Are you passionate about wildlife and eager to turn that passion into a profession? The Wild Animal Initiative (WAI), in collaboration with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the University of Edinburgh, invites aspiring changemakers to apply for the Advance Wild Animal Welfare Scholarship 2025—a golden opportunity to build your future while advancing the well-being of wild animals across the globe.
About the Wild Animal Initiative
The Wild Animal Initiative is a global leader in promoting scientific research and evidence-based strategies to improve wild animal welfare. With its growing impact in the field, WAI seeks to nurture a new generation of experts equipped with the academic foundation and practical skills to address the challenges wild animals face today and in the future.
In partnership with SRUC and the University of Edinburgh, the Wild Animal Initiative is offering two fully funded scholarships for 2025—one for each of the following master’s programmes:
Scholarship-Eligible Degree Programmes
1# MSc Applied Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare (On-Campus – Edinburgh)
-
- One-year, on-campus programme in Edinburgh.
- UK’s first animal welfare degree, established in 1990.
- Renowned globally for producing top-tier professionals in applied animal welfare science.
2# MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law (Online Learning)
-
- Flexible, part-time programme delivered online.
- Can be completed over a period of up to six years.
- Ideal for professionals looking to transition into animal welfare careers.
- Delivered jointly by the University of Edinburgh and SRUC.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Each scholarship award includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage for either UK/Home or International students.
- For the on-campus MSc Applied Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare, additional funding may be available for relocation and living expenses.
- For the online MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law, full tuition coverage is included for the entire duration of the degree.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Advance Wild Animal Welfare Scholarship, applicants must:
- Have applied to or received an offer for one of the two eligible MSc programmes.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in wild animal welfare or humane management of wild populations.
- Preferably hold a degree or have equivalent experience in ecology, although related fields such as veterinary sciences or animal welfare science will also be considered.
- Complete a brief scholarship application, including a supporting statement highlighting your motivation and suitability.
Application Deadlines
-
For MSc Applied Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare (On Campus)
The last date to apply for the Advance Wild Animal Welfare Scholarship is June 2, 2025 (5:00 PM UK Time). -
For MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law (Online Learning)
The last date to apply for the Advance Wild Animal Welfare Scholarship is July 31, 2025 (5:00 PM UK Time).