ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship 2027: Apply for a Global Climate Leadership Fellowship for MBA Students

Applications are open for the ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship 2027, a 12-month professional and academic development programme designed for Master of Business Administration (MBA) students who want to understand the relationship between climate change, business strategy, investment, innovation and sustainable economic development.

Managed by the ClimateCAP Initiative at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, the fellowship aims to prepare the next generation of business leaders to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities created by climate change. The programme brings together selected MBA students who are interested in climate leadership, helping them expand their knowledge, build professional networks, learn from experts and develop practical experience through a self-directed climate-action project.

The fellowship is particularly relevant to students who want to connect business education with real-world climate challenges. These may include clean energy, climate finance, sustainable agriculture, carbon markets, circular economy business models, climate technology, climate policy, sustainable supply chains and climate-resilient investment.

Unlike a programme that focuses exclusively on classroom learning, the ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship combines expert-led learning sessions, cohort-based collaboration, mentorship and an applied project that fellows develop throughout the programme. Participants are encouraged to investigate a climate-and-business issue that interests them, critically assess existing approaches and produce a public-facing output based on their learning.

The 2027 fellowship will run from January to December 2027. Applications opened on 1 October 2026 and close on 26 October 2026. The application process is conducted entirely online, and the official application page states that there is no application fee or programme cost.

Students currently enrolled in MBA programmes around the world are welcome to apply, provided they satisfy the programme’s enrolment and other eligibility requirements. Applicants should prepare their application materials early because the process includes a video statement, short-answer questions, a detailed climate-action project proposal and confirmation from a project advisor.

1. Overview of the ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship 2027

The ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship is designed to help MBA students develop the knowledge, experience and professional connections needed to become future climate leaders and changemakers.

The programme recognises that climate change is not only an environmental concern. It also has implications for business operations, financial markets, investment decisions, innovation, public policy, consumer behaviour and economic development. Businesses increasingly need leaders who can understand these connections and make informed decisions about climate-related risks and opportunities.

Through its fellowship model, ClimateCAP gives selected students an opportunity to explore these issues while developing a project connected to their own interests and future professional ambitions.

Key details of the fellowship

• Programme name: ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship 2027.
• Organising initiative: ClimateCAP.
• Managing institution: Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
• Opportunity focus: Climate leadership, business, sustainability and climate action.
• Target participants: Students currently enrolled in MBA programmes.
• Geographical eligibility: Students from any geographical location may apply, subject to the official eligibility criteria.
• Programme duration: January to December 2027.
• Application opening date: 1 October 2026.
• Application deadline: 26 October 2026.
• Application method: Online.
• Application fee: None.
• Programme cost: The official application page states that there is no programme cost.
• Selection notification: Early December 2026.
• Possible additional selection stage: A brief virtual conversation for some shortlisted candidates in late November.
• Official application website: https://www.climatecap.org/application
• Official programme website: https://www.climatecap.org/mba-fellowship
• Contact email: climatecap@duke.edu.

Applicants should distinguish the absence of an application fee and programme cost from the separate travel and attendance arrangements associated with the ClimateCAP MBA Summit. The official fellowship structure states that fellows are expected to purchase a Summit ticket and travel to the event in New York City.

2. About ClimateCAP and Its Mission

ClimateCAP is an initiative focused on helping MBA students understand the business implications of climate change and prepare for leadership roles in a changing global economy.

Climate change creates substantial risks for businesses and communities, but it also creates opportunities for innovation, new technologies, investment, entrepreneurship and the development of more sustainable business models.

Companies may need to adapt their operations to changing environmental conditions, reduce emissions, respond to evolving regulations, manage supply-chain risks and make long-term investment decisions in uncertain circumstances. At the same time, entrepreneurs and investors may identify opportunities in renewable energy, climate technology, sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency and other climate-related sectors.

ClimateCAP seeks to prepare future business leaders to engage with these challenges through learning, professional development, mentorship, collaboration and applied project work.

The initiative is managed by Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Its fellowship programme brings together MBA students who are interested in building their understanding of climate-related business challenges and exploring how their professional skills can contribute to climate action.

The programme is not limited to students attending a particular group of partner schools. According to the official eligibility information, MBA students from different institutions and geographical locations may apply, provided they meet the programme’s requirements.

