Applications Open for our WVI Wildlife Health Bursaries 2026

WVI is pleased to announce that applications are now open for our 2026 WVI Wildlife Health Bursaries. These have been made possible thanks to Brian Miller’s family, Metamorphosis Foundation and private supporters.  

The Bursaries support veterinarians working with wildlife in Low and Middle Income Countries to access training that strengthens wildlife health and conservation practice in their region.  

Veterinarians working at the interface of biodiversity conservation, animal health, ecosystem health and human health need additional knowledge and skills. Yet in many parts of the world, access to specialist training, conferences and professional development opportunities remain limited.  

Through these bursaries, WVI aims to support veterinary professionals already working on the conservation front line – whether through government wildlife agencies, conservation organisations, protected areas, research programmes, or community conservation initiatives.  

The bursaries can support attendance at:

• Short, specialist courses

• Workshops,

• Conferences,

• Or other practical training opportunities.  

The training does not need to focus only on clinical wildlife medicine. We welcome applications for training in areas such as ecology, conservation science, field techniques, translocation, disease surveillance, One Health or wider conservation practice where veterinary expertise can contribute to stronger conservation success.  Applications to present wildlife health work at broader conservation conferences are also encouraged.  

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for applicants who:

• Hold a recognised veterinary degree,

• Work in wildlife in a Low or Middle Income Country,

• Are motivated to strengthen conservation practice through their work,

• And are likely to apply and share their learning within their organisation or community.  

Alongside technical skills, we are also interested in people who can communicate their work. We would like to use the bursaries to increase awareness of the important role wildlife veterinarians play in conservation. Publishing personal journeys of how specialist training helps vets in the field will demonstrate the importance of these bursaries, as well as of wildlife health skills in conservation.  

You do not need perfect English or formal writing skills. We care most about understanding your experience, motivation and how the bursary could support your work.  

Funding Available

WVI can provide up to £900 towards:

• Course or conference fees,

• Travel and accommodation,

• And other essential costs in attending the training.  

A number of awards will be available in 2026, including the Brian Miler Memorial Bursary. The BMMB was established in 2024 in memory of Brian Miller, a passionate wildlife conservation supporter and father of one of our Founders, Sharon Miller.  

We are extremely grateful to the Metamorphosis Foundation and a generous private donor for providing additional bursary awards this year.  

How to apply

Please download the Initial Application Form. Completed applications should be sent to Olivia Walter and Linda MacLachlan. Please put your name in the file title.

See below for FAQs.

Stage 1 ask applicants about:

• Their background and experience

• Their current work

• The training they wish to attend

• Their motivation and future goals.  

A short list of applicants will be invited to answer a small number of additional questions in Stage 2.  

Key Dates

• Application deadline: 6 July 2025

• Shortlisted applicants contacted: August 2025  

• Final decisions announced: September 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• Hold a recognised veterinary degree.  

• Live and work in a Low or Middle Income Country (LMIC).  

• Have experience working with wildlife or wildlife conservation programmes.  

What type of experience are you looking for?

Relevant experience may include:

• wildlife health fieldwork,  

• conservation translocations,  

• government wildlife services,  

• disease surveillance,  

• protected area work,  

• conservation NGOs,  

• or community conservation programmes.  

Applications focused only on rehabilitation of individual animals are less likely to be competitive unless linked to wider conservation work.

Do I need many years of experience?

No. We welcome applications from veterinarians at different career stages. We are most interested in motivated applicants who are already contributing to wildlife conservation and are likely to use the training in practice.

What training can I apply for?

You may apply for support to attend:

• short courses,  

• workshops,  

• conferences,  

• or practical training opportunities  

The training should enhance your ability to contribute to wildlife conservation using your veterinary background. We welcome applications that help connect veterinary expertise with broader conservation practice.

How much funding is available?

WVI can provide up to £900 towards course fees, conference fees, travel, and other essential costs.

Can I apply if I do not yet have all the funding?

Yes. In your application, please explain whether you have other confirmed or potential sources of support.

Do I need perfect English?

No. We understand that English may not be your first language. We care more about your experience, motivation, and ideas than perfect grammar or formal writing.

Can I use AI tools?

Yes. You may use AI tools to help organise your thoughts or improve clarity. However, your answers should reflect your own experiences and ideas.

What makes a strong application?

Strong applications usually:

• clearly explain the applicant’s work and motivation,  

• show how the training will support wildlife conservation,  

• explain how new skills will be used in practice,  

• and communicate ideas clearly and honestly.  

Do I need previous links to WVI?

No. Previous connections to Wildlife Vets International are not required. But we would love to know if you have any.  

What happens after Stage 1?

A small number of shortlisted applicants will be invited to answer additional questions in Stage 2.

Why do you ask about communication and storytelling?

Part of the bursary programme is helping more people understand the importance of wildlife health and conservation work. We therefore look for applicants who are willing to share updates and stories from their work where possible.

Will I need to provide photographs?

Only where appropriate and permitted by your organisation or project. We understand that permissions and sensitivities vary between countries, organisations and projects.

What will funded applicants be asked to provide?

Successful applicants may be asked to provide:

• a short report on the course / conference you attended,  

• photographs where possible and permitted,  

• and a brief case study 6–12 months after the training.  

When will applicants be informed?

We expect to inform successful applicants by the end of September at the latest.

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