WWF Conservation is inviting applications for its Conservation Funding Programs through the Russell E. Train Education for Nature (EFN) Program. These competitive fellowships support emerging conservation leaders, researchers, and practitioners pursuing master’s and doctoral studies focused on biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, Indigenous knowledge, and community-led conservation.
The program provides substantial financial support for graduate education and research while helping build the next generation of global conservation professionals.
About the WWF Conservation Funding Program
The Russell E. Train Education for Nature (EFN) Program was established to strengthen conservation leadership in biodiversity-rich regions by supporting talented individuals committed to protecting nature and improving livelihoods.
Through the Conservation Futures Fellowship and other targeted funding initiatives, WWF invests in graduate education, applied research, and leadership development that contribute to long-term conservation solutions.
Fellows also become part of WWF’s international network of conservation professionals, researchers, and practitioners working across the globe.
Conservation Futures Fellowship
The WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship supports graduate-level studies for individuals committed to advancing conservation through collaborative research and community partnerships.
The fellowship emphasizes:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Indigenous knowledge systems
- Community-led conservation
- Sustainable natural resource management
- Environmental leadership
- Climate resilience
- Place-based conservation strategies
- Co-creation of conservation solutions
- Local and traditional ecological knowledge
Funding Benefits
Selected fellows may receive funding for:
- Tuition and university fees
- Living expenses
- Books and academic materials
- Field research costs
- Data collection
- Research equipment
- Conservation project expenses
Funding is available for:
- Master’s degree: Up to 2 years
- PhD degree: Up to 3 years
Applicants may request up to USD 30,000 per year, depending on the proposed research and program requirements.
Eligible Applicants
The fellowship is open to individuals who:
- Are already enrolled in, admitted to, or planning to enroll in a master’s or PhD program.
- Intend to conduct research related to conservation.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Are committed to working with Indigenous peoples and local communities.
- Focus on practical conservation solutions.
Eligible Countries
Applications are accepted from candidates from the following countries:
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chile
- Colombia
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ecuador
- Fiji
- French Guiana
- Gabon
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Laos
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Republic of Congo
- Suriname
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Vietnam
- Zambia
Research Areas
WWF encourages research in areas including:
- Wildlife conservation
- Biodiversity protection
- Climate change adaptation
- Protected area management
- Forest conservation
- Marine conservation
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Community conservation
- Environmental governance
- Ecosystem restoration
- Human-wildlife coexistence
- Indigenous resource management
- Conservation policy
- Natural resource management
Human-Wildlife Conflict Fellowship (Uganda)
WWF also offers a specialized master’s fellowship aimed at strengthening conservation science capacity in Uganda.
Focus Area
The fellowship supports research on:
- Human-elephant conflict
- Human-wildlife coexistence
- Wildlife conservation
- Community-based conservation
- Agricultural livelihoods
- Conservation management around Murchison Falls National Park
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be Ugandan nationals.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, ecology, conservation, zoology, or geography.
- Be enrolled in, admitted to, or have applied for a master’s program at an accredited institution in Uganda.
Funding
Successful applicants may receive:
- Up to USD 15,000 per year
- Funding for up to 2 years
The funding can support:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Research costs
- Books and study materials
Fellowship Community
WWF fellows become members of a global network of conservation leaders, gaining opportunities for:
- International collaboration
- Professional networking
- Leadership development
- Knowledge exchange
- Conservation partnerships
- Long-term career support
Why Apply?
The WWF Conservation Funding Program offers participants the opportunity to:
- Receive generous graduate funding.
- Conduct impactful conservation research.
- Work alongside local communities.
- Build international conservation networks.
- Strengthen leadership skills.
- Contribute to biodiversity protection.
- Develop practical solutions to environmental challenges.
- Advance careers in conservation science and environmental leadership.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Review the fellowship guidelines.
- Confirm eligibility requirements.
- Prepare research and study plans.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit all required supporting documents before the application deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the funding guidelines before applying.
Application Timeline
For the most recent funding cycle:
- Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
- Notification of Results: July 2026
Future application dates may vary and should be confirmed through WWF’s official Education for Nature Program announcements.
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