World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the global conservation organization leading international efforts for a living planet, has instituted 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 calls for applications for WWF Memorial Scholarships 2025/26 from promising Nepali students who intend to pursue careers in the field of nature conservation.
Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarship
To honor the 24 individuals lost in the tragic helicopter incident of 23rd September 2006 and their commitment to preserving Nepal’s rich natural heritage, WWF has established a memorial scholarship fund that will assist students who wish to pursue careers in conservation. Recognizing the tremendous loss of leadership in conservation, through this fund, WWF will help build a new generation of conservation leaders to ensure the future of nature in Nepal. To encourage bright and promising students to pursue careers in nature conservation, each year WWF will award a Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarship to a student who has completed 12 years of compulsory education and would like to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in the field of environment and biodiversity conservation in Nepal.
Benefits
The scholarship recipient will receive Nepali Rupees 569,400.00 over a period of 4 years to cover tuition, field equipment, and field tour fees, living expenses, books and supplies, and thesis research costs while pursuing their bachelor’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 25 years of age at the time of application, to be eligible for the Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarship. Applicants must have applied for or be admitted to a Bachelor'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
Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholars are selected through a competitive, merit-based process. A selection committee is convened to review applications, interview candidates, and select a pool of finalists. Finalists are chosen based on the following criteria:
- Applicants will be judged on their academic achievement (SEE & 10+2 or equivalent results) and motivation and commitment to conservation in Nepal, and performance during the personal interview.
- Preference will be given to applicants from ethnic/indigenous minority and Dalit groups.
Note: Proof of certification on ethnic/indigenous/minority/Dalit status from the concerned authority is required at the time of application.
The applicant who fulfills all the above criteria and is considered the most qualified and deserving student by the selection committee will win the Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarship.
Documents Required
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, community leaders, employers, etc. 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 Bachelor of Science degree program or proof of application to this program.
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
