Call for Applications: Save the Elephants Fully-funded Master of Science (MSc) Scholarship 2025

The Save the Elephants Fully-funded Master of Science (MSc) Scholarship 2025 is an incredible opportunity for Kenyan nationals passionate about conservation and environmental science. This scholarship supports two students pursuing an MSc at Karatina University, covering tuition, research costs, a monthly stipend, a computer, and basic medical insurance

Eligibility Criteria

- Must be a Kenyan national.

- Hold a first degree in natural sciences (Biology, Botany, Zoology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management).

- Achieved first or second-class upper division in their undergraduate degree.

- Have two years of experience in a conservation organization (internships count).

- Secured an **unconditional MSc offer from Karatina University.

- Be under 35 years old as of September 1, 2025.

- A research concept note (optional but encouraged).

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

- A detailed CV with three referees (one academic).

- Scans of degree certificates and transcripts.

- MSc admission letter from Karatina University.

- A formal confirmation of eligibility.

- A cover letter addressed to “The Research Fund Administrator, Save the Elephants.

All documents should be merged into one PDF and emailed to researchfund@savetheelephants.org by May 2, 2025 

The Save the Elephants Fully-funded Master of Science (MSc) program is a prestigious opportunity that offers significant educational, conservation, and socio-economic impact, especially for students from Africa and Asia who are passionate about elephant conservation and ecological research. Here's a breakdown of its key impacts:

1. Conservation Impact

Capacity Building: It empowers local scientists and conservationists with advanced academic training, equipping them to address human-elephant conflict, poaching, and habitat degradation.

Research-Based Solutions: Students conduct field-based research contributing to scientific knowledge and conservation strategies for elephant populations.

Policy Influence: Graduates often work with NGOs, governments, and international bodies, shaping effective conservation policies.

2. Academic and Career Advancement

World-Class Education: Scholars study at top institutions (often in the UK or Africa) with access to leading academics and conservationists.

Professional Network: The program connects students with a global network of researchers, conservation organizations, and academic mentors.

Career Opportunities: Graduates often go on to influential roles in wildlife conservation, research institutions, and international organizations.

3. Community and Socio-Economic Benefits

Local Empowerment: By investing in local talent, the program fosters homegrown solutions and leadership in elephant range states.

Sustainable Development: Graduates help communities coexist with wildlife through sustainable land-use practices and conflict mitigation.

4. Promotion of Equity in Conservation

Inclusion of Underrepresented Voices: The scholarship prioritizes individuals from elephant range countries, often marginalized in global conservation dialogues.

Gender Equality: The program encourages female applicants, promoting gender equity in STEM and conservation fields.

Here are top tips to succeed in your application for the Save the Elephants Fully-funded Master of Science (MSc) program:

1. Demonstrate Passion for Elephant Conservation

Show a genuine interest in elephants, conservation, or wildlife ecology through your experiences.

Share specific examples—fieldwork, volunteering, or research related to elephants or wildlife.

2. Tailor Your Personal Statement

Explain why you want to study conservation, and why elephants specifically matter to you.

Connect your past experiences, present goals, and future plans to the program.

Emphasize how you’ll use the MSc to impact your community or country.

3. Highlight Relevant Academic and Professional Background

Include strong academic records in biology, ecology, conservation, environmental science, or related fields.

Mention research projects, internships, or NGO involvement that relate to wildlife or conservation.

4. Present a Clear Vision for the Future

Detail your career goals post-MSc.

Mention how the scholarship will help you contribute to elephant conservation or wildlife policy in your region.

5. Get Strong Letters of Recommendation

Choose referees who know your academic or fieldwork abilities well.

Give them background on the program so they can write focused, supportive letters.

6. Prepare a Solid Research Proposal (if required)

Develop a realistic and relevant research idea connected to elephant conservation.

Show understanding of key issues like human-elephant conflict, poaching, tracking, or habitat loss.

7. Proofread and Polish

Review your application for clarity, grammar, and structure.

Ask a mentor or professor to review your essays and CV.

8. Apply Early and Follow Instructions Carefully

Submit all documents before the deadline.

Double-check requirements for things like transcripts, English proficiency, and formatting.