an Expression of Interest, after which additional application instructions are sent by email.

Important Fall 2026 Dates

Applicants should keep the following dates in mind:

• Application deadline: 1 September 2026 at 11:59 PM BST
• Sustainable Development Goals and the Law: 28 September – 9 October 2026
• Convention on Biological Diversity, Sustainable Development and the Law: 12 October – 23 October 2026
• Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development and the Law: 26 October – 6 November 2026

Why Consider the DE-GSJ Programme?

The programme provides an unusual opportunity to access specialised international sustainability law and policy education without paying the stated £800 course value.

Potential advantages include:

• Free participation for successful applicants;
• Learning from University of Cambridge and global experts;
• Specialised training in sustainability law and governance;
• Flexible online and self-paced learning;
• Live classroom engagement;
• Exposure to an international community of learners;
• Training relating to major international treaties and frameworks;
• A certificate following successful completion;
• Access to an alumni network through relevant courses;
• Potential access to further scholarship opportunities for professional development through Cambridge Advance Online; and
• Knowledge that can potentially be applied in government, policy, law, academia, civil society and sustainability-related professional settings.

The programme can be especially relevant for individuals seeking to connect global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals, Convention on Biological Diversity and Paris Agreement with practical legal and policy implementation.

Conclusion

The Democratising Education for Global Sustainability and Justice (DE-GSJ) Fall Courses 2026 provide an accessible pathway for professionals, emerging leaders and committed learners around the world to deepen their understanding of sustainability through the lens of international law and public policy.

Co-hosted by Lucy Cavendish College and Hughes Hall at the University of Cambridge, the programme is particularly focused on building the capacity of law and policy specialists and empowering communities and governments, including those in highly vulnerable countries, to respond to interconnected global challenges.

With Fall 2026 courses covering the Sustainable Development Goals, Convention on Biological Diversity and Paris Agreement, participants can engage with some of the most consequential international frameworks shaping sustainable development, biodiversity protection and global climate action.

Successful applicants receive access to the training without paying the stated £800 course value, while successful completion can lead to certification, connections with an international alumni community and potential further professional-development scholarship opportunities.

Interested candidates should review the available courses, submit their Expression of Interest and ensure that their full application is completed by 1 September 2026 at 11:59 PM BST.

Visit the OFY website for more Scholarship Opportunities.