Deadline:
December 18, 2025
Location(s)
Worldwide
Overview
Russell E. Train Fellowships support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation and related fields. Each year, WWF supports committed conservation leaders and scientists from target countries to receive financial support for their studies and research.
Details
To strengthen local capacity in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and Caribbean, WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) seeks to support current and aspiring faculty members to pursue their PhD in-country, regionally, or globally. The objective of this competitive fellowship is to advance the development of a critical mass of outstanding and well-trained experts, natural and social scientists, and practitioners who will continue to increase the learning, research, and engagement in conservation science and leadership.
The fellowship is open to nationals of eligible countries within WWF-US priority areas who are already enrolled/are interested in enrolling in a PhD program. Eligible countries include: Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Dem. 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, and Zambia.
The deadline to apply is December 18, 2025 by 11:59 PM US Eastern Time. Applicants may apply for up to three years of funding and request up to $30,000 per year. The amount of funding approved will vary. Accepted applicants will be notified by June 2026. Any questions about the application process or program should be directed to efn@wwfus.org.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for a Train Fellowship, you must meet the following criteria. Please note that eligibility criteria can vary by competition. Please also refer to specific competition guidelines to ensure you are eligible.
- You must be a citizen and legal permanent resident of an eligible country.
- You must have at least two years of conservation-related work or research experience.
- You must have a demonstrated commitment to working in conservation in an eligible country.
- Your research or academic program must address one of the focus areas listed in the guidelines.
- You must be enrolled in, admitted to, or have applied to a master’s or PhD program anywhere in the world.
- You must plan to begin your studies no later than January 2025.
- You must commit to working for at least two years in your home country after the completion of your degree.
- You must not have received a Train Fellowship or Scholarship in the past. Professional Development Grant recipients are eligible to apply.
- You must notify EFN if you are a WWF employee, consultant, or previous EFN grant recipient.
- You must submit all required documents by the application deadline.
Dates
Deadline: December 18, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Applicants may apply for up 3 to three years of funding and request up to $30,000 per year.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
