Applications are invited for WWF Prince Bernhard Scholarships available for formal studies or mid-career training (up to a maximum of one year) in the field of Nature Conservation. Multiple-year studies, e.g. two or three-year BSc or MSc courses will only be considered if the candidate is applying for support for the last year of studies. Women and people working for non-governmental or community-based organizations are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to those who seek support for studies in their country or region and provide proof that they are also seeking funding from other sources. Application deadline is 5 January 2016.
Study Subject(s): Scholarships are awarded in the field of Nature Conservation or associated disciplines directly relevant to the delivery and promotion of conservation.
Course Level: Scholarships are available for pursuing formal studies or professional training.
Scholarship Provider: WWF, Switzerland
Scholarship can be taken at: Applicants' own country or region or Abroad (WWF asks people to only study outside their country/region if there is no university/training college locally covering their particular programme of study).
Eligibility:
- 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.
- 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.
Scholarship Open for Students of Following Countries: 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.
Scholarship Description: The WWF Prince Bernhard Scholarships (PBS) are awarded to individuals from East and South who wish to pursue formal studies or professional training in the field of conservation. With the generous support of The 1001: A Nature Trust, the aim of the WWF Prince Bernhard Scholarships is to provide financial support to individuals who wish to pursue short-term professional training or formal studies that will help them contribute more effectively to conservation efforts in their country. Each scholarship empowers a dedicated conservationist to build his or her capacity. In turn, these people are in a position to share the benefits of their knowledge and skills with others and so spread the benefits.
Number of award(s): To date, 358 Scholarships have been awarded to individuals from more than 60 countries.
Duration of award(s): 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.
What does it cover? The maximum amount for any one scholarship under this scheme is CHF 10,000 and preferential consideration is given to requests for less than CHF 10,000. The financial support provided by the PBS may be used to pay for course fees, books, travel and living expenses whilst studying, or a combination of these. Funding requests to cover the costs of attending a conference/congress, purchasing a laptop/printer or other personal items will not be considered. Only in exceptional circumstances will the maximum award be granted.
Selection Criteria: The following four criteria will be used to screen and select the best candidates: Course or training, which explicitly links to WWF's conservation priorities within the WWF Global Programme Framework through at least one of:
- WWF Global Priority Places (35 ecoregions: terrestrial, freshwater, marine);
- WWF Global Priority Species (36 species: plants, invertebrates, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals);
- Reduction in the Ecological Footprint, e.g. footprint in energy/carbon; cropland (including food, fiber and biofuel crops); grazing land, fishing and forest.
Preference will be given to:
- Candidates with a long-term commitment to providing conservation leadership or expertise for the benefit of their country's natural environment;
- Candidates with experience and proven track record in a field related to the environment and conservation in their home country, including social and natural sciences (ranging from environmental journalism, law and education to ecology and wildlife management);
- Candidates who show a) flexibility and capacity to think outside their specialization (critical factors include climate change, poverty reduction, water shortage, population increase/movements); b) ability to partner with other different disciplines critical to future successes; and c) strength of belief, vision and tenacity to address future pressures;
- Applications for studies or training at institutions in the applicant's country or region;
- Candidates requesting a grant of less than CHF 10,000;
- Candidates who provide proof that they have secured funding from other sources.
Notification: Each WWF Office or Associate carries out an initial screening of the applications they receive and make their recommendations to the PBS Selection Committee, which meets end of April each year. Only those applications recommended by a WWF Office or Associate (accompanied by the completed WWF Recommendation Form) will be considered.
How to Apply: Please send your application to the to the candidate's nearest WWF or Associate Office and the deadline for submission is beginning of January each year. The list of WWF Office Contacts can also be downloaded from the website.
Scholarship Application Deadline: The deadline for applications is 5 January 2016.