British Council Launches Climate Skills Grants to Empower Global Youth

The British Council has announced a major new funding initiative. The Climate Skills Global Collaboration Grants for 2026 aim to tackle the global green skills gap. Applications are open now with a deadline of November 17, 2025.

This program will fund international partnerships. The goal is to create structured work and entrepreneurship experiences for young people. It focuses on building sustainable career pathways in the green economy.

Grant Structure and Partnership Goals

Grants ranging from £50,000 to £85,000 are available. These funds support collaborations between the UK and five key partner countries. The partner nations are Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and Viet Nam.

According to Reuters, the global transition to a low-carbon economy requires massive workforce retraining. This initiative directly addresses that need. It fosters mutual knowledge exchange between institutions and young people.

Eligible projects must be joint proposals. A lead UK institution and a lead partner country institution must apply together. Additional organizations can join as part of a larger consortium.

Broader Impact on Green Employment

The program’s design ensures benefits for all participants. Young people aged 18 to 30 in both the UK and partner countries will gain vital experience. This builds a generation of workers ready for green jobs.

The long-term effect is a more resilient global workforce. It helps close identified skills gaps in emerging green industries. Strategic partnerships between educational and training bodies are the core of this effort.

This initiative promises significant economic and environmental benefits. It equips young people with the tools to drive sustainable development. The focus is on creating lasting, impactful collaborations.

The new Climate Skills Grants represent a critical investment in our collective future. By uniting international partners, the program aims to build a robust pipeline for green talent. This effort is essential for a sustainable global economy.

Info at your fingertips

What is the application deadline for the grants?

The deadline for applications is November 17, 2025. All required documents must be submitted by this date. The grants themselves will be awarded for activities in 2026.

Which countries are eligible for partnership?

Lead partner institutions must be based in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, or Viet Nam. The collaboration must be with a lead UK institution. Consortia can include additional organizations.

What types of activities will the grants fund?

Funding supports creating green work experience or entrepreneurship training. Projects must be co-designed and delivered by the partner institutions. The focus is on industry-aligned opportunities for youth.

Who is the target beneficiary of this program?

The program is designed for young people aged 18 to 30. Opportunities must be available for youth in both the UK and the partner country. The aim is to provide structured pathways into green careers.

What is the total funding amount available per grant?

Successful partnerships can receive grants between £50,000 and £85,000. The exact amount depends on the scope and scale of the proposed project. Funds are for establishing or developing collaborations.

Trusted Sources

British Council, Reuters