Applications are now opne for B.A. Krukoff Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s Opportunity in Tropical African Botany. The B.A. Krukoff Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity for students passionate about Tropical African Botany to pursue a Master’s degree in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity, and Conservation at Queen Mary University of London. This fellowship, provided by the Bentham-Moxon Trust, aims to support individuals dedicated to advancing botanical knowledge and conservation efforts within tropical Africa.
Fellowship Overview
- Institution: Queen Mary University of London
- Partner Organization: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Degree Level: Master’s Program
- Field of Study: Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity, and Conservation
- Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
- Eligible Nationalities: Applicants from tropical African countries
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
Financial Support and Benefits for the B.A. Krukoff Fellowship
The B.A. Krukoff Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, ensuring that scholars can fully engage in their studies without financial constraints. The benefits include:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees for the MSc program.
- Monthly Stipend: A total of £20,000 allocated as a monthly stipend to cover:
- Accommodation: Housing expenses in London.
- Subsistence: Daily living expenses.
- Travel Allowance: Daily commuting costs.
- Field Trip Costs: Expenses related to mandatory field trips, including the Madagascar field trip.
- Additional Financial Support: Up to £5,000 to assist with:
- Visa Application Fees: Costs associated with obtaining a UK student visa.
- UK Healthcare Surcharge: Mandatory health surcharge as specified by the UK government.
- Travel Expenses: Round-trip travel from the student’s home country to the UK at the beginning and end of the course.
This financial package is designed to alleviate the economic burdens associated with international study, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their academic and research endeavors.
Eligibility Criteria for the B.A. Krukoff Fellowship
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the fellowship:
- Academic Qualifications: Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Botany, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
- Experience: Demonstrated experience in Tropical African botany, including research, fieldwork, or professional practice.
- Commitment: A clear intention to continue working in Tropical African botany post-graduation, contributing to the conservation and understanding of the region’s flora.
- English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must provide proof of proficiency through recognized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Admission Offer: Applicants must have received an offer (conditional or unconditional) for the MSc program at Queen Mary University of London.
These criteria ensure that candidates are well-prepared to maximize the benefits of the fellowship and contribute meaningfully to the field of Tropical African botany.
Application Process for the B.A. Krukoff Fellowship
Interested candidates should follow these steps to apply:
- Secure Admission: Apply for the MSc in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity, and Conservation at Queen Mary University of London. Ensure that all academic and language requirements are met.
- Prepare Application Materials: Gather the following documents:
- Personal Statement: Detailing your background, experience in Tropical African botany, and future aspirations.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting academic qualifications, research experience, and relevant work.
- Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of all relevant academic records.
- Proof of English Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least two references from academic or professional mentors familiar with your work.
- Submit Fellowship Application: Complete the application form available through the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and submit all required documents by the specified deadline.
It is advisable to begin the application process well in advance to ensure all components are completed accurately and submitted on time.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
- Notification of Results: Applicants will be informed of the outcome by December 2025.
- Program Commencement: September 2026
Adhering to these dates is crucial for a successful application process.
Additional Information
- Fieldwork Component: The program includes a mandatory field trip to Madagascar, providing hands-on experience in tropical botany.
- Postgraduate Support: Scholars will have access to a range of academic resources, mentorship opportunities, and professional development workshops.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with a diverse cohort of peers, researchers, and professionals in the field of botany and conservation.
This fellowship not only offers financial support but also immerses scholars in a rich learning environment, fostering both personal and professional growth.
How to Apply
To apply for the B.A. Krukoff Fellowship 2026:
Visit the Official Fellowship Page: Access detailed information and the application form on the Queen Mary University of London Scholarships Page.
Complete and Submit the Application Form
- Carefully fill out the fellowship application form provided by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Ensure that all required fields are accurately completed.
- Double-check the personal information, academic background, and supporting documents before submission.
Submit Required Documents
- Upload all mandatory documents as specified in the application guidelines.
- Ensure that all documents are in the correct format (PDF or Word) and properly labeled.
- Provide certified translations of any non-English documents.
Application Review & Selection Process
- Once submitted, applications will be reviewed by a selection panel of experts in botany and conservation.
- Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic achievements, research experience, motivation, and potential contributions to Tropical African botany.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview to further assess their suitability for the fellowship.
- Final selections will be made by December 2025, and successful applicants will receive an official award letter.
Post-Acceptance Process
Visa & Immigration
- Upon receiving the official fellowship confirmation, scholars should begin the UK student visa application process.
- The £5,000 additional financial support can be used to cover visa application fees and the UK Healthcare Surcharge.
- Ensure that all immigration requirements are met well before the start of the program in September 2026.
Relocation & Settling in London
- Scholars will be provided guidance and support in finding accommodation in London.
- The monthly stipend of £20,000 ensures that all living costs, including rent, food, transportation, and field expenses, are covered.
- Scholars are encouraged to engage with faculty members, research groups, and student organizations to fully integrate into academic life at Queen Mary University of London.
Academic & Research Commitments
- Scholars must maintain excellent academic performance throughout the MSc program.
- Active participation in field research, conservation projects, and scientific publications is encouraged.
- Opportunities to collaborate with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew researchers and conservation experts will be available.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
The B.A. Krukoff Fellowship equips scholars with highly specialized skills and knowledge in Tropical African botany. Graduates can pursue careers in:
- Conservation Organizations: Work with NGOs, governmental bodies, and global organizations focused on plant conservation and biodiversity.
- Academic & Research Institutions: Continue research in universities, botanical gardens, and environmental research centers.
- Policy & Environmental Advocacy: Contribute to policymaking and sustainable development initiatives in African nations.
- Ecotourism & Wildlife Management: Engage in environmental consultancy, protected area management, and ecological tourism.
With the strong international network of Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, graduates of this fellowship are well-positioned for impactful careers in botany, conservation, and sustainability.
Final Thoughts
The B.A. Krukoff Fellowship 2026 presents an unparalleled opportunity for students from Tropical Africa to gain world-class botanical education and practical conservation training in the UK. With full financial support, expert mentorship, and hands-on field experience, this fellowship is designed to empower future leaders in botany and biodiversity conservation.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Apply before October 31, 2025!
For more details and to access the application form, visit the official Queen Mary University of London Scholarships Page.
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