Hey future conservation leader! Are you dreaming of pursuing your PhD, becoming a university faculty member, and making a real impact on our planet? If you’re passionate about conservation and higher education, then you have to hear about the incredible WWF Russell E. Train Education for Nature (EFN) Faculty Fellowship! This isn’t just any funding opportunity; it’s a chance to elevate your academic career and contribute to vital environmental work, especially if you’re from an African, Asian, or Latin American/Caribbean country. Let’s dive in and see how this bursary can boost your journey!
The WWF Russell E. Train EFN Faculty Fellowship is an amazing program designed to empower current and aspiring university faculty members from specific regions – including various African countries like South Africa! It offers financial support for doctoral (PhD) degree studies in natural sciences, social sciences, and other fields crucial for conservation. WWF knows that strong university faculty are the backbone of effective knowledge exchange, mentorship, and research. This bursary helps build that strength, allowing you to inspire the next generation of conservationists and lead important scientific advancements.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this fantastic opportunity, make sure you meet the following criteria:
- You must be an applicant from an eligible country (this includes South Africa and other African, Asian, Latin American, and Caribbean nations).
- You need at least two years of conservation-related work, research, or academic experience.
- You must already be affiliated with or employed at a college or university in an eligible country and show a commitment to collaborating with regional institutions. Priority goes to individuals linked with underserved universities.
- You should have a demonstrated commitment to working in academia in an eligible country, including a passion for mentoring early-career conservation leaders and scientists.
- You must be enrolled in or admitted to a PhD program – this can be in your home country or anywhere else in the world!
- You need to plan to begin your studies no later than January 2027.
- Special Note: If you’re a WWF employee, consultant, or have received an EFN grant before, please contact EFN directly to confirm your eligibility.
- Remember to submit all your required documents by the application deadline!
What Does It Cover?
The WWF Russell E. Train EFN Faculty Fellowship provides crucial funding support specifically for doctoral (PhD) degree studies in conservation-related fields. While the exact details of coverage will be outlined in the official application, this bursary is designed to help ease the financial burden of your academic journey, allowing you to focus on your research, studies, and future impact in the world of conservation.
How to Apply?
Ready to take the leap? Applying for the WWF Russell E. Train EFN Faculty Fellowship is a straightforward process, but remember to get all your documents in order before the deadline!
- Application Deadline: Mark your calendars! Applications close on 18 December 2025 at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time. Don’t wait until the last minute!
- Timeline Overview:
- 18 December 2025: Deadline for all application submissions.
- January – April 2026: The selection process takes place.
- June 2026: Successful applicants will be informed.
- July – August 2026: Contracts are signed, and grants are issued.
- Where to Apply: Head over to the official WWF website for all the details and to submit your application. Make sure you read through everything carefully!
Visit the Official Webpage of the WWF Current and Aspiring University Faculty Fellowship to Apply!
So, if you’re a dedicated university faculty member or an aspiring one in South Africa (or another eligible country) with a passion for conservation and a dream of a PhD, this WWF EFN Fellowship Bursary could be your golden ticket! Don’t let this incredible opportunity pass you by. Get all your documents ready, submit your application before 18 December 2025, and set yourself up for a future of impactful research and teaching. And remember, for more amazing funding opportunities like this, keep checking Bursaries Room!
