The AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowship is a fully funded six-month postgraduate training programme jointly offered by AfriMAB (the network of UNESCO biosphere reserves in Africa) and Iceland’s GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT).
It is designed for professionals working in African UNESCO biosphere reserves who are actively engaged in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management. Selected fellows spend six months at the Agricultural University of Iceland, combining academic coursework, practical training, and an individual restoration project tailored to their home institution.
AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Fellowship Facts & Quick Verification Tracker
- Programme: AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowship
- Host: GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (UNESCO Category 2 Centre)
- Location: Agricultural University of Iceland, Iceland
- Duration: 6 months (starting 26 February 2027)
- Award: Fully funded + Postgraduate Diploma (30 ECTS)
- Deadline: 10 September 2026
- Official source: UNESCO website
AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Fellowship Coverage & Requirements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Academic Costs | Fully covered |
| Travel | Round-trip airfare |
| Health Insurance | Covered |
| Living Stipend | Monthly stipend covering all living expenses |
| Qualification Awarded | Postgraduate Diploma in Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Land Management (30 ECTS) |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Experience Required | At least 1 year working in a biosphere reserve |
| Age Limit | Under 40 years |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Official Source & Portal Verification
Official announcement and application details are published on the UNESCO website:
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/applications-open-afrimab-gro-lrt-land-restoration-fellowships-2027
Always verify information directly on the official UNESCO page and the GRÓ LRT website.
The Step-by-Step Roadmap
- Confirm you work in an African UNESCO biosphere reserve and meet the eligibility criteria.
- Obtain endorsement letters from your biosphere reserve and your national MAB Focal Point/Committee.
- Prepare a motivation letter, CV, and academic certificates.
- Submit the complete application before the deadline.
- If selected, secure study leave from your employer (who must continue paying your salary).
- Travel to Iceland in February 2027 for the six-month programme.
- Return to your institution and implement the restoration project developed during the fellowship.
Supporting Academic Collaboration
The fellowship strengthens collaboration between African biosphere reserves, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, and Icelandic expertise in land restoration. Fellows join a growing network of GRÓ LRT alumni across Africa and beyond.
Duration and Funding Opportunities
The programme runs for six months, starting on 26 February 2027. It is fully funded, covering tuition, academic expenses, travel, health insurance, and a living stipend. The home institution is expected to grant full study leave and continue paying the fellow’s salary during the training.
Focus on Development Through Scientific Research
The fellowship emphasises practical, science-based approaches to ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management. Fellows design and develop individual projects that address real restoration challenges in their home biosphere reserves.
Growing Importance of International Research Partnerships
By bringing African biosphere reserve professionals to Iceland, the programme builds long-term partnerships, knowledge exchange, and capacity for addressing land degradation — a critical challenge across the African continent.
Broader Fellowship Mission
The fellowship aims to strengthen the capacity of African biosphere reserves to restore degraded ecosystems and promote sustainable land management, contributing to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Research Expectations and Academic Responsibilities
Fellows complete coursework, participate in field training, and develop an individual restoration project. Upon successful completion, they receive a postgraduate diploma and are expected to apply the knowledge and skills in their home institutions.
Fellowship Overview and Academic Purpose
This is a specialised postgraduate training programme (not a full degree) focused on ecological restoration and sustainable land management. It combines theory, practical skills, and a project tailored to the fellow’s professional context.
What This Fellowship Offers
- Fully funded six-month training in Iceland
- Postgraduate Diploma (30 ECTS) from the Agricultural University of Iceland
- Practical field experience and specialised courses
- Individual project designed for immediate application at home
- International network of restoration professionals
- Strengthened institutional capacity in African biosphere reserves
Key Features of the Fellowship
- Fully funded
- Targeted at professionals in African UNESCO biosphere reserves
- Combines academic training, field practice, and project work
- Awards a recognised postgraduate diploma
- Strong emphasis on practical application upon return
Eligible Courses
The programme consists of structured modules in:
- Ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management
- Biophysical fundamentals of land management
- Restoration planning and implementation
- Monitoring, evaluation, and global environmental challenges
It is organised as two 15-ECTS courses leading to the 30-ECTS postgraduate diploma.
Who can Apply
Professionals currently working in UNESCO biosphere reserves in Africa who are engaged in ecosystem restoration or sustainable land management activities.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- At least one year of relevant experience working in a biosphere reserve
- Ability to communicate in English (speak, read, and write)
- Under the age of 40
- Preferably hold a relevant university degree (ecology, natural sciences, environmental management, or related fields). Extensive practical experience may be accepted in some cases
- Endorsement from the biosphere reserve and the national MAB Focal Point/Committee
- Home institution must grant study leave and continue salary payments
Study Period and funding
Study period: 26 February 2027 – approximately August 2027 (6 months).
Funding: Fully covers tuition, travel, health insurance, and living stipend. The employing institution continues to pay the fellow’s regular salary.
What Past Winners & Student Forums Say
Previous fellows highlight the high quality of practical and theoretical training, the value of the individual project for their home institutions, and the strong professional network formed during the programme. Many note that the skills gained directly improve restoration work in their biosphere reserves.
Write About the University offering the Scholarship or Fellowship Here
The programme is hosted at the Agricultural University of Iceland (Landbúnaðarháskóli Íslands). The university specialises in agricultural sciences, environmental studies, and sustainable land management. GRÓ LRT is implemented jointly by the Agricultural University of Iceland and the Soil Conservation Service of Iceland.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes — tuition, travel, insurance, and living stipend are covered. - Do I need a university degree?
A relevant degree is preferred, but extensive practical experience may be accepted. - Must my employer continue paying my salary?
Yes. The home institution must grant full study leave and maintain salary and benefits. - What qualification will I receive?
A Postgraduate Diploma in Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Land Management (30 ECTS).
Current Application Deadlines
Deadline: 10 September 2026
Contact Information for Applicants
Applications and official information are managed through UNESCO and GRÓ LRT.
Check the official UNESCO announcement page for the application form and contact details.
GRÓ LRT general contact is typically available via the GRÓ Centre website (grocentre.is).
How To Apply for AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowship
Prepare the required documents:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Endorsement letter from your biosphere reserve
- Endorsement letter from your national MAB Focal Point or MAB Committee
- Academic certificates
The next step is to:
- Submit the complete application via the official channel indicated on the UNESCO page before 10 September 2026.
- Ensure your employer is willing to support the study leave and continue your salary.
There is no application fee. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted. You can take a look at How to Verify Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Financial Aid Funding. You can also learn How to Avoid Scholarship Scams. Finally, you can Apply for AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowship.
Concluding Remarks
The AfriMAB–GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowship 2027 offers a unique, fully funded opportunity for African biosphere reserve professionals to gain advanced skills in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management. With a deadline of 10 September 2026, eligible candidates should prepare their applications and secure the necessary endorsements early. Finally, make sure that you always refer to the official UNESCO announcement for up-to-date information.