3. What Does the ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship Offer?

The ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship combines learning and development, professional networking, mentorship and practical project experience. These elements are designed to help fellows strengthen their understanding of climate and business while developing skills that may be useful in their future careers.

A. Learning and professional development

Fellows participate in workshops, learning sessions and discussions with experts and thought leaders. These activities are intended to deepen participants’ understanding of climate-related challenges and the decisions facing businesses, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders.

The learning experience may help students examine how climate change affects business strategy, financial decisions, innovation and long-term economic development.

For MBA students who intend to work in consulting, finance, entrepreneurship, corporate strategy, sustainability or related fields, this exposure can help connect their existing business knowledge with climate-related questions.

B. A supportive fellowship community

The programme brings together a cohort of selected MBA students who share an interest in climate leadership.

Throughout the fellowship, participants have opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, provide feedback and learn from one another’s experiences. This collaborative environment is particularly valuable for students whose climate interests differ but who share a commitment to exploring practical responses to climate change.

Fellows may also refine their project ideas with support from their peers and ClimateCAP leadership. Some participants may choose to collaborate with other fellows if doing so helps them develop a more effective project.

C. Mentorship and project guidance

Each applicant must identify an advisor who agrees to provide guidance on their proposed project during the fellowship year.

The advisor can come from academia or industry, provided that they have relevant expertise connected to the proposed project. The advisor does not need to be a climate specialist specifically.

This requirement encourages applicants to establish a meaningful relationship with someone who can help them think critically about their project, understand the issue and identify realistic opportunities for learning and development.

D. Practical climate-action project experience

A central component of the fellowship is a self-directed climate-action project.

Rather than asking students to complete a project designed entirely by the programme organisers, ClimateCAP encourages fellows to choose a climate-and-business issue that connects with their interests, background or future career ambitions.

The project should deepen the fellow’s understanding of climate and business and contribute to climate education within a campus, business community or broader professional network.

Potential outputs include a research paper, market analysis, case study, podcast, educational initiative, article, white paper, startup validation exercise or other suitable project.

E. Professional portfolio development

The climate-action project can provide fellows with a practical example of their ability to investigate a complex issue, assess existing efforts, develop a realistic approach and communicate their findings.

A well-executed project may strengthen a fellow’s professional portfolio and help demonstrate an interest in climate leadership to future employers, collaborators or professional networks.

The programme requires fellows to publish a public output about their project at the conclusion of the fellowship. The format is determined in partnership with the ClimateCAP team and may include an article, blog, case study, podcast or white paper. The public output will be linked to the ClimateCAP website.

F. Participation in the ClimateCAP MBA Summit

The fellowship is connected to the ClimateCAP MBA Summit, which brings together MBA students and business leaders to discuss climate change and its implications for business and society.

The official fellowship structure lists the 2027 Summit for 5–6 February 2027 at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business in New York City.

Fellows are expected to purchase a Summit ticket and travel to the event. Applicants should therefore review the Summit arrangements carefully and consider the practical implications of attending an in-person event in the United States.

Although the wider fellowship programme is virtual, the Summit is an in-person component. Applicants should not assume that all participation can be completed remotely.

4. Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship is intended for students who are currently enrolled in an MBA programme and will remain enrolled throughout the fellowship year, from January to December 2027.

The programme welcomes applications from students around the world. International students studying in the United States and students enrolled in MBA programmes outside the United States are eligible to apply, subject to the programme’s requirements.

The fellowship is not restricted to applicants from one nationality, race, region or continent. Applicants from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania may be considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Main eligibility requirements

1. Current MBA enrolment

Applicants must be enrolled in an MBA programme. The fellowship is not a general undergraduate scholarship or a programme open to all university students regardless of degree.

2. Enrolment throughout the fellowship year

Applicants must normally remain enrolled in an MBA programme for the entire January–December 2027 fellowship period.

The official criteria state that justified exceptions may be considered for students enrolled in one-year MBA programmes or programmes with non-traditional academic calendars.

3. Dual-degree students

Students pursuing a dual degree may apply if one of their degrees is an MBA. Applicants should review the official criteria to ensure that their academic timeline satisfies the programme requirements.

