The Advance Wild Animal Welfare Scholarship

Are you driven to improve the lives of wild animals? Do you possess experience in Ecology or Wild Animal Welfare and/or you aspire to make a significant impact in this field? The Wild Animal Initiative (www.wildanimalinitiative.org), in partnership with Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and the University of Edinburgh, is delighted to announce two exclusive scholarship opportunities for individuals dedicated to advancing wild animal welfare.

The Wild Animal Initiative (WAI)

The Wild Animal Initiative offers two scholarships to a student on each of MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare and MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law. The awards are made in partnership with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the University of Edinburgh.

 

The Wild Animal Initiative (WIA) is committed to accelerating science that helps wild animals. WAI focuses on understanding wild animal welfare and developing evidence-based strategies to enhance wild animal well-being. 

 

Through these scholarships, WAI aims to support the next generation of experts who are dedicated to making a tangible difference to the lives of wild animals.

 

Wild Animal Initiative [link: www.wildanimalinitiative.org]

The MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare was the first animal welfare degree in the UK and has been running since 1990. It has a long-standing reputation and international renown for developing excellent professionals in applied animal behaviour and animal welfare science. 

This is a one-year, on-campus degree programme.  Alumni of the programme have become advocates for, researchers in, and professionals working for the advancement of animal welfare across the globe.

Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare - Webpage

The MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law offers a comprehensive online curriculum designed to equip students with a global perspective on animal welfare concerns. Delivered in partnership between the University of Edinburgh and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), students benefit from internationally recognised teaching experts in their field.

This is a part-time, flexible degree programme which can be completed over a maximum of six years. The sequential learning of the programme allows student to further their professional progression or transition to an animal welfare related career.

International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law - Webpage


There will be one award for each of the following MSc programmes:

Both awards will cover full Home (UK) or International tuition fee rates.


All scholarship applicants must have applied to or hold an offer of a place on one of the above degree programmes prior to submitting a scholarship application. 

We encourage applications from individuals with a strong interest and demonstrable experience in wild animal welfare or humane management strategies for wild animal populations. Ideally, applicants will hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in ecology or a related discipline. However, backgrounds in veterinary/animal welfare science or other relevant disciplines will also be considered if the applicant demonstrates a strong interest and experience in wild animal welfare.

You will be asked to submit a short application form, including a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the scholarship award.


  1. Apply to the MSc programme - either MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare or  MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law (Online Learning)
  2. Note the application number assigned during application
  3. Go to the scholarship page (below) and apply for the scholarship via the Survey link

(The link to Scholarship Page will be added here shortly.)

  • The deadline for applying for the scholarship as an applicant of the MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (On Campus) will be 5pm (UK Time) on 2nd June 2025.
  • The deadline for applying for the scholarship as an applicant of the MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law (Online Learning) will be 5pm (UK Time) on 31st July 2025.

MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (On Campus) students will be notified of their scholarship application on 30th June 2025.

MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law (Online Learning) students will be notified of their scholarship application on 29th August 2025.


Please direct any queries as follows:

  • For the MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare - Vincent Bombail
  • For the MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law - