Future17 is an international experiential learning programme that brings together students from leading universities around the world to tackle real sustainability challenges set by global organisations.
Delivered by QS in partnership with a consortium of international universities, Future17 gives you the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, multicultural teams on live projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over 12 weeks, you'll develop practical skills, gain international experience and contribute to solutions for real-world sustainability challenges.
Whether you're interested in climate action, technology, business, public policy, health, education or social justice, Future17 offers the chance to apply your knowledge beyond the classroom while working with students from across the globe.
As a Future17 participant, you will:
- Work on a real project with an international organisation, charity, NGO or business.
- Collaborate with students from universities around the world.
- Develop highly valued employability skills including teamwork, intercultural communication, problem solving and project management.
- Gain experience working with academic and industry mentors.
- Strengthen your CV with international project experience.
- Build your global professional network.
- Contribute to solutions that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Future17 runs over approximately 12 weeks and is delivered entirely online, making it accessible alongside your studies.
The programme includes:
- An online, self-paced induction focused on professional skills, sustainability and international collaboration.
- Working in a team with around five other students from a range of disciplines and universities around the world, guided by one or two academic mentors from across the global network of partner institutions.
- Working with a business partner – for example, a corporate organisation, charity, or NGO, located anywhere in the world – on a real-world SDG challenge set by the partner.
- Collaboratively developing a practical solution to a real sustainability challenge.
- A final presentation and short report showcasing your team's recommendations to your project partner.
Applications are open to all LSE undergraduate students who are interested in sustainability, global collaboration and developing their professional skills.
You do not need to be studying environmental subjects. Future17 welcomes students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, recognising that today's global challenges require diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary thinking.
LSE recruits for two Future17 cohorts each academic year.
September cohort:
Applications open: 10 August
- Applications close: 7 September
- Programme begins: 28 September
- Programme ends: 1 December
January cohort:
- Applications open: 19 October
- Applications close: 23 November
- Programme begins early February 2027 (exact date TBC)
Applications are completed using the online form below.
Before applying, please ensure you have read the programme information carefully and are able to commit to the full duration of the programme.
After the submission deadline has passed, a panel of LSE academics and staff will review your application. The panel is looking for students who are able to demonstrate:
- Interest in the UN SDGs: a clear interest in any one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)
- Collaboration & communication skills: potential to be an effective communicator and collaborator in an interdisciplinary team environment
- Leadership potential: interest in developing skills connected to future leadership
- Analytical skills: potential to think analytically and systematically across disciplinary boundaries
- Creativity & critical thinking: potential to think creatively and challenge assumptions
Once the selection panel has met to review all applications, you will receive an email on or before 16 September informing you of the outcome of your application.
[Future17 Application Form]
Future17 was launched in 2022 by the charity arm of higher education thought leaders and rankings organisation QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), in conjunction with the University of Exeter. LSE joined the programme in 2026.
If you have any questions about Future17 or the application process, please contact:
Emily Harrison, Future17 Project Manager - e.harrison1@lse.ac.uk