4. Interest in climate leadership

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in using their MBA education to become future climate leaders and changemakers. Previous professional experience in the climate sector is not mandatory, although relevant experience or demonstrated interest is welcome.

5. Strong English-language skills

A strong command of English is essential because the fellowship’s activities and discussions take place in English. Applicants should be able to communicate their ideas clearly and participate effectively in the programme.

6. Commitment to the programme

Applicants should be prepared to participate throughout the fellowship, engage with the cohort, work on their climate-action project and contribute to the programme’s learning activities.

7. Ability to develop an independent project

The fellowship requires students to propose a climate-and-business project that they can develop throughout the year. Applicants should be ready to work independently, respond to feedback and refine their ideas as their understanding develops.

Is previous climate-sector experience required?

No. The official eligibility information states that previous professional experience in climate change or related industries is not expected.

This makes the fellowship potentially suitable for MBA students who are exploring a transition into climate-related work or who want to develop a stronger understanding of sustainability and climate business.

However, applicants should still demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject and explain how the fellowship connects with their future career plans.

Can international students apply?

Yes. International students studying in the United States and students enrolled in MBA programmes outside the United States are welcome to apply.

The programme is open to students from any geographical location. However, participants should be aware that programme activities will take place during United States daytime hours, which may affect fellows living in other time zones.

The in-person Summit also requires travel to New York City, so international applicants should consider travel documentation, transport and related arrangements before applying.

Applicants should consult the official fellowship criteria for the complete eligibility rules and any conditions that may affect their participation or receipt of monetary award funds.

5. What Qualities Does ClimateCAP Look for in Applicants?

The official fellowship criteria identify several competencies that applicants should demonstrate. These qualities reflect the programme’s emphasis on academic ability, independent thinking, communication, collaboration and a commitment to climate leadership.

Academic and professional achievement

Candidates are expected to have an excellent academic record and an established record of professional achievement.

The programme does not require previous employment in the climate sector, but applicants should be able to demonstrate their ability to take responsibility, learn effectively and contribute to a professional community.

Research and writing skills

Applicants need to prepare a substantial climate-action project proposal supported by evidence and critical analysis. Strong research and writing skills are therefore important.

Candidates should be able to identify a relevant issue, examine existing approaches, consider different perspectives and communicate their ideas in a structured and convincing manner.

Self-motivation and independence

The project is self-directed, meaning fellows are responsible for shaping and advancing their own work.

Applicants should be comfortable identifying learning goals, managing their time, seeking feedback and adapting their plans as new information becomes available.

Creativity and resourcefulness

Climate-and-business challenges are often complex and do not have simple solutions. The fellowship values applicants who can develop ideas, assess alternatives and design realistic projects that respond to a clearly defined issue.

Collaboration and communication

Fellows participate in cohort discussions and feedback sessions. They should therefore be willing to share ideas, listen to different perspectives and contribute constructively to group learning.

Commitment to climate impact

Applicants should demonstrate an intention to make a positive contribution to addressing climate change and an interest in building a future career connected to climate leadership.

The strongest applications will clearly explain the applicant’s motivation, the climate-and-business issue they want to explore and how the fellowship can support their development.

6. Climate-Action Project: The Core of the Fellowship

The climate-action project is one of the most important components of the ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship application.

Applicants are asked to identify a climate-and-business issue they want to investigate and develop during the fellowship. The purpose is not to present a perfect or fully implemented solution before joining the programme.

Instead, ClimateCAP wants to understand how applicants think about complex challenges, how they approach uncertainty, whether they can evaluate existing efforts critically and whether they can design a project with a realistic scope.

Selected fellows will continue refining their ideas with support from their peers, mentors and ClimateCAP leadership.

What makes a suitable project?

A suitable project should:

• Address a clearly defined issue at the intersection of climate and business.
• Be relevant to the applicant’s interests, background or future career aspirations.
• Provide an opportunity to develop practical knowledge and experience.
• Consider existing initiatives and the limitations of current approaches.
• Be realistic enough to complete during the fellowship year.
• Contribute to climate education within a campus, business community or broader network.
• Produce a public-facing output that can communicate the project’s findings or lessons.

