KU Leuven is the largest university in Flanders, Belgium. As one part of its cooperation to advance international development, KU Leuven offers PhD scholarships to candidates from developing countries. The university offers sandwich scholarships, which means that 50% of the research takes place at KU Leuven and 50% at the home institution of the scholar, as well as full-time research at KU Leuven. The scholarships are offered to proposals that deal with a development-relevant research topic, preferably linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. Online applications have to be completed before 04 February 2027. PhD Scholarships for Researchers
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Rufford Foundation — Grants for Nature Conservation
The Rufford Foundation makes grants for nature conservation undertaken by small and medium-sized organizations for projects in the developing world. The Foundation prefers projects that are pragmatic, and that have a significant human element. There are no restrictions by nationality or country of residence. Grant applications are made in sequential stages: first grant, second grant, booster grants, and completion grant. Grants start at £7 thousand and increase to £18 thousand for projects that complete each stage. Applications can be submitted at any time. Instructions for Applicants
Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement — Student Ambassador Program
The Tyler Prize recruits undergraduate and postgraduate students from anywhere in the world to serve as 2027 Student Ambassadors. Ambassadors promote the laureates’ work on social media and in their communities. Ambassadors receive skills training in storytelling, social media and event delivery. Applicants must be proficient in English and interested in themes such as climate, oceans, economics, policy, pollution, food and agriculture, water, health and equality. Applications close 30 October 2026. Tyler Prize Student Ambassador Program
Wild Animal Initiative — Fellowships for Early-Career Wild Animal Welfare Scientists
WAI Fellowships support PhD students and postdocs who want research careers in wild animal welfare science. Fellows work with a WAI mentor for a three-month placement to turn their project idea into a full research plan, then complete the project with their academic supervisor. Grants run up to US$100,000 a year for up to three years, with a guaranteed stipend of at least US$50,000 a year (up to US$75,000 to match local postdoc pay). Applications close on 31 October 2026. Link
Wild Animal Initiative — Seed Grants
WAI Seed Grants fund small research projects that answer preliminary questions before indicator validation or a larger WAI research proposal. Eligible projects include systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses, pilot studies that identify indicators worth validating, and prototyping of data collection methods or technology. Grants are up to US$30,000 in total for up to two years. Applications close on 31 October 2026. WAI Seed Grants
Wild Animal Initiative — Welfare Ecology Grants
WAI Welfare Ecology Grants fund research on the causal relationships between wild animal welfare and other variables, with emphasis on ecological network effects and interactions among multiple species. The aim is to find levers that could eventually inform interventions or policies. Grants are up to US$200,000 in total for up to three years. Applications close on 31 October 2026. Welfare Ecology Grants
Wild Animal Initiative — Validation Grants for Wild Animal Welfare Indicator Research
Wild Animal Initiative invites academic researchers to apply for Validation Grants, Welfare Ecology Grants, or Seed Grants supporting research that advances wild animal welfare science, alongside WAI Fellowships for early-career researchers. Principal investigators must be affiliated with a university or research institution, and any fieldwork must include collaborators who are residents of the country where it takes place; NGO-managed projects require registration in that country. WAI cannot sponsor visas, so work carried out in the United States by a non-US resident generally cannot be funded, and it cannot fund research in countries under US sanctions, such as Iran, North Korea, or Russia. The deadline is 31 October 2026. Wild Animal Research Grants
Bennington College — Young Scientists Awards
Bennington College offers cash prizes for work on the natural world by students in grades 9 to 12 worldwide: US$2,000 for first place, US$1,000 for second, US$500 for third, and US$250 for distinguished entries. Each student may submit one work, such as a scientific illustration, a field guide to local plants, animals or geology, a research poster or a process diagram, with an optional written explanation of up to 500 words. Winners and finalists who later enroll at Bennington also receive tuition scholarships. Submissions are open until 01 November 2026. Young Scientists Awards
Alice McCosh Trust — Small Grants for Natural History and Environmental Work
The Alice McCosh Trust awards one-off grants of around £1,000 to advance education in natural history and the environment. Grants can cover fieldwork for a research project or the cost of producing materials that increase understanding of the environment or encourage people to protect it. Individuals of any age and nationality can apply. The application deadline is 30 November each year. Link
World Wildlife Fund — Master’s Fellowship
The World Wildlife Fund offers a master’s fellowship to Ugandan nationals researching human-wildlife conflict and coexistence. The research must focus on solutions to elephants raiding crops on farmland near the northern border of Murchison Falls National Park. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, ecology, conservation, zoology or geography. Fellows can request up to US$15,000 a year for up to two years, covering tuition and fees, living expenses, books and materials, and research costs. Applications close on 15 December 2026. WWF Master’s Fellowship