Top 10 ESG Courses to Attend Online in 2026 in London UK, Europe, USA, Canada and Singapore

Executive Summary

LONDON, February 20, 2026 — Environmental, Social, and Governance education has become essential for professionals navigating the rapidly evolving sustainability landscape. As regulatory frameworks tighten and investor expectations intensify, ESG expertise distinguishes leaders in finance, corporate strategy, and sustainability management across global markets. With PwC research indicating that 79 percent of investors now consider ESG factors material to investment decisions, the demand for structured professional development has never been greater.

• CFA Institute Sustainable Investing Certificate (formerly ESG Investing) leads industry certifications with global recognition across 170 countries, costing $890 for first-time candidates
• GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate addresses growing demand for climate-focused financial expertise with 7,000+ certified professionals globally
• GRI Certified Sustainability Professional programme delivers practical reporting skills with a fully updated 2025 curriculum covering ESRS, IFRS, and TCFD alignment
• University programmes from Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard provide executive-level strategic sustainability education ranging from $1,850 to $27,500
• SASB FSA Credential now administered by IFRS Foundation offers a two-level certification aligned with ISSB Standards S1 and S2
• Specialised courses in carbon accounting from GHGMI and corporate governance from INSEAD address emerging professional requirements
• Online platforms like Coursera deliver University of Michigan sustainability credentials with MasterTrack certificates offering graduate credit transfer

The global ESG training market continues its rapid expansion as mandatory sustainability disclosure requirements roll out across the European Union, United Kingdom, and Asia Pacific. Professional certifications and structured courses provide the knowledge foundation required to meet stakeholder expectations, navigate regulatory requirements, and drive sustainable value creation within organisations. As we discussed in our analysis of emerging technology sectors, professional education plays a critical role in industry development.

Top 10 ESG Courses Comparison – 2026

Rank	Course	Provider	Cost (USD)	Duration	Format
1	Sustainable Investing Certificate	CFA Institute	$890	100-130 hours	Online Self-Paced
2	SCR Certificate	GARP	~$600-800	100-150 hours	Online Self-Paced
3	Certified Sustainability Professional	GRI	~$1,350 (€1,250)	40 hours	Online / In-Person
4	Sustainability Leadership Executive	Cambridge CISL	$6,300+	8-27 weeks	Online / Hybrid
5	FSA Credential (Level I + II)	IFRS Foundation	$850-1,100	60-80 hours per level	Online Self-Paced
6	Sustainable Finance Executive	Oxford Smith School	~$10,800 (£8,500)	5 days intensive	In-Person
7	Sustainable Business Strategy	Harvard Business School	$1,850	3 weeks	Online Cohort
8	Carbon Accounting Diploma	GHGMI	$2,250-2,950	40-60 hours	Online Self-Paced
9	International Directors Programme	INSEAD	~$29,700 (€27,500)	10 days	In-Person
10	MasterTrack in Sustainability	U of Michigan / Coursera	$2,100	4-6 months	Online Self-Paced

1. CFA Institute Sustainable Investing Certificate

Provider: CFA Institute
Format: Online, Self-Paced
Duration: 100-130 hours recommended study
Cost: $890 (first-time registration); $690 retake
Website: cfainstitute.org

The CFA Institute Sustainable Investing Certificate — rebranded from the Certificate in ESG Investing in April 2025 — represents the gold standard for investment professionals seeking comprehensive sustainability expertise. Developed by the globally recognised CFA Institute, this programme equips participants with practical skills to integrate environmental, social, and governance considerations into investment analysis and portfolio management across all asset classes.

The 2026 curriculum spans nine core modules covering sustainability disclosure landscapes, environmental factors including climate change and biodiversity, social considerations from diversity to human rights, governance structures, engagement and stewardship practices, and critically, ESG-integrated portfolio construction. Chapter 7 on ESG Analysis, Valuation and Integration carries the highest exam weighting, requiring candidates to master ESG scorecards, risk mapping, security valuation adjustments, and data provider methodologies. The 2026 update introduced enhanced coverage of labelled bonds, green bonds, the "greenium" concept, derivatives usage in net-zero portfolios, and ESG indexes by asset class.

The examination comprises 100 multiple-choice questions delivered over 2 hours and 20 minutes, available year-round at Prometric test centres or via online proctoring. Third-party preparation providers including Kaplan Schweser offer supplementary study packages from $399 including video instruction, question banks, and mock examinations. Recognised across 170 countries by employers including BlackRock, State Street, and major pension funds, this certificate provides career-defining credentials for analysts, portfolio managers, and investment consultants. The UN Principles for Responsible Investment formally recognises the credential, and successful candidates receive a digital certificate and badge with no expiration date.

2. GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate

Provider: Global Association of Risk Professionals
Format: Online, Self-Paced with Exam Windows
Duration: 100-150 hours recommended study
Cost: Early/standard registration tiers; $350 retake fee
Website: garp.org/scr

The GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate addresses the surging demand for professionals equipped to assess and manage climate-related financial risks. GARP designed this programme to complement its established Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification with specialised sustainability expertise, and the SCR has rapidly grown to over 7,000 certified professionals globally since its launch.

The 2026 examination windows run April 18-26 and October 17-25, delivered both at Pearson VUE test centres and via online proctoring introduced in late 2025. The exam comprises 80 equally-weighted multiple-choice questions plus one multi-part case study, with a four-hour completion window. The curriculum covers eight core topic areas: climate change science and physical impacts, physical risk assessment methodologies, transition risk frameworks, sustainability reporting and ESG metrics, green finance and sustainable business models, carbon pricing and management systems, climate scenario analysis, and regulatory frameworks including TCFD recommendations and emerging ISSB requirements.

Participants develop competencies in carbon footprinting, stranded asset analysis, and climate stress testing methodologies employed by leading financial institutions. First-time GARP candidates receive six months of complimentary individual membership. The pass rate hovers around 50 percent, reflecting the rigorous technical depth expected. Kaplan Schweser and other approved preparation providers offer supplementary study materials. This certificate particularly serves risk managers, credit analysts, and compliance professionals requiring rigorous understanding of how climate change impacts financial stability across banking, insurance, and asset management sectors.

3. GRI Certified Sustainability Professional

Provider: Global Reporting Initiative
Format: Online (GRI Academy) and Instructor-Led (50+ countries)
Duration: 40 hours (core programme)
Cost: €1,250 full learning plan including exam (€250 exam only); discounts for students (25%), NGOs (15%), and GRI Community Members (25%)
Website: globalreporting.org

The GRI Certified Sustainability Professional programme delivers practical expertise in sustainability reporting aligned with the world's most widely adopted disclosure standards. GRI provides the framework used by over 10,000 organisations globally for transparent ESG communication with stakeholders, making this certification essential for reporting professionals navigating an increasingly complex disclosure environment.

Updated in July 2025, the programme now features five core courses: Introduction to Sustainability Reporting and the GRI Standards; Reporting with the GRI Standards covering materiality assessments and stakeholder engagement; Navigating the GRI Sector Standards for sector-specific impact reporting; a new module titled Transparency for Tomorrow: Decoding the Sustainability Reporting Landscape, addressing double materiality concepts and alignment between GRI, ESRS, IFRS, TCFD, and TNFD frameworks; and Reporting on Human Rights with the GRI Standards. Two learning routes are available — self-paced online via the GRI Academy platform, or instructor-led through GRI Certified Training Partners operating in over 50 countries with localised content and networking opportunities.

The certification exam comprises 40 questions including multiple choice, true/false, and sentence completion formats, with a 60-minute time limit and 75 percent passing threshold. Candidates may take the exam on-demand after completing coursework, with up to three retakes within six months. Certification is valid for one year and requires four Continuing Education Units for annual renewal. Available in English and Spanish, this programme serves sustainability managers, corporate communications professionals, assurance providers, and consultants preparing organisations for mandatory disclosure requirements under the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and similar regulations worldwide.

4. Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership Executive Education

Provider: University of Cambridge CISL
Format: Online, Hybrid, and In-Person
Duration: 3 days to 27 weeks depending on programme
Cost: From $6,300 AUD (Practitioner Programme) to executive-level pricing
Website: cisl.cam.ac.uk

The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership offers a portfolio of executive education programmes combining academic rigour with practical business application. CISL programmes attract senior leaders from multinational corporations seeking to embed sustainability into corporate strategy and operations, providing access to a global alumni network of over 40,000 professionals.

The flagship Sustainability Leadership Executive Programme, delivered online via the GetSmarter platform, runs 27 weeks with approximately 260 learning hours, covering systems thinking for sustainable transformation, resilient low-carbon business model design, and leadership in climate change contexts. Upcoming cohorts launch May and September 2026. The intensive Business and Sustainability Programme runs June 14-17, 2026 at Cambridge, specifically targeting C-suite executives including CFOs and Chief Advisors who do not hold sustainability-specific roles but need strategic understanding of sustainability trends and their business implications.