Projects do not need to be completely new ideas. Applicants may build on existing interests or projects, provided the work complies with ClimateCAP’s rules. Projects cannot consist of work for which the fellow is being paid by another source, and they cannot include material covered by a non-disclosure agreement or proprietary information governed by a client consulting agreement.

Examples of potential climate-action projects

ClimateCAP identifies several types of projects that fellows may pursue.

Research and publication: Investigate a climate-related business risk, analyse a market opportunity or prepare a publication explaining a climate-and-business issue.

Climate-related entrepreneurship: Develop a business plan or explore the feasibility of launching a climate-related business or social enterprise.

Climate education: Create new learning opportunities, workshops, educational resources or extracurricular activities focused on climate topics at a university or within a wider community.

Business and investment analysis: Examine how businesses, investors or financial institutions can respond to climate challenges and identify opportunities for innovation.

Climate communication: Develop a public-facing resource that helps a specific audience better understand a climate-related business issue.

Community or campus initiatives: Explore practical ways to increase climate awareness or improve sustainability practices within an educational institution or professional network.

The programme also highlights previous fellow projects involving blue bonds and ocean conservation, hospital waste reduction, regenerative agriculture investment, and other climate-related topics.

These examples demonstrate the range of possible projects. Applicants should choose an issue that genuinely interests them rather than attempting to copy a previous fellow’s work.

How much time should fellows expect to spend on their projects?

ClimateCAP recommends that fellows aim to spend approximately:

• Two to four hours per week during the academic year.
• One to two hours per week during the summer.

These estimates are intended to help fellows manage their projects alongside their MBA studies and other commitments. The programme does not require fellows to track their hours.

Applicants should therefore choose a project that is meaningful but achievable within the available time.

7. Detailed Climate-Action Project Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit a project proposal of 1,500–2,200 words. The proposal should be evidence-based, organised with clear headings and written in the applicant’s own voice.

The proposal is designed to demonstrate the applicant’s reasoning, ability to research a problem, understanding of existing efforts and readiness to learn through a structured project.

It must address five substantive sections and include information about the proposed project advisor.

Section 1: The Issue and Why It Matters (300–400 words)

Applicants should introduce the climate-and-business issue they want to explore.

The section should identify the specific challenge, opportunity or tension that interests them and explain how it relates to climate change and business.

Applicants should consider:

• What is the central issue?
• Who is affected by it?
• Who benefits from the current system?
• Who bears the risks, costs or negative consequences?
• Why does the issue matter economically, socially, environmentally or strategically?
• What broader trends or forces are shaping the issue?
• Why is the issue particularly important at this time?

A strong response will define a clear problem rather than discuss climate change in general terms. It should explain why the selected issue deserves further investigation and identify the people, businesses or institutions affected.

Section 2: Why This Problem Persists (300–400 words)

This section asks applicants to analyse why the selected issue has not been fully addressed.

Climate-and-business challenges can persist because of economic incentives, policy limitations, technological barriers, institutional structures, cultural practices or competing priorities.

Applicants should examine:

• Economic, political, technological, regulatory, cultural or behavioural barriers.
• Incentives that encourage existing practices to continue.
• Trade-offs that make progress difficult.
• Conflicts between the priorities of different stakeholders.
• Limitations of existing solutions.
• Unintended consequences or implementation challenges.

The purpose is to demonstrate critical thinking. Applicants should move beyond describing the problem and explain the forces that make it difficult to solve.

Section 3: Existing Efforts and What You Learned (300–400 words)

Applicants must explain what is already being done to address the selected issue.

They may examine the work of businesses, governments, investors, nonprofits, startups or other relevant organisations.

The response should distinguish between approaches that appear promising and those that remain insufficient. Applicants should also consider why some interventions work better than others and what barriers may limit their impact.

The official instructions also require applicants to describe at least one external engagement or source they used while researching the issue. This could be a conversation, an event, a report or another relevant external source.

Applicants should explain:

• What person, organisation, event or source they engaged with.
• What they learned from that engagement.
• Which assumptions or perspectives changed.
• What additional complexities they came to understand.

This requirement encourages applicants to demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to revise their thinking in response to evidence.

