The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a global conservation organization leading international efforts for a living planet, has established WWF Memorial Scholarships to honor the late conservation leaders who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident near Ghunsa, Taplejung, on 23 September 2006.
WWF Nepal invites applications for the WWF Memorial Scholarships 2025/26 from promising Nepali students who intend to pursue a Master's or Bachelor's Degree in the field of environment and biodiversity conservation in Nepal.
Chandra Gurung Memorial Fellowship
The establishment of the Chandra Gurung Memorial Fellowship pays tribute to the late Dr. Chandra Prasad Gurung, acknowledging his lifelong dedication and significant contributions to biodiversity conservation in Nepal. This fellowship is granted to conservationists or promising students aiming to pursue a Master’s degree in the field of environment and biodiversity conservation within Nepal. Eligibility extends to Nepalese citizens who have applied, secured admission, or commenced classes in the 2025/26 academic session at a university in Nepal.
Benefits
The fellowship recipient will receive Nepali Rupees 482,000 over a period of 2 years to cover tuition, living expenses, books and supplies, and thesis research costs while pursuing a Master’s degree in a conservation-related field at a university in Nepal. Scholars will also have the opportunity to interact with WWF staff on conservation projects in Nepal.
Note: WWF reserves the sole right to reduce or split the scholarship amount between deserving candidates if needed.
Eligibility
All applicants must be citizens of Nepal, not exceeding 30 years of age at the time of application, to be eligible for the Chandra Gurung Memorial Fellowship. Applicants must have applied for or be admitted to a Master's degree program in a conservation-related field at a university in Nepal. Students must be in their first year/semester of study.
Selection Criteria
Chandra Gurung Memorial Fellows are selected through a competitive, merit-based process. A selection committee is convened to review all eligible applications, interview finalists, and select a winner based on the following criteria:
- Professional qualifications as evidenced by previous and current conservation-related positions, references from colleagues in the field, publications, and other sources.
- Leadership through involvement in community, volunteer, and extra-curricular activities, etc.
- Prior academic achievement as shown by grades, academic awards, references from teachers and professors, and so on.
- Motivation and commitment to contribute to conservation in Nepal.
An independent selection committee will review all eligible applications and select the person who best fulfills these requirements as the winner of the Chandra Gurung Memorial Scholarship.
Required Documents
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, and/or professional colleagues. Recommendation letters from family members will not be accepted.
- A copy of your academic transcripts and certificates.
- A copy of the citizenship certificate.
- Proof of admission to the Master of Science degree program or proof of application to this program.
Recommended Documents
- University entrance examination results.
- CV or résumé.
- Copies of awards or certificates you have received.
- Copies of abstracts from published journal articles, research projects, papers presented at conferences, etc., that you have authored. Do not submit entire documents.
To apply, click here.
Interested applicants are requested to apply via the provided links by 17:00 hours on 20th March 2026. Submission of a completed application form and all the listed required documents is mandatory.
Please note that only digital applications will be accepted.
For queries, please email at memorialscholarships@wwfnepal.org
