AfriMAB GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2026

AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027 – Fully Funded Iceland Fellowship

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Overview of AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowship

The AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowship is a prestigious fully funded programme offering professionals from African biosphere reserves the opportunity to undertake six months of postgraduate training in Iceland. This initiative is a joint collaboration between AfriMAB (the network of UNESCO biosphere reserves across Africa) and Iceland's GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT). The fellowship responds to the growing priority of ecosystem restoration within the MAB Programme's agenda, aligning with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and calls issued by the 2023 AfriMAB General Assembly.

◆ Fully funded six-month training in Iceland from 26 February 2027.
◆ Hosted at the Agricultural University of Iceland.
◆ Covers tuition, travel, health insurance, and full living stipend.
◆ Participants receive 30 ECTS at postgraduate level and a GRÓ LRT diploma.
◆ Check fully funded scholarships in Iceland for international students for similar opportunities.

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Programme Structure

The six-month training programme is divided into two phases:

◆ Phase One (12 weeks): Coursework – introductory and specialized training, practical sessions, and field trips.
◆ Phase Two (12 weeks): Individual project tailored to the fellow's academic background and the needs of their home institution.

◆ Upon completion, fellows receive 30 ECTS at postgraduate level from the Agricultural University of Iceland and a GRÓ LRT diploma.
◆ Explore latest scholarships in Iceland for all nationalities for more field options.

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Eligibility Criteria

◉ Must be a professional working in an African biosphere reserve.
◉ Must hold at least one university degree relevant to GRÓ LRT's field of work (ecology, natural sciences, environmental management, or related disciplines).
◉ Must have at least one year of relevant experience working in a biosphere reserve.
◉ Must be under the age of 40.
◉ Must be able to communicate in English (working language of GRÓ LRT).
◉ In some cases, candidates without the education requirement but with extensive relevant experience may be accepted.
◆ See financial aids for students in Europe for more funding options.

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Fellowship Benefits

★ Full tuition and academic expenses covered.
★ Round-trip travel costs covered.
★ Health insurance coverage.
★ Full living stipend for the six-month stay in Iceland.
★ Postgraduate diploma and 30 ECTS credits from the Agricultural University of Iceland.
★ Opportunity to build meaningful networks with fellows, alumni, and staff.
★ Gain valuable experience in restoration through theoretical and practical sessions.
★ Explore Iceland's latest scholarships in 2026 for more details.

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Required Documents

✓ Letter of motivation.
✓ Curriculum Vitae (CV).
✓ Letter of endorsement from the biosphere reserve where the candidate works.
✓ Letter of endorsement from the national MAB Focal Point or MAB Committee in the candidate's country.
✓ Certificates of academic achievement.
✓ All documents must be uploaded in PDF format via the online application form.

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Nomination Requirements

Institutions nominating a candidate are asked to:

◆ Grant the candidate full study leave for the six-month training in Iceland.
◆ Continue paying the candidate's salary and benefits throughout the programme.
◆ Reinstate the candidate in their position upon return.

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Important Dates

Application Deadline: 10 September 2026.

◆ Programme begins: 26 February 2027.
◆ Applications evaluated jointly by GRÓ LRT and the MAB Secretariat.
◆ Only complete applications meeting the stated requirements will be considered.

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Application Process

1. Review the eligibility criteria and programme requirements.

2. Secure a letter of endorsement from your biosphere reserve and from the national MAB Focal Point/MAB Committee.

3. Prepare your letter of motivation, CV, and academic certificates.

4. Complete the online application form.

5. Upload all required documents in PDF format.

6. Submit the application before 10 September 2026.

7. Await the evaluation decision by GRÓ LRT and the MAB Secretariat.

8. If selected, begin the six-month training in Iceland on 26 February 2027.

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Why Choose AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Fellowship

◆ Prestigious fellowship jointly offered by UNESCO's MAB Programme and Iceland's GRÓ LRT.
◆ Fully funded opportunity with no financial burden.
◆ Gain postgraduate-level training in land restoration and sustainable land management.
◆ Apply knowledge directly to your biosphere reserve work upon return.
◆ Join a network of professionals committed to ecosystem restoration across Africa.
◆ Experience Iceland's unique environment and academic culture.
◆ Explore fully funded scholarships in Iceland for international students for similar programs.

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Final Thoughts – AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Fellowship

◆ This is a transformative opportunity for African professionals in biosphere reserves.
◆ The fellowship provides both theoretical and practical training in land restoration.
◆ Apply early and secure the required endorsements.
◆ For more opportunities, explore latest scholarships in Iceland for all nationalities.

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Apply Link

Apply Now for AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowship