WWF Fellowship Programs: Supporting Global Leaders in Conservation and Sustainability

The Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN), a flagship initiative of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), offers various fellowship programs to support future leaders in conservation. These fellowships provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees, empowering them to address global environmental challenges through advanced education and research. Below are three key fellowship opportunities:

The Russell E. Train Fellowships aim to support committed conservation leaders from WWF priority countries. This program provides financial aid to master’s and PhD students pursuing degrees in conservation and related fields. Each year, WWF helps scientists and leaders further their studies and research, enabling them to contribute to the sustainable management and protection of natural resources.

The WWF Food Systems Fellowship focuses on the social, cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions of food systems at the national level. This fellowship supports students pursuing graduate-level research aimed at understanding the localized nature of food systems and transformation. Open to applicants from WWF-US priority countries, fellows can receive up to $30,000 per year for two years. The deadline for applications is December 18, 2024.

The WWF Current and Aspiring University Faculty Fellowship is designed to strengthen local capacity in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This fellowship supports faculty members pursuing a PhD in conservation, with up to $30,000 per year available for three years. It seeks to build a critical mass of highly trained conservation scientists and practitioners to enhance learning and research in conservation leadership. Applications are due by December 18, 2024.

Additionally, WWF’s EFN has launched the Fonseca Leadership Program in partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This competitive program is tailored for the next generation of conservation researchers and practitioners in Latin America. It provides funding for graduate-level studies to support research and education relevant to the design and implementation of conservation interventions. Open to nationals of 13 eligible Latin American countries, the Fonseca Leadership Program offers up to $30,000 per year for two years (master’s) or three years (PhD). Applications are due by December 18, 2024.