The WWF Train Fellowship opportunities are for conservationists looking to pursue graduate degree study. In 2026, WWF is offering this fellowship opportunity:
- To view the Guidelines for the 2026 WWF Train Conservation Futures Fellowship Click here
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As a reminder: This application is for individuals applying for WWF Train Fellowship opportunities to pursue a master's and PhD study.
The deadline to submit an application is April 15, 2026 by 11:59 PM US Eastern Time. Applicants may apply for funding for a duration of up to two years for master’s degree programs and up to three years for PhD programs, requesting up to $30,000 per year. This funding can cover a range of expenses, including tuition and fees, living costs, books and materials, as well as research-related expenses. The final amount approved will vary based on the specifics of each individual proposal.
Notifications of acceptance will be communicated in July 2026.
Despite demands placed on biodiversity to meet current and future societal needs, capacity deficits in many places around the globe continue to be evident and include insufficient resources to sustain individual and organizational capacities, limiting the ability to build local conservation leadership. Efforts to foster and maintain conservation capacity have included the development of core competencies, provision of resources, support for education, research, and training and establishment of institutions. However, the complexity of balancing loss of biodiversity with development combined with widening inequalities in capacity continues to demonstrate that achieving inclusive conservation and sustainable development requires scaling up and across to deliver individual, institutional, and community capacities. At this critical moment in time, when biodiversity is faced with growing threats, we require support for individuals and systems to continuously meet the surge in capacity and close the gap between capacity needs and delivery. Reflecting on three decades of EFN work, the Cassagnol Fellowship creates an opportunity to deliver on the lesson that supporting conservation leaders at their home country universities, research centers, and conservation projects creates lasting opportunities for co-development and collaboration, and therefore ensures longevity of solutions while also sustaining the pipeline of conservation leaders.
Eligibility Criteria
The Cassagnol Fellowship is established for EFN alumni who intend to continue/return to work in higher education/academia, conservation research and outreach. Fellows will be selected based on academic and conservation research, outreach track record in their fields, and commitment to further the professional development of emerging conservation leaders.
- Applicants must have completed their respective doctoral or master’s programs at institutions from anywhere around the world (preference given to those who have received EFN support within the past five years). PhD and master’s degree holders who currently hold an academic or research appointment, which will be active through the duration of the fellowship are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must have received a PhD/master’s degree or equivalent doctoral/master’s level research degree (preference given to those who completed their degrees within the past five years) in any discipline with strategic focus on conservation.
- Applicants who have not yet formally received their degree must present evidence of having completed the academic requirements before commencing the fellowship.
- Applicants must identify a mentor to support research and scholarly work. They should also identify a second mentor at their home institution. Both mentors are required to submit letters of recommendation during the application process.
- Applicants must have support from their institutions to pursue a 12-month fellowship appointment.
- Applicants must have an academic or research appointment in an eligible country Additionally, a letter of support from the institution should be included at the time of application.
Selection Criteria
Final fellowship recipients will be identified through a competitive selection process and scored based on a set of criteria including, but not limited to the following areas:
- Academic achievement - fellows with strong PhD and master’s degree achievement who are actively conducting conservation research and capacity development.
- Strength and quality of proposal - uniqueness of the concept, relevance, and detailed plan of action, the proposed work demonstrates an understanding of the rationale, the proposed activities are feasible within the proposed work plan, and the budget is realistic.
- Individual and collective impact - applicant’s ability to succeed in conservation research and the development of capacities for emerging leaders; short and long-term impacts as well as far-reaching outcomes beyond proposed timeframe whilst taking into consideration a risk assessment; Contribution to and advancement of innovative programs in their field of study.
- Demonstration of commitment, inclusivity, and leadership.
- Project measurability - the proposed initiative has measurable outcomes and outputs.
- Collaborations - projects that enhance partnerships with a clear outline of each stakeholders’ role in delivering the proposed objectives.
- Recommendation letters and commitment to fellows’ advancement in the proposed work.
Please see Full guidelines here The fellowship covers a duration of 12 months and applicants may request up to $15,000. Please note that funding will vary and proposals should provide strong justification for all budgetary items. Applications must be submitted through the online portal by April 15, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.
2026 Fellowship: Conservation Science Capacity and Leadership
Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Uganda
Global human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) are increasing as people and wildlife compete for resources in coupled human and natural systems globally. These conflicts can be costly to human wellbeing and detrimental to the survival of wildlife. Strengthening scientific understanding of HWC through interdisciplinarity and collaboration is fundamental in collectively developing solutions to sustainably manage and reduce conflicts while promoting coexistence. For over three decades, WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) has endured its long-time legacy to provide financial support to local leaders and institutions to enhance their education, scientific research, and conservation actions to steward their own natural resources. With support from Gerald A. & Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation, this master's fellowship aims to deliver on WWF’s long-standing commitment in supporting conservation leaders and scientists to enhance capacity in-country. Applications are invited from individuals aiming to pursue graduate-level studies (master's degree) with a research focus on developing solutions for human-elephant conflict around the northern border of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.
The masters fellowship is open to Ugandan nationals enrolled in, admitted to, or have applied to a master’s program at an accredited institution of study in Uganda and that already possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (i.e., biology, ecology, conservation, zoology, geography). The masters research will focus on developing solutions for human-elephant conflict that is triggered by elephant crop-raiding of agricultural lands around the northern border of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.
As a reminder: This application is for individuals applying for a fellowship opportunities to pursue a Masters degree.
Please see Full Guidelines here
The application deadline is April 15, 2026 by 11:59 PM US Eastern Time.
EFN Alumni Grants support ongoing education, training, and research opportunities for former Russell E. Train Fellows, Russell E. Train Scholars, and Professional Development Grant recipients who have completed the terms of their WWF grant contract and meet all of the eligibility criteria necessary to be considered for a grant.
Please review our eligibility criteria here
The application deadline is April 15, 2026 by 11:59 PM US Eastern Time.