The WWF Conservation Futures Fellowship is a graduate award run by WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature (EFN) program. It backs master’s and PhD research that works with Indigenous peoples and local communities on conservation.
Fellows from eligible countries study at a university of their choice anywhere in the world. The 2026 call closed on April 15, 2026; no date for the next call is published.
Benefits & funding
- Up to US$30,000 a year; the final amount depends on each proposal’s scope and needs.
- Up to two years for a master’s degree, up to three years for a PhD.
- May cover tuition and fees, living costs, books and materials, and research costs.
- Fellows join EFN’s global network of conservation leaders.
Eligibility
- Citizens or residents of Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Fiji, French Guiana, Gabon, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of the Congo, Suriname, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam or Zambia.
- At least two years of conservation-related work, research or academic experience.
- Enrolled in, admitted to, or applied to a master’s or PhD program anywhere; those studying in their home country or region are preferred.
- A clear commitment to conservation work in an eligible country.
- Studies must begin no later than January 2027 (2026 call).
- Current or former WWF staff or consultants and past EFN grantees must contact EFN to confirm eligibility.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
Belize · Bhutan · Bolivia · Brazil · Cambodia · Cameroon · Central African Republic · Chile · Colombia · DR Congo · Ecuador · Fiji
Residents of Belize · Bhutan · Bolivia · Brazil · Cambodia · Cameroon · Central African Republic · Chile · Colombia · DR Congo · Ecuador · Fiji · France · Gabon · Guatemala · Guyana · Honduras · Indonesia · Kenya · Laos · Madagascar · Malaysia · Mozambique · Myanmar · Namibia · Nepal · Paraguay · Peru · Republic of the Congo · Suriname · Tanzania · Uganda · Vietnam · Zambia can also apply.
+ 22 more
France · Gabon · Guatemala · Guyana · Honduras · Indonesia · Kenya · Laos · Madagascar · Malaysia · Mozambique · Myanmar · Namibia · Nepal · Paraguay · Peru · Republic of the Congo · Suriname · Tanzania · Uganda · Vietnam · Zambia
Education required
Bachelor
Experience required
≥ 2 yrs
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Prepare a research proposal with a community-engagement plan, budget and timeline, plus letters of recommendation.
- 2Submit through the EFN online portal by 11:59 PM US Eastern Time on the deadline, in English, Spanish, French or Portuguese.
- 3Wait for the selection round; results follow about three months after the deadline.
Program timeline
Application deadline (closed)
April 15, 2026
Selection
April–June 2026
Results announced
July 2026
Contracts signed, grants issued
August–September 2026