In January 2026, CISL announced a partnership with BSI to launch the BSI-CISL Sustainability Training Academy, expanding access to flagship sustainability courses. For professionals seeking formal academic credentials, CISL's part-time Master of Studies in Sustainability Leadership offers a two-year accredited postgraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, with applications now open for 2026 entry. The Sustainability Practitioner Programme runs March 2-4, 2026 in Melbourne at $6,300 AUD plus GST, providing intensive training with latest data on global sustainability challenges, practical frameworks, and bold business response strategies. These programmes serve C-suite executives, board members, sustainability practitioners, and senior managers requiring strategic frameworks to lead organisational transformation.

5. SASB FSA Credential

Provider: IFRS Foundation (formerly SASB)
Format: Online, Self-Paced with Testing Windows
Duration: 60-80 hours per level
Cost: Level I: $400-450; Level II: $500-650 (member/non-member pricing)
Website: ifrs.org

The Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential provides specialised expertise in industry-specific sustainability disclosure through a rigorous two-level certification. Now administered by the IFRS Foundation, the FSA credential forms a cornerstone of the emerging global sustainability reporting baseline alongside ISSB requirements, with SASB Standards, TCFD Framework, CDSB Framework, and Integrated Reporting principles all integrated into the curriculum.

Level I covers the sustainability disclosure landscape across four parts: the history and evolution of sustainability disclosure, the sustainability information ecosystem including ISSB and SASB frameworks, the design principles and objectives of IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards S1 and S2, and corporate and investor applications of material sustainability information. The examination features approximately 70 multiple-choice questions over two hours. Level II advances to analysis and valuation, featuring 53 questions across 13 mini case studies requiring candidates to identify material sustainability issues using a five-factor framework, evaluate comparability of ESG data, link SASB metrics to financial impacts across revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and cost of capital, and integrate findings into DCF and scenario analysis models.

Three testing windows run annually in January-February, May-June, and September-October at Pearson VUE centres or via online proctoring. AICPA/CIMA members receive discounts of $50 on Level I and $150 on Level II. Approved education providers including Earth Academy offer video courses, coaching, and 110+ mock questions. The IFRS Foundation additionally provides four free self-paced e-learning modules covering S1 and S2 basics. This credential serves financial analysts, investor relations professionals, auditors, and sustainability practitioners requiring deep expertise in the sustainability accounting standards increasingly demanded by institutional investors and regulatory authorities worldwide.

6. Oxford Sustainable Finance Executive Programme

Provider: University of Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment
Format: In-Person (Oxford) and Online
Duration: 5 days intensive (in-person); 7 weeks (online)
Cost: Approximately £8,500 (in-person); ~£2,100 (online)
Website: smithschool.ox.ac.uk

The Oxford Sustainable Finance Executive Programme delivers rigorous education on the integration of sustainability considerations into financial decision-making, operating as the premier global executive programme in this field since its launch in 2016. The Oxford Sustainable Finance Group at the Smith School designed this programme for senior finance professionals navigating the transition to a sustainable economy.

The flagship five-day intensive programme runs two cohorts in 2026: July 6-10 and September 28 to October 2, both held at Oxford. Participants explore sustainable investment strategies, ESG integration methodologies, climate risk assessment frameworks, and the evolving regulatory landscape across global financial markets. The experience includes candlelit college dinners, networking with senior practitioners from financial institutions, central banks, and regulatory bodies, and direct engagement with Oxford research faculty leading global sustainable finance research. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with candidates required to demonstrate programme relevance to their occupation or organisation.

For professionals requiring online flexibility, the Oxford Saïd Business School offers a seven-week ESG and Sustainable Financial Strategy course at approximately £2,100, with AICPA members eligible for 20-30 percent discounts. Additionally, Coursera hosts an Oxford-developed Sustainable Finance: Products, Instruments and Future Trends module providing accessible introduction to the field. This programme portfolio serves investment professionals, corporate finance leaders, civil servants, regulators, central bankers, and policy makers requiring comprehensive understanding of how environmental and social factors reshape financial markets and capital allocation decisions.

