WWF Prince Bernhard Scholarships for Nature Conservation Training

The WWF Prince Bernhard Scholarships (PBS) pay for formal studies or mid-career professional training in nature conservation. The money goes to individuals from developing and emerging economies in the East and South.

Support is capped at CHF 10,000 per scholarship, and only in exceptional cases is the full maximum granted.

Once their studies end, Prince Bernhard Scholars are expected to go back to their home country or region and work in conservation or a closely related field.

• Host: WWF
• Level: Training (mid-career, up to a maximum of one year)
• Study destination: Any approved institution around the world
• Deadline: 5 January 2016
• Maximum award: CHF 10,000
• Field: Nature Conservation linked to WWF conservation priorities
• Who can apply: Nationals of Africa, Asia/Pacific, Latin America/Caribbean, Eastern Europe & Middle East

Any approved institution around the world.

Nature Conservation. The course you propose should have a direct link to WWF’s conservation priorities.

Not specified.

Nationals of Africa, Asia/Pacific, Latin America/Caribbean, Eastern Europe & Middle East will be considered. This includes WWF staff and candidates working as partners with WWF.

The maximum amount for any one scholarship under this scheme is CHF 10,000. Only in exceptional circumstances will the maximum award be granted.

As a priority, the PBS support mid-career training (up to a maximum of one year) for individuals working in the field of conservation or associated disciplines directly relevant to the delivery and promotion of conservation. Applications from candidates doing multiple-year studies will only be considered if the applicant is applying for support for the last year of studies. Moreover, the course should have a direct link to WWF’s conservation priorities (see also Priority Places and Priority Species, Ecological Footprint, List of Global Ecoregions).

Applications are encouraged from people seeking to build skills in specific subjects that will enhance their contribution to nature conservation. In particular, women and people working for non-governmental or community-based organizations are encouraged to apply.

Only nationals from Africa, Asia/Pacific, Latin America/Caribbean, Eastern Europe & Middle East will be considered, including WWF staff or candidates working as partners with WWF.

Applicants must provide written proof of acceptance on a course, and proof that they are also seeking funding from other sources. Preference is given where appropriate to those who seek support for studies in their country or region.

This award suits conservation practitioners from Africa, Asia/Pacific, Latin America/Caribbean, Eastern Europe or the Middle East who want short, focused training rather than a full multi-year degree. If you already work in conservation or a related discipline and need a specific skill to strengthen your work, you are the kind of candidate the scheme is built for.

Women and people working for non-governmental or community-based organizations are specifically encouraged to apply. WWF staff and partner organisations can apply too.

Send your application to the WWF or Associate Office nearest to you. The submission deadline is 5 January 2016.

Before you apply, open the official website (link below) to get the application form and read the detailed instructions on how to apply.

• Who can apply for the Prince Bernhard Scholarships? Nationals of Africa, Asia/Pacific, Latin America/Caribbean, Eastern Europe & Middle East, including WWF staff and candidates working as partners with WWF.
• How much is the scholarship worth? The maximum for any one scholarship is CHF 10,000, and the full amount is granted only in exceptional circumstances.
• What kind of study is funded? Mid-career training in nature conservation, up to a maximum of one year, with a direct link to WWF’s conservation priorities.
• Can I apply for a multi-year degree? Only if you are asking for support for the last year of your studies.
• When is the deadline? Applications must reach your nearest WWF or Associate Office by 5 January 2016.
• What proof do I need? Written proof of acceptance on a course and proof that you are also seeking funding from other sources.

• Read the official guidelines and the WWF conservation priority pages before you choose a course, so you can show the direct link.
• Request your course acceptance letter early, since written proof of admission is required.
• Gather evidence of other funding you are pursuing, as the scheme asks for it.
• Explain in plain terms how the training will improve your conservation work back home.
• Submit to the nearest WWF or Associate Office well ahead of the deadline.