UNESCO AfriMAB–GRÓ Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 in Iceland | Fully Funded Fellowship for African Professionals

Applications are now open for the UNESCO AfriMAB–GRÓ Land Restoration Fellowships 2027, a prestigious fully funded fellowship that provides African professionals working in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves with advanced postgraduate training in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management. The fellowship is jointly organized by the African Network of Biosphere Reserves (AfriMAB) and the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT) at the Agricultural University of Iceland.

The six-month programme combines academic coursework, practical field training, and an individual restoration project tailored to each fellow’s home institution. Upon successful completion, participants earn 30 ECTS postgraduate credits and receive a GRÓ LRT Diploma, enabling them to strengthen restoration efforts within their biosphere reserves after returning home.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Organizations: UNESCO AfriMAB & GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT)
• Host University: Agricultural University of Iceland
• Host Country: Iceland
• Programme Type: Fully Funded Fellowship
• Programme Duration: 6 Months
• Programme Dates: 26 February – August 2027
• Study Level: Postgraduate Professional Training (30 ECTS)
• Application Deadline: 10 September 2026

Financial Benefits

The fellowship is fully funded and covers:

• Full tuition and academic expenses
• Round-trip international airfare
• Health insurance
• Monthly living stipend
• Accommodation and living support during the programme
• Field visits and practical training activities
• Postgraduate diploma and 30 ECTS university credits upon successful completion

Programme Structure

The fellowship consists of two phases:

Phase 1: Coursework (First 12 Weeks)

Participants will engage in:

• Introductory courses
• Specialized land restoration courses
• Practical laboratory and field training
• Educational field excursions

Phase 2: Individual Restoration Project (Final 12 Weeks)

Each fellow develops an independent restoration project that:

• Matches their academic background
• Addresses restoration challenges within their home biosphere reserve
• Supports institutional capacity building upon returning home

Areas of Study

The programme focuses on:

• Ecosystem Restoration
• Sustainable Land Management
• Restoration Ecology
• Environmental Conservation
• Natural Resource Management
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Landscape Restoration

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be working in a UNESCO African Biosphere Reserve involved in ecosystem restoration.
• Hold at least one university degree in a relevant discipline, such as:
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Natural Sciences
  • Environmental Management
  • Forestry
  • Agriculture
  • Related fields
• Be under 40 years of age (exceptions may be considered for highly qualified applicants).
• Have relevant professional experience in ecosystem restoration.
• Demonstrate good English language proficiency.
• Receive institutional support from their employer to participate in the six-month programme.
• Return to their institution after completing the fellowship.

Institutional Requirements

The applicant’s employer must:

• Grant full study leave during the fellowship.
• Continue paying the participant’s salary and employment benefits throughout the programme.
• Reinstate the fellow to their previous position after returning from Iceland.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Endorsement letter from the Biosphere Reserve
• Endorsement from the National MAB Focal Point or National MAB Committee
• Academic certificates
• Additional supporting documents requested in the application form

Why Apply?

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Receive world-class postgraduate training in Iceland.
• Gain practical experience in ecological restoration.
• Build international professional networks.
• Develop restoration projects with direct impact on African biosphere reserves.
• Earn internationally recognized postgraduate credits.
• Contribute to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and sustainable environmental management across Africa.

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
2. Obtain the required institutional endorsements.
3. Prepare all supporting documents.
4. Complete the official online application.
5. Submit your application before 10 September 2026.

The UNESCO AfriMAB–GRÓ Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 provide an exceptional opportunity for professionals working in African biosphere reserves to gain advanced training in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management. Through six months of academic learning, practical field experience, and an individual restoration project in Iceland, fellows will return home equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen conservation efforts and promote sustainable development across Africa. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are committed to restoring degraded ecosystems, this fully funded fellowship is an opportunity not to miss.