Young Conservationist Scholarships 2026: Fully Funded Wetland Conservation Course
Young conservationists from eligible Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have an exciting opportunity to strengthen their environmental knowledge through the Young Conservationist Scholarships 2026. The scholarship programme provides fully funded access to the Foundation Course “Wetland Ecosystems: Conservation and Sustainable Management”, delivered online by the Wetland Learning Hub (WLH).
With applications closing on 7 September 2026, eligible students, volunteers, practitioners and early-career conservation professionals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
About the Young Conservationist Scholarships 2026
The Young Conservationist Scholarships are designed to support emerging conservation professionals who are passionate about protecting wetlands and promoting sustainable environmental management.
The programme offers at least two scholarships per course cohort, giving successful applicants the opportunity to undertake the Foundation Course without paying tuition fees.
The training is delivered online, making it accessible to eligible applicants who may not be able to travel internationally for conservation training.
The initiative contributes to the wider mission of the Wetland Learning Hub and WWT to help train 25,000 conservationists worldwide by 2050.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Successful scholarship recipients will receive full access to the Foundation Course, including:
- A full tuition waiver for the course.
- Access to all course learning materials.
- Participation in live online seminars.
- Membership of a supportive peer-learning community.
- A certificate upon successful completion.
- Opportunities to showcase their conservation journey through blogs, webinars and case studies.
Beyond the formal training, the scholarship can help participants expand their professional networks and develop practical knowledge that can be applied to conservation activities in their communities and organisations.
Who Can Apply?
The Young Conservationist Scholarships are aimed at young people between 18 and 30 years old who are citizens or residents of a United Nations-designated Least Developed Country.
Eligible countries listed for the programme include Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Lesotho, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Angola and several other LDCs.
Applicants should also have an interest or involvement in environmental or wetland conservation. The opportunity is open to:
- Early-career conservation professionals.
- Students.
- Volunteers.
- Environmental practitioners.
- Emerging conservation leaders.
Applicants must have sufficient English-language proficiency to participate effectively in the online course.
What Will Participants Learn?
The Foundation Course focuses on wetland ecosystems, conservation and sustainable management.
Wetlands are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, provide water-related benefits and contribute to the livelihoods and wellbeing of communities. However, many wetlands face increasing pressures from climate change, pollution, unsustainable development and other environmental challenges.
Through the course, participants can develop knowledge that can be applied to conservation initiatives in their own communities and organisations.
The programme is particularly valuable for young conservationists who want to strengthen their technical understanding while developing their ability to contribute to practical environmental solutions.
What Are Scholarship Recipients Expected to Do?
Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate a genuine commitment to using their new knowledge beyond the course.
Participants will be expected to provide a brief impact report or video within six months of completing the course. They will also give the Wetland Learning Hub and WWT permission to potentially share their conservation journey as part of the organisations’ wider global conservation mission.
This means applicants should think carefully about how they intend to use the training and share what they learn with others.
Application Questions
Applicants will need to complete an online application form and respond to three questions.
The first asks applicants to explain their motivation for taking the Foundation Course, with a maximum of 300 words.
The second asks how they will apply the knowledge gained to improve wetland conservation or management where they live or work. This response can also be up to 300 words.
The final question asks how they will share their knowledge with their organisation, community or networks. Applicants have a maximum of 150 words for this response.
Applicants should use these questions to demonstrate their passion for conservation, practical ideas and potential impact.
Important Dates
The key dates for the Young Conservationist Scholarships 2026 are:
Application deadline: 7 September 2026
Second-round interviews: 10 September 2026
Successful applicants notified: 14 September 2026
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email for a brief second-round interview.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should complete the online application through the Wetland Learning Hub.
Apply here: Young Conservationist Scholarships application
Before submitting an application, candidates should carefully review the eligibility criteria and prepare thoughtful responses to all three questions.
Final Thoughts
The Young Conservationist Scholarships 2026 offer a valuable opportunity for young environmental enthusiasts and emerging conservation professionals from eligible Least Developed Countries to gain specialised knowledge in wetland conservation.
Because the programme is fully funded and delivered online, successful applicants can access professional development without the cost and logistical challenges associated with international travel.
If you are 18–30 years old, eligible by nationality or residence, passionate about environmental conservation and ready to apply your knowledge in your community, this could be an excellent opportunity to advance your conservation journey.
Deadline: 7 September 2026.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
