Top Short ESG Courses in 2025

Whether you work in investment banking, asset management, or corporate strategy, understanding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors is quickly becoming an essential part of the job. But here’s the catch: most ESG certifications are long, expensive, and time-intensive, and not everyone has that kind of time.

If you’re looking to get up to speed on ESG without spending weeks buried in coursework, you’re in luck. There are several short ESG courses out there in 2025 that are worth your time – all are quick, practical and built with finance professionals in mind.

1.        Financial Edge ESG Certificate

Gain a solid foundation in ESG analysis, investing, and portfolio construction with a clear focus on driving long-term shareholder value. Learn directly from former industry professionals and earn a skills-based certificate recognized by the top four investment banks.

• Length: 3 hours
• Format: Online, self-paced, CPE credits available
• Cost: £129 (Financial Edge seasonal discounts are available)
• Best for: Analysts and Associates in Banking, Asset Management, and Private Equity

2.       Corporate ESG and Sustainability – 101 Level Masterclass

Learn how to integrate ESG and sustainability into corporate strategy with this practical Udemy course, ideal for professionals aiming to balance profit and purpose in today’s evolving business landscape.

• Length: 4h 22m
• Format: Online, self-paced
• Cost: Around $20 (varies with Udemy discounts)
• Best for: Business leaders, ESG professionals, and sustainability-focused managers seeking actionable ESG frameworks and insights

3. Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

Offered by the University of Cambridge, this online course equips finance professionals with the tools to align financial decision-making with sustainability goals and drive long-term, responsible economic transformation.

• Length: 8 weeks online, 8–10 hours per week
• Format: Online, instructor-led with weekly modules
• Cost: Available on request
• Best for: The course is applicable to professionals within the finance sector, as well as others interested in harnessing sustainable finance initiatives to bring about positive change.

4.    Wharton Executive Education – ESG Essentials

A high-impact, short program designed for professionals who want to grasp ESG fundamentals through a strategic, business-focused lens. Delivered by Wharton faculty, it blends academic rigor with practical insights for today’s finance and corporate decision-makers.

• Length: 4 weeks online, 3 hours per week, plus additional asynchronous hours
• Format: Online, cohort-based
• Cost: $4,500
• Best for: Participants will acquire not just the analytical skill sets but also the communications playbook needed to effectively articulate the implications of ESG factors to key stakeholders.

5.    Principles of Sustainable Finance

Offered by Erasmus University, this concise course explores sustainable finance through investor and shareholder perspectives, covering key concepts like true pricing, materiality, and long-term value creation with rich case studies and readings.

• Length: Over 16 hours
• Format: Self-paced, online
• Cost: Available on Request
• Best for: Participants with analytical skills

Conclusion

Whether you want to understand ESG reporting, integrate ESG into investment models, or simply build fluency in sustainability language, these concise programs can help you take the next step fast. Start with the course that aligns with your role, time constraints, and long-term goals, and build from there.