Section 4: Proposed Fellowship Exploration (300–400 words)

In this section, applicants should explain what they hope to investigate, create, test or better understand during the fellowship.

The project should be realistic for a self-directed MBA fellowship and should have a clearly defined scope.

Applicants should describe:

• The specific direction of the project.
• The type of output they may produce.
• The smallest meaningful version of the project.
• What could realistically be completed within one academic year.
• What success would look like at the end of the fellowship.
• Which activities or outcomes will remain outside the project’s scope.
• How the project will deepen their understanding of climate and business.

Potential outputs include a research paper, case study, startup validation exercise, market analysis, educational initiative, podcast, campus project or practical toolkit.

Applicants do not need to present a complete solution at the application stage. They should demonstrate that they have identified a worthwhile question and can develop a focused plan for investigating it.

Section 5: Open Questions, Assumptions and Learning Goals (300–400 words)

This section asks applicants to reflect on what they still do not know about their selected issue.

The fellowship is designed to support learning, so applicants should not attempt to present themselves as having all the answers.

They should identify uncertainties, assumptions that may prove incorrect and areas where additional research or expert guidance would be useful.

The response should also explain why the applicant is personally interested in the issue and how it connects with their background, values or future career ambitions as a business leader.

A thoughtful response will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, self-awareness and a clear understanding of what the applicant hopes to gain from the fellowship.

Section 6: Project Advisor Information (maximum 200 words)

Applicants must identify an advisor who agrees to guide their project during the fellowship year.

The application requires the advisor’s:

• Name.
• Professional title.
• Organisation.
• Email address.
• A brief explanation of the value they are expected to bring to the project and how the applicant plans to engage with them.

Applicants should discuss the proposed project with the advisor before submitting their application.

The advisor may come from academia or industry. Potential advisors include faculty members, researchers, lecturers, doctoral students, corporate sustainability leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, consultants, policymakers and nonprofit leaders.

The advisor does not need to be a climate expert specifically, but must have relevant expertise related to the proposed project topic.

Applicants should also review the official Advisor Expectations Document and share it with their proposed advisor where appropriate.

8. Other Required Application Materials

In addition to the project proposal, applicants must complete several other application components.

A. Online application form

Applicants must complete the official application form and provide the information requested by ClimateCAP.

B. Acknowledgement of Fellow Expectations

Applicants must acknowledge the programme’s expectations. They should review these carefully to understand the commitment involved before accepting a place.

C. Curriculum vitae or resume

A copy of the applicant’s resume is required. It should accurately describe their education, professional experience, skills, achievements and relevant activities.

Applicants may wish to highlight experiences demonstrating research, leadership, communication, project management, entrepreneurship or interest in climate-related issues, where applicable.

D. One-minute video statement

Applicants must submit a video answering the following question:

What is a climate-and-business question that you do not yet know the answer to, but are eager to explore? Why does that question matter to you?

The video must not exceed one minute.

Applicants should select a question that genuinely interests them and explain why it matters. The aim is to communicate curiosity and motivation rather than to deliver a complete technical analysis.

A strong response will be focused, personal and easy to understand. Applicants should rehearse their answers, check the recording quality and ensure that the final video remains within the one-minute limit.

E. Short-response questions

The application includes three short-answer questions, with a maximum of 1,200 characters per question, approximately 200 words.

The questions are:

1. What kind of work do you hope to do after graduation?
2. Beyond learning and expertise-building, what is your motivation for participating in the Fellowship? What is in it for you?
3. What unique perspectives, experiences, skills or networks would you bring to the Fellowship community?

Applicants should answer each question directly and avoid repeating the same information across all three responses.

The answers should show how the fellowship aligns with their professional direction, what motivates them to participate and what they can contribute to the cohort.

9. Application Timeline and Important Dates

Applicants should understand the application and selection timeline before preparing their submissions.

1 October 2026: Applications open

The application window for the 2027 cohort opened on 1 October 2026.

26 October 2026: Applications close

The final application deadline is 26 October 2026. Applicants should complete their materials and submit them through the official online process before the closing date.

Late November 2026: Possible virtual conversations

Some shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in a brief virtual conversation. This additional stage does not necessarily apply to every applicant.

Early December 2026: Fellowship decisions

ClimateCAP expects to notify selected fellows in early December 2026.

