Under the patronage of the late HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and to pay a lasting tribute to the Founder President of WWF and The 1001: A Nature Trust, the WWF Prince Bernhard Scholarship Fund for Nature Conservation was created in 1991 to help build conservation expertise and leadership in developing countries and emerging economies.

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.

The Prince Bernhard Scholarships are:

• Enabling – help people be more effective to achieve conservation
• Developmental – nurture scholars to become conservation leaders
• Multiplying – inspire graduates to train others

Who should apply?

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. 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. Applicants must provide written proof of acceptance on a course.

How to Apply

Applications (the form can be downloaded with informationon how to complete the form in English, French & Spanish posted to the right of this page) should be submitted to the candidate’s nearest WWF or Associate Office and the deadline for submission is mid-January of each year. The list of WWF Office Contacts can also be downloaded to the right.

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 in April each year. Only those applications accompanied by a completed recommendation by a WWF Office or Associate will be considered.

Amounts Awarded

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.

WWF’s Expectations

After completion of their studies Prince Bernhard Scholars are expected to return to their home country or region to work in conservation, or a related field. Moreover, the course should have a direct link to WWF’s Biodiversity and Footprint Goals. See below the brochure ‘acting as one …from ambition to action‘ – WWF’s compelling conservation agenda.

If accepted, and upon completion of the course, the Prince Bernhard Scholar must provide a final report on the activity undertaken and how it was conducted, with an itemized account of the use made of the funds.

The Prince Bernhard Scholar will then receive a PBS Certificate and is invited to join the WWF Volunteer, Intern & Prince Bernhard Scholar Alumni group on Facebook.
To date, over 330 Scholarships have been awarded to individuals from more than 60 countries.

For more information on WWF’s work, view our

• interactive version of the 2013 WWF Annual Review with videos
• latest edition of the WWF Conservation Highlights
• and discover WWF’s Living Planet Report 2014 out now!