Are you an early-career conservationist looking to apply for the EDGE Fellowship 2026 to protect one of the world’s most unique and threatened species?

The EDGE Fellowship 2026 is a 28-month programme that builds conservation leadership where it’s needed most. Fellows receive funding, training, and mentorship to implement a two-year project focused on a species from our EDGE species list — species that are Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered.

ELIGIBILITY:

In 2026, the fellowship call is open globally, with priority given to projects outside the G10, EU, Australia, NZ, and South Korea.

You must base your project on a species from the 2026 EDGE curated species list. Download eligible species

You may be eligible for an EDGE Fellowship if your work focuses on an EDGE species included on the EDGE List, you are an early career conservationist with less than ten years of paid experience, and you are a national of the country where the focal EDGE species occurs.

Key Dates:

Expression of Interest Due: 23:59 21 July 2025

Invited Full Applications Due: 23:59 01 September 2025

Fellowships Awarded: October 2025

Fellowship Begins: January 2026

Fellowship Ends: May 2028

For more information or questions, Email them at edge@zsl.org

BENEFIT:

Each fellowship involves a comprehensive programme of support and professional development opportunities, including:

Six weeks of training in person: A four-week Conservation Tools Course and an advanced two-week Conservation Impact Course in the UK.

A grant of at least £10,000 for project implementation: The opportunity to fully manage your own budget plus dedicated support to leverage additional funding.

Continuous mentorship and access to training and coaching opportunities with ZSL and our partners: Wrap around mentorship and access to unique training and coaching opportunities with ZSL and our partners.