Successful applicants are requested to accept or reject their appointment within 24–48 hours of notification. Candidates should therefore monitor their email and be prepared to respond promptly.

January 2027: Fellowship begins

The fellowship is scheduled to begin in early January 2027 and run through December 2027.

February 2027: ClimateCAP MBA Summit

The in-person Summit is scheduled for 5–6 February 2027 in New York City. Fellows are expected to purchase a Summit ticket and travel to the event.

Because the application window is short, applicants should not leave their project proposal, advisor confirmation or video statement until the final day.

10. Is There an Application Fee or Programme Cost?

According to the official ClimateCAP application page, there is no application fee or programme cost for the fellowship.

This means applicants do not pay an application charge to submit their materials, and the programme page does not list a general participation fee.

However, applicants should carefully distinguish this from the costs associated with attending the in-person ClimateCAP MBA Summit. The official fellowship structure states that fellows are expected to purchase a Summit ticket and travel to New York City.

Applicants should review the current programme information and clarify any questions about Summit arrangements, travel expenses and the fellowship award before accepting an appointment.

The official fellowship FAQ also explains that international participants may face limitations concerning the direct payment of monetary award funds because of applicable regulations. In certain circumstances, approved Summit-related travel and expenses and authorised project-related costs may instead be reimbursed up to an amount equal to the award’s value.

International applicants should read the official award policy carefully rather than assume that every participant will receive a monetary award in the same form.

11. How to Apply for the ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship 2027

The application process is entirely online. Prospective applicants should use the official application page to review the instructions and complete the required materials.

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Confirm that you are enrolled in an MBA programme and can meet the enrolment requirements for January–December 2027.

If you are a dual-degree student, enrolled in a one-year MBA or following a non-traditional academic calendar, review the official criteria to determine whether your situation qualifies for consideration.

Step 2: Choose a climate-and-business issue

Identify a specific issue that you want to explore during the fellowship.

Consider how the issue connects climate change with business strategy, investment, technology, entrepreneurship, policy, supply chains or another relevant field.

Choose a topic that genuinely interests you and that can be investigated within the fellowship’s time constraints.

Step 3: Identify a project advisor

Find an advisor whose expertise relates to your proposed topic. Discuss the project with them before submitting the application and confirm that they are willing to provide guidance during the fellowship year.

Prepare their contact information and the short advisor statement required by the application.

Step 4: Research the issue

Investigate what businesses, governments, nonprofits, investors and other stakeholders are already doing to address the problem.

Use relevant reports, credible sources, events or conversations to improve your understanding. Keep track of what you learn and how it influences your assumptions.

Step 5: Write the project proposal

Prepare the required 1,500–2,200-word proposal using the sections specified in the official instructions.

Ensure that each section addresses its assigned questions and stays within the stated word limits.

Step 6: Prepare the video and short answers

Record a video of no more than one minute answering the climate-and-business question prompt.

Prepare the three short responses, ensuring that each stays within the 1,200-character limit.

Step 7: Update your resume

Prepare a clear and accurate resume that highlights your education, experience, relevant skills and achievements.

Step 8: Review the fellow expectations

Read the programme expectations and complete the required acknowledgement.

Make sure you understand the time commitment, project requirements, cohort activities and Summit arrangements.

Step 9: Complete the online application

Visit the official application page, enter the required information and submit all requested materials through the prescribed process.

Step 10: Submit before 26 October 2026

Do not wait until the last moment. Allow enough time to review your application, check the word counts, confirm your advisor’s details and ensure that your video and supporting documents are ready.

Official application link: https://www.climatecap.org/application

12. Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application

Although selection cannot be guaranteed, applicants can improve the quality of their submissions by following the official instructions and presenting a clear, thoughtful application.

Choose a focused topic

Avoid selecting a topic that is so broad that it becomes difficult to investigate within one academic year.

For example, rather than proposing to solve climate change, an applicant might examine a specific question about renewable energy financing, climate-smart agriculture, circular economy business models or climate-risk management in a particular industry.

Demonstrate critical thinking

Explain not only what the problem is but also why it persists. Consider the incentives, institutional barriers, trade-offs and competing priorities that make it difficult to address.

