Top 10 Global Destinations to Study Sustainability

Choosing to study abroad can be one of the most pivotal decisions in one’s academic and professional journey. Pursuing a degree in sustainability in an international setting provides the opportunity to attend distinguished universities and explore innovative solutions for our planet's challenges.

There are many notable benefits of studying abroad if you’re in the sustainability field. Travelling can provide you with the following:

• A Global Perspective: Sustainability is local in nature. Studying abroad lets you see how other countries handle climate change, energy consumption, and biodiversity. Such a global perspective will make you a multi-faceted expert.

• Hands-On Experience: Most countries offer practical experience in renewable energy plants or local conservation activities. Apprenticeships, in particular, can set you apart on the job market, especially if you plan to work abroad once you graduate.
• Networking Opportunities: Studying abroad will create an international network of peers, professors, and sustainability leaders. This circle could get you jobs overseas in foreign agencies, governments or environmental organisations.
• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technologies: Germany, Japan, and Denmark all operate at the forefront of environmentally sound innovation. Studying in these countries will allow you to learn about the science and benefit from advanced renewable energy technology and conservation methods.
• Career Development: Employers prefer candidates with international experience. Studying abroad demonstrates to businesses that you are adaptable, culturally aware, and comfortable facing challenges—qualities highly valued in the sustainability sector. In many countries, you receive a work permit upon graduating from college.

By studying abroad, you’re committing not only to your studies but also to learning from experiences that can affect your future. If you want to help solve environmental challenges globally, experience different cultures, and learn first-hand, then going abroad is your place to begin.

NES Fircroft is an international recruitment firm that specialises in the sustainability sector. We’ve been in this industry for over a decade, using our global reach and vast experience to serve candidates worldwide. We have a reliable and thorough understanding of the sustainability industry, allowing us to recommend the best opportunities available. Here are the ten best places we recommend for studying sustainability abroad:

1. Sweden

Sweden is one of the most sustainable nations on Earth. Colleges like Lund University provide renewable energy, environmental management and sustainable development degrees. Sweden has a comprehensive renewable energy strategy, and as of 2022, approximately 66% of Sweden's gross final energy consumption was derived from renewable sources, including hydropower, wind, biofuels, and heat pumps. This makes Sweden an ideal place to study and provides the opportunity to be immersed in an environment with a deep commitment to sustainability (Eurostat). According to the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), Sweden is ranked 6th globally with an EPI score of 70.3, reflecting its strong commitment to environmental health and ecosystem vitality (EPI).

2. Germany

Germany is the engineering and technological leader in green energy and technology. Colleges like the Technical University of Munich offer advanced environmental science, sustainability engineering and energy management degrees. Germany’s environmental and progressive policies open many opportunities for working abroad when you’re done studying. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action aims to have 80% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, providing numerous opportunities for sustainability graduates (BMWK).

3. Denmark

Copenhagen is one of the world's greenest cities, making Denmark an ideal location for sustainability students. Studies at the University of Copenhagen link sustainability with urban planning, clean energy and environmental policy. Denmark also has a lot of green startups that are excellent for work opportunities after graduation. Denmark is consistently ranked among the top 5 countries in the Environmental Performance Index, emphasising its commitment to sustainability (Harvard).

4. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is renowned for its lush cities and rivers. The Delft University of Technology and Wageningen University offer top programmes in environmental engineering, sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. With a focus on sustainability, the Netherlands is a great place to do your fieldwork abroad. Not to mention the Netherlands is also ranked fifth in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, showing its strong commitment to green energy transition.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand offers programmes for sustainability and biodiversity study, such as those at the University of Auckland and Massey University. Nature itself is an experiential laboratory of conservation, renewable energy and ecology. New Zealand is committed to protecting its biodiversity, with approximately 30% of its land area designated as protected areas for conservation. This strong focus on biodiversity and programmes like those at the Universities make New Zealand an ideal destination for sustainability and biodiversity studies (Department of Conservation New Zealand).

6. Australia

Another green-conscious nation is Australia. The Universities of Melbourne and the Australian National University provide rigorous degrees in climate science, sustainability management and renewable energy. Australia’s growing sustainability sector makes it simple to work abroad after graduation. In 2022, Australia invested $7.8 billion in renewable energy projects, highlighting its commitment to the sustainability sector (Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources).

7. Canada

One of the most attractive destinations for sustainability students is Canada, a nation committed to green energy and environmental policy. Colleges such as the University of British Columbia and McGill University have longstanding programmes in sustainable development, environmental science and renewable energy. Wind and solar energy have seen rapid growth in Canada, with the Canadian Renewable Energy Association reporting that wind power has become the largest source of new electricity generation for over a decade (CanREA).

8. Costa Rica

Costa Rica, renowned worldwide for its commitment to conservation and renewable energy, has unique sustainability programs. Colleges such as the University for Peace offer practical education on topics such as sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and ecotourism. Costa Rica is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to study sustainability abroad. Since 2014, Costa Rica has consistently generated over 98% of its electricity from renewable sources, with approximately 67.5% coming from hydropower in 2019, making it an exemplary location for sustainability studies (Borgen Project).

9. United Kingdom

The UK is home to several leading universities recognised for their excellence in sustainability education:

• University of Sussex: First in the world for Development Studies and 3rd in the UK for sustainable institutions, showing its excellence in sustainability education.
• University of Edinburgh: Scored highest for social impact among UK universities and in the top 10 globally for environmental impact due to a full-fledged sustainability programme (2022).
• University of Manchester: Ranked world number 1 in sustainability in the 2021 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for their environmental and social stewardship.

These universities have a range of climate change, environmental law, and energy systems programmes that equip students with the knowledge and skills to confront global sustainability issues. Students also have many opportunities to take work-away placements in the UK’s thriving sustainability sector.

10. Japan

Japan is at the forefront of environmental technology and green innovation. Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo have influential research centres in sustainable energy, urban planning and environmental engineering. A highly ambitious country with sustainable ambitions, Japan offers a perfect environment for student job seekers in green global enterprises. Japan has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, which ensures a growing demand for sustainability professionals (Japan Ministry of the Environment).

Want To Know More?

Looking to pursue a career in sustainability and work abroad? Studying sustainability at top international institutions can lead you to a rewarding, impactful career. Explore your options and discover global job opportunities with the help of NES Fircroft, a leader in green energy recruitment.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you find the best opportunities to shape your career in sustainability and positively impact the planet.