7. Harvard Business School Sustainable Business Strategy

Provider: Harvard Business School Online
Format: Online, Cohort-Based
Duration: 3 weeks (15-20 hours total)
Cost: $1,850
Website: online.hbs.edu

Harvard Business School Sustainable Business Strategy provides strategic frameworks for creating long-term value through sustainability leadership, taught by Professor Rebecca M. Henderson, the John and Natty McArthur University Professor at Harvard. HBS Online delivers Harvard faculty insights through an interactive learning platform using the renowned HBS case method, accessible to professionals worldwide.

The three-module curriculum examines how leading companies integrate environmental and social considerations into competitive strategy, operations, and stakeholder engagement. Participants develop the "Wheel of Change" framework for understanding how purpose-driven business models can simultaneously address climate change, income inequality, and social justice while maintaining profitability. The cohort-based format requires approximately seven to nine hours of engagement per week, including team-based assignments with three brief team meetings that connect participants across industries and geographies. Each module operates with weekly deadlines to maintain learning momentum.

For professionals seeking deeper credentials, Harvard offers the comprehensive CLIMB programme (Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business) at $15,000, running one year with Sustainable Business Strategy as one of seven core courses plus a capstone project. Additionally, Harvard Professional and Lifelong Learning lists the programme alongside broader sustainability offerings. Successful completers receive a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Business School Online. This programme serves business leaders, strategy professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking to understand how sustainability drives innovation, risk management, and competitive advantage in evolving market conditions shaped by climate transition and social expectations.

8. GHG Management Institute Carbon Accounting Certification

Provider: Greenhouse Gas Management Institute
Format: Online, Self-Paced with Lifetime Access
Duration: 40-60 hours (individual courses); 6-9 months (diploma programmes)
Cost: $300 per course (without exam); $435 with Certificate of Proficiency; $2,250-2,950 for diploma programmes
Website: ghginstitute.org

The GHG Management Institute delivers technical expertise essential for organisations measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, providing internationally recognised training aligned with the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 standards. GHGMI offers a comprehensive library of 16 self-paced courses with 24/7 access and lifetime course material availability, making it the most flexible carbon accounting education pathway available.

Three diploma programmes structure the learning: the Diploma in Carbon Management, the Diploma in GHG Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV), and the Diploma in GHG Accounting. Each requires passing seven examinations — three core and four elective — with a minimum 70 percent proficiency threshold. Typical completion takes six to nine months of part-time study, representing 18-28 days of dedicated study time. The specialised GHG Verification course (Course 401) provides enhanced training at $400 for the course alone or $750 with examination, preparing professionals for assurance and verification roles. Courses are available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

In early 2026, GHGMI partnered with the Environmental Careers Organization to launch the EP(GHG) — Environmental Professional in Greenhouse Gas Management — the first ISO 17024-compliant professional certification for carbon management practitioners, representing a significant advancement in professional standards. Financial aid through partial scholarships is available for students, non-profit employees, professionals from low and middle-income economies, and underrepresented groups. This certification portfolio serves sustainability managers, environmental consultants, operations professionals, and supply chain leaders responsible for organisational carbon accounting, science-based target development, and emissions reduction strategy implementation in response to stakeholder and regulatory requirements.

9. INSEAD International Directors Programme

Provider: INSEAD Business School
Format: In-Person (Fontainebleau, Singapore, Abu Dhabi)
Duration: 10 days (two modules of 5 days)
Cost: €27,500 (before taxes)
Website: insead.edu

The INSEAD International Directors Programme addresses the governance pillar of ESG with the most comprehensive board-level education available globally. INSEAD delivers world-class governance education through campuses in Fontainebleau (France), Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, with demand so strong that the January 2026 and December 2025 cohorts filled completely, and multiple 2026 sessions are now accepting applications.

The programme spans three focused modules covering board effectiveness and composition, decision-making and oversight mechanisms, and individual director effectiveness in complex governance environments. Participants engage with governance experts and peers from multinational corporations, listed companies, government agencies, and non-profit organisations to explore emerging challenges including climate governance responsibilities, board-level ESG oversight, diversity requirements under evolving regulations, executive compensation alignment with sustainability objectives, and stakeholder management in an era of heightened scrutiny. Available 2026 sessions include April 20 and June 8-15 across multiple campus locations, with additional cohorts in October and November.

Successful completion makes participants eligible to apply for the INSEAD Certificate in Corporate Governance, a globally recognised credential for board professionals. INSEAD additionally offers the Leading from the Chair programme (3 days, €9,500) for experienced board chairs, the Aspiring Directors Programme for professionals with limited board experience, and Corporate Strategy for Board Members (5 days, June 2026). This programme portfolio serves board chairs, non-executive directors, corporate secretaries, and governance professionals requiring practical guidance on fulfilling fiduciary duties as ESG considerations become integral to board-level decision-making across all sectors.