Use evidence

Support the proposal with relevant research, reports, observations and external engagement. Clearly distinguish established evidence from personal assumptions or questions that still require investigation.

Show a willingness to learn

The programme does not expect applicants to have all the answers. Identify what remains uncertain and explain how the fellowship would help you investigate those questions.

Make the project achievable

Describe a realistic output that can be completed during the fellowship year. Consider the recommended weekly time commitment and avoid promising outcomes that depend on resources or partnerships you do not yet have.

Explain your personal motivation

Show how the topic connects to your experience, interests or future career plans. A strong application should make clear why the issue matters to you and why the fellowship is a suitable environment for exploring it.

Identify a relevant advisor

Choose an advisor whose knowledge can help you examine the project critically. Discuss the proposed scope with them before applying and ensure they understand the commitment required.

Follow the instructions precisely

Respect all word limits, answer every question, prepare the required video and acknowledge the fellow expectations. A well-written proposal should still be accompanied by a complete application package.

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13. Why the ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship May Be Valuable for Future Business Leaders

Climate-related decisions are increasingly relevant across different sectors of the global economy. Business leaders may need to assess climate risks, evaluate new technologies, make investment decisions, develop sustainable products, rethink supply chains and respond to changing regulations and market expectations.

For MBA students, understanding these issues can complement traditional business training and support the development of skills relevant to a changing professional environment.

The ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship provides an opportunity to explore the relationship between climate and business through structured learning, expert engagement, collaboration and practical project work.

Participants can investigate a topic relevant to their intended career, develop their ability to analyse complex problems and communicate their findings through a public-facing project.

The fellowship may be particularly relevant to students interested in:

• Sustainable business strategy.
• Climate finance and investment.
• Renewable energy and clean technology.
• Climate-related entrepreneurship.
• Environmental, social and governance considerations.
• Sustainable agriculture and food systems.
• Circular economy and resource efficiency.
• Climate policy and business regulation.
• Climate resilience and risk management.
• Sustainability consulting and corporate leadership.

The programme does not guarantee employment or a particular career outcome. However, the combination of learning, mentorship, cohort engagement and applied project experience can help participants develop a stronger understanding of climate-related business challenges.

14. Official Links and Contact Information

Applicants should use the following official resources to verify programme details and complete their applications.

ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship 2027 application page:
https://www.climatecap.org/application

ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship overview:
https://www.climatecap.org/mba-fellowship

Fellowship eligibility criteria:
https://www.climatecap.org/fellowship-criteria

Fellowship structure:
https://www.climatecap.org/fellowship-structure

Official contact email:
climatecap@duke.edu

The official website contains the programme information, application instructions, eligibility details and guidance for preparing the climate-action project proposal.

Applicants with questions about their academic circumstances, project eligibility, advisor requirements or participation arrangements should contact ClimateCAP directly.

Conclusion

The ClimateCAP MBA Fellowship 2027 is an international professional development opportunity for MBA students who want to build their understanding of climate change and its implications for business. Managed by the ClimateCAP Initiative at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, the programme combines learning sessions, expert engagement, cohort collaboration, mentorship and a self-directed climate-action project.

The fellowship is designed for students who want to move beyond general interest in sustainability and investigate a specific climate-and-business challenge. Through their projects, fellows can explore issues such as climate finance, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy business models, climate technology and other areas where business decisions intersect with climate action.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the project proposal, which requires 1,500–2,200 words and includes an analysis of the issue, the reasons it persists, existing efforts, the proposed project direction, personal learning goals and advisor information. They must also prepare a resume, acknowledge the fellow expectations, answer three short questions and submit a video statement of no more than one minute.

The programme welcomes MBA students from different countries and geographical regions. Previous professional experience in the climate sector is not mandatory, but applicants should demonstrate academic ability, research and communication skills, self-motivation, an interest in climate leadership and the ability to develop a realistic project.

Applications close on 26 October 2026, and selected fellows are expected to be notified in early December 2026. The fellowship is scheduled to run from January to December 2027.

Students interested in combining business education with climate leadership should review the eligibility criteria, identify a relevant project advisor and prepare their application materials as soon as possible.

Discover more fellowship opportunity like this on Opportunity for youth here.