Course(s) Offered: Conservation, related fields
Course Level: Postgraduate (masters, doctoral, fellowships, research)
Provider: Education for Nature (EFN)
Country to Study in: Any country
Scholarship Description
Russell E. Train Fellowships support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation.
Each year, 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.
Eligibility
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
- submit all required documents by the application deadline (February 28, 2014)
- 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.
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.
ONLY citizens and legal residents of participating countries, which inclde:
- Botswana,
- Cambodia,
- Democratic Republic of Congo (en Françias),
- MesoAmerican Reef - Belize, Guatemala, Honduras (en español)
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Zambia
Any university anywhere in the world
Fields of study
Master’s or doctoral level study in Conservation and related fields (eg fishery management, etc)
Number of awards
Not specified by provider, however, several will be granted.
Sponsorship duration
Up to 2 years
Scholarship benefits
Applicants may request up to US $30,000 per year.
In addition to supporting educational costs, EFN offers a full-range of services to its grantees. As part of their awards, Train Fellows receive:
- Financial support for tuition, books, travel (to and from training institution), and room and board for their academic programs for up to two years;
- Costs for field research when required by the academic institution;
- Networking opportunities to meet with other EFN grantees, alumni, and WWF staff through periodic regional gatherings; and
- Ongoing professional development support through the EFN Alumni Program.
Applicants whose total annual educational costs exceed $20,000 must show that they have requested or secured funding from additional sources, or can contribute personally to their education costs.
Method of Application
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. Read the guidelines and instructions carefully.
For guidelines, eligibility, and access to the online application, visit the official website via the link provided below. Note that criteria may vary by country. Read all guidelines carefully.
DEADLINES:
All required documents MUST be submitted on or before the application deadline of FEBRUARY 28, 2014. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
PLEASE NOTE:
Please review all guidelines for your country or topic before completing an application.
WWF's mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth. Their vision is to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature.
Contact
For more information and/or education on Russell E. Train Fellowships and other opportunities through the Education for Nature Program, send an email message to: efn@wwfus.org. Please include your country of origin.
Application Deadline: 28 February 2014
Open to International Applicants: Yes
More Scholarship Information and Application
Related: WWF Scholarships for Nature Conservation for Developing and Emerging Economies