Partially funded

SAWC KAZA Field Ranger Training Scholarship 2026

Southern African Wildlife College NPC, South Africa

Scholarship overview

The KAZA Field Ranger Training Scholarship is run by the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) through a gift agreement with the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), in support of the University of Kent, with funding support from the Notsew Orm Sands Foundation. For the 2026 intake it funds 28 candidates from the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Selected candidates attend a 10-week intensive field ranger training programme at SAWC in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, designed to reinforce field ranger fundamentals and introduce advanced training concepts. Weeks 1 to 6 cover field ranger tactics, fieldcraft, bushcraft, operational considerations and advanced skills; week 7 covers human rights in law enforcement and building trust between rangers and communities; week 8 covers dangerous game awareness; and weeks 9 to 10 cover the Protected Area Security Operations Planning (PASOP) course. Candidates who complete the training successfully receive certification.

Award Information

  • Aged at least 21 and not older than 40.
  • Resident or citizen of a KAZA member state/country.
  • Currently employed by a recognised government or private conservation agency within the KAZA region.
  • Effective written and spoken English, since the course is presented in English.
  • Outgoing and motivated, with a positive outlook, a strong leadership presence and a good work ethic.
  • No criminal record.
  • At least two contactable professional references.
  • Independent and confident enough to train outside their home country.
  • Physically fit, with a signed declaration of fitness on the application form, and able to pass the PT test; failing the PT test results in dismissal from training.
  • Return flights to South Africa (O.R. Tambo International Airport) from the nearest international airport in the candidate's home country.
  • Ground transport between the airport and SAWC.
  • Accommodation and meals at SAWC for the duration of the 10-week training.
  • Training materials and equipment.

SAWC's student code of conduct and South African visa regulations apply for the duration of the stay and for all travel.

2026 intake:

  • Applications close: 20 February 2026.
  • Selected candidates announced: 20 March 2026.
  • Training starts: 27 April 2026.
  • Training ends: 3 July 2026.
  1. Complete the online application form, providing basic documentation, by 20 February 2026.
  2. Email the required key documents, with your name and surname in the subject line, to [email protected].
  3. Only successful candidates are contacted; if you hear nothing within 4 weeks of submitting, treat your application as unsuccessful.

Apply via the online application form; see also the KAZA Field Ranger Training Scholarship page.

Official links

Documents you will need

  • Cover letter stating why the applicant should be considered for the programme
  • Copy of a valid passport
  • Proof of employment (for example a government appointment letter or a manager's reference)
  • Proof of highest educational qualification obtained
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Two contactable professional references (name and contact details)
  • Contact email and phone number
  • A letter from the applicant's manager supporting their attendance

How selection works

Only application forms completed correctly and in full, with all required supporting documents, are considered. Candidates are assessed against the age, citizenship/residency, employment, English, fitness, leadership and conduct criteria above, and selected candidates are announced on 20 March 2026. Due to the volume of applicants, only successful candidates are contacted.

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