10. University of Michigan MasterTrack Certificate in Sustainability and Development (Coursera)

Provider: University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability via Coursera
Format: Online, Self-Paced
Duration: 4-6 months (2 years maximum to complete)
Cost: $2,100
Website: seas.umich.edu

The University of Michigan MasterTrack Certificate in Sustainability and Development provides an accessible yet academically rigorous pathway into sustainability education through the Coursera platform. This programme delivers graduate-level content at a fraction of traditional university costs, enabling professionals worldwide to develop foundational and intermediate ESG knowledge with a pathway to a full master's degree.

The programme comprises five to six core courses beginning with Beyond Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the required gateway module, followed by Conservation and Sustainable Development examining biodiversity conservation and payment for ecosystem services, Gender and Quality Education for Sustainability addressing colonial education legacies and equitable access, and Methods and Skills in Sustainability and Development covering data collection, impact measurement, and life cycle assessment methodologies. Two capstone projects require analysing real-world Michigan sustainability cases, demonstrating practical competency in sustainability analysis and strategy development.

Critically, successful completion of this MasterTrack certificate earns six transferable graduate credits towards the University of Michigan SEAS Master of Science programme in Sustainability and Development, should participants subsequently gain admission. Pre-recorded coursework with virtual teaching assistant office hours provides flexibility for working professionals, while the co-branded digital credential from the University of Michigan and Coursera carries institutional recognition. The University of Michigan additionally offers the Green Skills for a Sustainable and Just Future Specialisation on Coursera, covering sustainability leadership development, environmental economics, environmental justice, and GIS applications, available through Coursera Plus. Graduates of Michigan SEAS programmes work at organisations including the Rocky Mountain Institute, MacArthur Foundation, and Pew Charitable Trusts in roles spanning social impact analysis, sustainability practice leadership, and ESG management. Coursera financial aid is available for eligible applicants.

Additional Notable ESG Courses in 2026

Beyond the top ten, several programmes merit attention for professionals seeking specialised or regional ESG expertise. The PRI Academy offers courses aligned with the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, providing practical guidance for signatories implementing responsible investment practices. CDP provides training on environmental disclosure for companies and cities participating in its reporting framework, covering climate change, water security, and deforestation questionnaire responses.

Singapore Management University delivers Asia-focused ESG programmes addressing regional regulatory developments across ASEAN markets. London Business School offers executive education combining sustainability with finance and strategy for European-focused professionals. The Climate Bonds Initiative provides green bond training essential for fixed-income professionals navigating the rapidly growing sustainable debt market. ISACA's IT governance and sustainability risk programmes address the intersection of technology governance and ESG compliance requirements.

ESG Education Market Growth – 2024–2028 Projections

Metric	2024	2026 (Est.)	2028 (Proj.)	CAGR
Global ESG Training Market	$1.2B	$1.8B	$2.7B	22%
ESG Certification Holders (Global)	85,000+	140,000+	220,000+	27%
Corporate ESG Training Spend	$450M	$680M	$1.1B	25%
Online ESG Course Enrolments	320,000	580,000	950,000	31%

Why This Matters

The ESG education landscape in 2026 represents a maturing market where professional certifications carry increasing weight in hiring and promotion decisions. Mandatory sustainability disclosure requirements under the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, the SEC climate disclosure rules, and ISSB Standards adoption across major economies create urgent demand for qualified professionals. Organisations that invest in ESG training position their teams at the forefront of sustainability leadership, gaining competitive advantage through enhanced risk management, stakeholder trust, and regulatory compliance.

As we noted in our coverage of AI adoption trends, professional education increasingly intersects with technology-driven transformation across industries, and the ESG sector is no exception.

References

1. CFA Institute – Sustainable Investing Certificate
2. GARP – Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate
3. GRI – Professional Certification Programme
4. Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
5. IFRS Foundation – FSA Credential
6. Oxford Smith School – Sustainable Finance Executive Programme
7. Harvard Business School Online – Sustainable Business Strategy
8. GHG Management Institute
9. INSEAD – International Directors Programme
10. University of Michigan – MasterTrack Certificate
11. PwC – ESG Investor Survey
12. Kaplan Schweser – Sustainable Investing Certificate Prep
13. Earth Academy – FSA Credential Preparation
14. GHG Protocol