STE has established a Research Fund to catalyze elephant research by Kenyans through a prestigious MSc scholarship fund, or, through partial funding for elephant related research projects at any graduate studies level.

The Fund seeks to support will support 1-5 candidates or projects each year. A call is hereby made for potential applicants.

Basic guidelines:

For MSc candidates applying to be fully-funded by the STE Research Fund, STE shall help guide the student in developing their research topic and methodology. Still, students should have a clear broad field of interest.

Candidates already working with other NGOs, universities, or government institutions wishing to be funded for their research shall present a full research proposal and budget for review by STE.

Eligibility criteria for a full MSc scholarship:

• Kenyan Nationals with a relevant undergraduate degree and proven experience or interest in topics relevant to the broad theme of elephant conservation.
• MSc admission to a reputable local university secured independently by the student (Students enrolled in MSc programs deemed not appropriate to build a career in natural resource management will not be supported).
• A written commitment to undertake the MSc program full time till completion (no deferring) unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
• It is anticipated that an STE scientist shall be nominated onto the student’s supervision committee, either as an advisor or a co-supervisor.
• Students should liaise closely with the STE advisor and the university supervision committee to develop a suitable research project.

The full MSc scholarship covers the following:

• Accommodation costs for fieldwork activities & university accommodation if required.
• Computer and any technical software needed for the research topic
• A monthly stipend to cover food, public transport, and the internet unless otherwise covered by full board accommodation.
• Tuition fees for a maximum of two years, unless the extension is beyond the student’s control but not due to failure. In case a student fails any units the first year, he/she shall be discontinued from the sponsorship and all other benefits withdrawn. Students who do not attain a pass mark of 70% in the first-year course work shall not access further funding to proceed to the second year.
• Books and stationery
• A research budget sufficient to carry out an agreed field project
• Basic medical insurance package coverage for inpatient costs by a provider chosen by STE.
• Every student shall sign the STE indemnity form valid till his/her studentship ends.

To apply for the full MSc scholarship, please submit the following:

1. application letter,
2. detailed CV with contact details of three referees,
3. scans of first-degree certificate and transcripts all as one PDF with your name as the file name, and, a scan of the MSc program admission letter to researchadmin@savetheelephants.org