Bursary Programme | Biosphere Expeditions

The Biosphere Expeditions bursary programme in cooperation with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)'s Explore weekend makes one place on any of Biosphere Expeditions' expeditions available once a year for one person. In line with the Explore ethos, the bursary is for all who are inspired to explore the world in a challenging and meaningful way, and to give something back by doing so. We particularly encourage students planning an overseas expedition or budding early-career field researchers with a new idea to apply.

The application deadline is 1 January 2026. The winner will be announced by the end of January 2026.

Bursary programme introduction

Bursary details

The bursary winner can freely select an expedition from Biosphere Expeditions' portfolio (subject to availability), which must take place before November of the same year.

Note that the bursary does not include travel to the in-country assembly point. Winners are expected to fundraise for this (and supported to do so) as training for future fundraising efforts.

Winners are expected to participate in communicating their experience via social media and speak about it at Explore.

Requirements

The bursary is for all who are inspired to explore the world in a challenging and meaningful way, and to give something back by doing so. Strong preference will be given to students planning an overseas expedition or budding early-career field researchers with a new idea to apply.
Over 18 years of age
Fluent English
A genuine interest in wildlife conservation, volunteer conservation expeditions and/or a career in this field
For diving expeditions: qualified diver (minimum PADI Open Water or equivalent)
Winners are expected to fundraise for their in-country assembly point travel as training for future fundraising efforts
Winners are also expected to participate in communicating their experience via social media and speak about it at Explore

Application process

1. Make sure you fulfil the requirements above.

2. If you do, research the volunteer expedition you are interested in via this website and the time periods it is run over.

3. Submit your application before the deadline, stating which expedition you would like to take part in and when (multiple options allowed) and why.

4. Those who make it into round 2 must complete a more detailed questionnaire in round.

5. Those who make it into round 3 must take part in an online interview.

Bursary programme application form

Name*

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E-mail*

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Your date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)*

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Expedition you are applying for a placement for*

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Preferred dates of your placement (you can list multiple dates and research locations and dates via www.biosphere-expeditions.org/overview)*

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Are you a national and/or resident of the expedition country?*

YesNo

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If no, explain why you are an exceptional case and why we should take you on the expedition*

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Tell us who you are, why we should take you, what the experience would mean for you and how you are going to use it. Also indicate clearly what your interest in wildlife conservation is. (400 words max.)*

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Applications that are longer than 1 minute or 100 words cannot be considered.

After the expedition, the successful applicants will hold two talks or events about their experience on the expedition, one to his peer group and one to the general public. The successful applicants will provide proof of these events and generate online content about them. Describe how you plan to fulfil these requirements and what kind of proof you will supply. (200 words max.)*

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Applications that are longer than 1 minute or 100 words cannot be considered.

For diving expeditions, you must be a qualified diver. Give details of your qualification and diving experience here. (100 words max.)*

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100 words max

If you would like to bring anything else to our attention, please do so here. (100 words max.)*

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100 words max

Attach CV*

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Attach a picture of you*

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Bursary programme history & stories

Will be posted here once the bursary gets going.