Russell Train Conservation Fellowships (Upto $30,000 per year) for Africans, Asians and Latin Americans

Train Fellowships

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
Each year, WWF supports committed conservationists from target countries to receive financial support for their studies and field research. The Russell E. Train Fellowships support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation.

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.

Because funds are limited, Train Fellows are encouraged to contribute to their educational expenses with personal or family funds when possible. In addition, EFN also strongly advises applicants to seek funding from other sources.

Eligibility
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 2017.
• 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 (March 1, 2016).

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, and references from professors.
• 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.

Eligible groups
Citizens and legal residents of eligible developing countries - please see official website for specific countries

Participating Institutions
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 applicants 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.

It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete information, and to read current guidelines, country/competition-specific eligibility, and access to the Online Application Form.

DEADLINES:
All required documents MUST be submitted on or before the application deadline of MARCH 1, 2016. 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.

Application Deadline: 1 March 2016
Open to International Applicants: Yes

More Scholarship Information and Application

Related: WWF Nature Conservation Scholarships for Developing Economies