WWF Russell E. Train Fellowships 2026–2027: Conservation Research Funding for Master’s and PhD Students

Overview

The World Wide Fund for Nature, through the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program, offers fellowship opportunities to support emerging and established conservation leaders, researchers, and practitioners pursuing postgraduate studies. The initiative includes specialised funding pathways such as the Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Uganda Fellowship and the WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship, aiming to strengthen conservation science and develop practical solutions to environmental challenges.

Who can apply

Applicants for the Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Uganda Fellowship must be Ugandan nationals who hold a relevant bachelor degree and are enrolled in, admitted to, or have applied to a master degree programme at an accredited institution in Uganda. The WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship is open to applicants from specific priority countries including Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Fiji, French Guiana, Gabon, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, the Republic of the Congo, Suriname, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia, who are pursuing or seeking to pursue master or PhD studies.

What you get

The Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Uganda Fellowship provides funding for up to two years, with requests of up to US$15,000 per year. The WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship offers funding for up to two years for master programmes and up to three years for PhD programmes, with requests of up to US$30,000 per year. Both awards cover expenses such as tuition and academic fees, living costs, books and learning materials, and research-related expenses.

Requirements

Candidates must propose research aligned with the specific fellowship objectives, such as addressing human-elephant conflict near Murchison Falls National Park for the Uganda fellowship, or incorporating Indigenous and local community knowledge and collaborative approaches for the Conservation Futures fellowship. Applicants are expected to demonstrate relevant academic preparation, a clear methodology, a realistic budget, and a commitment to practical environmental solutions and community participation.

Key dates

The application deadline for the Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Uganda Fellowship is 15 December 2026, with expected notification in February 2027. The application deadline for the WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship was 15 April 2026, with notification anticipated in July 2026.