Deadline: December 18, 2025
Are you passionate about conservation, sustainable development, and academic research? The WWF Current and Aspiring University Faculty Fellowship 2026–2027 is now open for applications. This prestigious fellowship by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) supports outstanding individuals in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean who are pursuing or planning to pursue a PhD. Successful applicants will receive up to US$30,000 per year for up to three years to strengthen their research and teaching capacity in conservation and sustainable development.
Fellowship Overview
The WWF Current and Aspiring University Faculty Fellowship 2026–2027 is part of the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN). It aims to build a stronger local academic base by supporting university faculty and future lecturers in WWF priority countries to pursue doctoral studies in their home countries, regionally, or internationally.
The fellowship specifically supports academic research that lies at the intersection of:
- Conservation science
- People and communities
- Sustainable development
Applicants are expected to develop innovative, practical solutions that address conservation challenges while benefiting local communities and advancing sustainable development goals.
Funding Information
- Funding Amount: Up to US$30,000 per year
- Duration: Up to three years of funding
- Use of Funds: Can cover tuition fees, research expenses, and related academic costs
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: December 18, 2025 (11:59 PM US Eastern Time)
- Notification of Acceptance: June 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and ensure all required materials are submitted before the deadline.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be nationals of one of WWF’s priority countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Caribbean. Eligible countries include, but are not limited to:
Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Fiji, French Guiana, Gabon, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of Congo, Suriname, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the WWF fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a national of one of the eligible countries listed above.
- Be currently enrolled in, admitted to, or planning to enrol in a PhD programme.
- Submit a strong research proposal that addresses conservation challenges and demonstrates relevance to local contexts.
- Show potential for leadership in academic and conservation fields.
- Demonstrate commitment to contributing to teaching and capacity building at the university level.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on the following:
- Academic and Professional Record: Evidence of previous contributions and potential to influence the conservation field.
- Research Proposal Quality: Clear objectives, relevance, feasibility, realistic budgeting, and alignment with conservation and sustainable development.
- Impact: Potential for short- and long-term impact, including engagement with local or indigenous communities and gender considerations.
- Measurable Outcomes: Well-defined outputs and expected results.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and interdisciplinary approach.
- References: Strong letters of recommendation supporting the applicant’s abilities and leadership potential.
Additional Tips for a Strong Application
- Ensure your research proposal is directly linked to WWF’s thematic areas and demonstrates practical conservation relevance.
- Keep your budget realistic and aligned with the fellowship’s funding structure.
- Emphasise local engagement, indigenous knowledge, and gender inclusion.
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from individuals who know your work well and can speak to your academic and leadership abilities.
- Plan your timeline carefully, noting that acceptance notifications are expected by June 2026.
Application Links
Need Help?
If you need professional support with proposal drafting, refinement, or review for this fellowship, contact us today. We can help you craft a compelling, competitive application.
👉 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
