Russell E. Train Fellowships 2026 | WWF Education for Nature Program
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
If you are an aspiring conservation leader or a committed academic passionate about building capacity for sustainable development and biodiversity protection, applications are now open for the Russell E. Train Fellowships 2026. This prestigious program, run by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) through its Education for Nature Program (EFN), supports individuals from developing countries pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in conservation-related fields.
The fellowship particularly focuses on current and aspiring university faculty in Africa, Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean, helping strengthen local higher education capacity and ensuring long-term conservation leadership.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Worldwide (PhD programs in-country, regional, or international)
Study Level: Master’s and Doctoral degrees (with a focus on PhD for faculty fellowships)
Target Group: Nationals of eligible WWF-US priority countries (see list below)
Fields of Study: Conservation, natural sciences, social sciences, and other related fields
Value & Coverage: Up to $30,000 per year, renewable for up to three years
Duration: Maximum of three years
Application Deadline: December 18, 2025 (11:59 PM US Eastern Time)
Start Date: Studies must begin no later than January 2027
🌐 Fellowship Overview
The Russell E. Train Fellowships aim to build a critical mass of well-trained scientists, academics, and conservation practitioners who can shape education, research, and conservation leadership at the local and regional level.
Fellows are expected to pursue a PhD in conservation or related fields and contribute to teaching, mentoring, and academic research in their home countries.
The fellowship strengthens faculty capacity by ensuring that universities in eligible countries have skilled professionals to train the next generation of conservation leaders.
Research focus areas may include biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, sustainable development, conservation leadership, and community-based solutions.
Fellows become part of WWF’s global EFN alumni network, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and collective conservation impact.
🎁 Benefits
Financial support of up to $30,000 per year, for a maximum of three years.
Support for PhD enrollment and research costs (in-country, regional, or international).
Integration into WWF’s Education for Nature global alumni network.
Opportunity to strengthen local academic institutions through teaching, mentorship, and research leadership.
Competitive advantage through WWF’s recognition and mentorship.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be a national of an eligible country (see list below).
Have at least two years of conservation-related work or academic/research experience.
Be affiliated with or employed by a college or university in an eligible country, with preference for underserved institutions.
Show a long-term commitment to working in academia, mentoring, and training conservation leaders.
Be enrolled in or admitted to a PhD program (anywhere globally).
Plan to begin studies by January 2027.
Submit all required documents by the application deadline.
Contact EFN if they are a WWF employee, consultant, or past EFN grant recipient to verify eligibility.
🌎 Eligible Countries
Africa: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Dem. Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
Asia: Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Vietnam
Latin America & Caribbean: Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Fiji, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname
📝 Application Procedure
Apply Online: Submit through the WWF EFN portal at www.worldwildlife.org/efn.
Languages: Applications are accepted in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.
Submit by Deadline: All applications must be received by December 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time.
Selection Timeline:
Dec 18, 2025: Deadline for submissions
Jan – Apr 2026: Review and selection process
June 2026: Applicants notified
July – Aug 2026: Contracts signed and grants disbursed
🗂️ Required Documents
Completed online application form
CV/Resume
Academic transcripts (official/unofficial)
Proof of PhD admission/enrollment
Research proposal (aligned with conservation and sustainable development priorities)
Letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional)
Proof of institutional affiliation (university or academic appointment in an eligible country)
📂 Resources
🚀 Conclusion
The Russell E. Train Fellowships 2026 represent an outstanding opportunity for conservation-focused scholars to advance their education while directly strengthening academic and research capacity in their home countries. With WWF’s financial and professional support, fellows will be at the forefront of mentoring the next generation of conservation leaders and developing practical, locally relevant solutions for people and nature.
