African conservation professionals can apply for the fully funded A.G. Leventis Biodiversity Fellowship at Oxford University. Only three fellows are selected each year.
African professionals working in biodiversity conservation now have the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers at one of the world’s most respected universities through the A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme.
Hosted by the University of Oxford, the programme supports conservation practitioners and researchers across Africa by providing access to academic mentorship, training, and international collaboration opportunities.
The fellowship is run by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science (ICCS) at Oxford and aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation initiatives across the African continent.
📅 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
About the A. G. Leventis African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme
The fellowship programme was launched in 2021 and is led by E. J. Milner-Gulland, Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity in the Department of Biology.
The initiative aims to connect real-world conservation challenges in Africa with the academic expertise and research resources available at Oxford.
Selected fellows spend time collaborating with researchers, analysing conservation data, and developing strategies that can support sustainable biodiversity protection across African ecosystems.
Because the programme selects only three fellows each year, it is considered a highly competitive opportunity for conservation professionals.
Fellowship Objectives
The programme focuses on strengthening conservation impact through three main goals.
Strengthening Conservation Capacity in Africa
The fellowship provides training and mentorship that helps conservation professionals improve their skills and expand their knowledge of biodiversity science.
Participants can apply this knowledge to strengthen conservation programmes within their organisations and communities.
Connecting Academic Research With Field Practice
Many conservation challenges require both scientific research and practical solutions.
By bringing experienced conservation practitioners to Oxford, the programme ensures that academic research is informed by real-world environmental challenges across Africa.
Building Long-Term International Collaborations
Another key objective is to establish partnerships between African conservation professionals and international researchers.
These collaborations can lead to:
- Joint research projects
- Conservation policy initiatives
- New funding opportunities
- Long-term scientific partnerships
What Fellows Do During the Programme
Participants spend up to three months at Oxford University, working closely with researchers and mentors.
Typical fellowship activities may include:
- Attending conservation science workshops and training sessions
- Analysing biodiversity datasets
- Developing conservation strategies and research proposals
- Writing academic papers and policy briefs
- Participating in seminars and knowledge-sharing events
- Networking with international conservation experts
Each fellow is paired with an academic mentor who supports their research and professional development during the programme.
Cultural and Academic Experience at Oxford
Beyond academic activities, fellows also experience Oxford’s academic and cultural environment.
Participants may have opportunities to:
- Visit historic colleges and museums
- Attend university lectures and seminars
- Participate in college events
- Connect with researchers and students from around the world
These experiences help build global networks that can support long-term collaboration.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship usually lasts up to three months.
Participants typically arrive in April, although exact schedules may vary depending on visa arrangements and travel logistics.
The programme allows flexibility to accommodate visa timelines.
Funding and Benefits
The fellowship is fully funded, allowing participants to focus entirely on their research and professional development.
Funding typically includes:
- International flights to and from the United Kingdom
- Visa application costs
- Accommodation in Oxford
- Daily allowance for food and local transportation
- Access to training courses and seminars
- Academic mentorship
- Networking with international conservation experts
These benefits make the programme accessible to conservation professionals from across Africa.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is designed for professionals actively working in biodiversity conservation.
Eligible applicants may include:
- NGO staff working on conservation projects
- Government officials involved in environmental policy
- Professionals in businesses implementing sustainability initiatives
- Academic researchers studying biodiversity and conservation science
Both early-career professionals and experienced conservation leaders are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet several requirements to be considered for the fellowship.
Applicants must:
- Be African nationals
- Be actively working in biodiversity conservation or related fields
- Demonstrate how the fellowship will contribute to their career development and conservation impact
- Be willing to collaborate with researchers and contribute to conservation initiatives during the programme
Impact of Previous Fellowship Programmes
Past conservation fellowship programmes have supported professionals who later went on to achieve significant milestones.
Some fellows have:
- Published research in international scientific journals
- Presented work at global conservation conferences
- Developed conservation policies and initiatives
- Secured research grants and academic scholarships
- Advanced into leadership roles in environmental organisations
These outcomes demonstrate the long-term impact of international conservation fellowships.
Application Timeline
Applications for the fellowship are expected to open annually.
For the current cycle:
📅 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Because only a small number of fellows are selected each year, applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials early and clearly explain their conservation goals.
Why This Fellowship Matters for African Conservation Professionals
Biodiversity conservation is critical for maintaining healthy ecosystems, protecting wildlife, and supporting sustainable livelihoods across Africa.
Programs like the A. G. Leventis Fellowship help build a new generation of conservation leaders by providing access to:
- International research networks
- Advanced scientific training
- Global conservation expertise
- Opportunities to develop impactful environmental initiatives
For professionals dedicated to protecting Africa’s ecosystems, the fellowship offers a valuable platform for learning and collaboration.
Editorial Note
This article provides informational coverage of conservation fellowship opportunities and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Oxford or the A. G. Leventis Foundation.
