Deadline: February 28, 2014
The Russell E. Train Fellowships support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation. Each year, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) supports committed conservationists from target countries to receive financial support for their studies and field research. Applicants can apply to attend any university around the world and must return to their home countries to work in conservation for at least two years after completing their degree.
Applicants from select WWF-US priority countries must meet all of the eligibility criteria to be considered for a grant.
Participating Countries
- Botswana
- Cambodia
- Democratic Republic of Congo (en Françias)
- MesoAmerican Reef – Belize, Guatemala, Honduras (en español)
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Zambia
Special Fellowship Opportunity for Current & Aspiring University Faculty: Eligible countries include: Africa (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Dem. Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Zambia); Asia (Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam); and Latin America (Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyanas, Honduras, Peru, Suriname)
Eligibility
Eligible candidates must submit a completed online application which includes two letters of recommendation, a signed personal service agreement, academic transcripts, and CV or resume. Please note that eligibility criteria vary by country. Be sure you submit all relevant documentation as noted under the guidelines for your country.
To be eligible for a Train Fellowship, all applicants must:
- be a citizen and legal permanent resident of a participating country
- have a minimum of two years of work experience in conservation and a clear interest in working in your home country or region
- be enrolled, admitted, or have applied to an institution of higher education before submitting your application
- begin studies within one year (by January 2015) from the application deadline
Additional Criteria
- Individuals who have received a fellowship or scholarship from EFN in the past and who wish to pursue a second degree are NOT eligible.
- Applicants who have received EFN professional development grants (short-term training grants) in the past ARE eligible to apply.
- Current WWF employees, consultants, and employees seconded to WWF should contact EFN before applying.
Selection Criteria
Train Fellows are selected through a competitive, merit-based process. An independent, interdisciplinary panel of experts is convened in each country to review applications and to identify the top candidates based on the following criteria:
- Professional qualifications as evidenced by previous and current conservation-related positions, references from colleagues in the field, publications, and other sources.
- Demonstrated leadership through involvement in community and volunteer activities, the workplace, local and national government, and other areas.
- Prior academic achievement as shown by grades, academic awards, references from teachers and professors, and so on.
- Motivation and commitment to contribute to conservation in a participating country and to share what is learned with others in their field and in their home communities.
- Potential impact of proposed study/research on conservation efforts in the home country or region.
For more information, click here.
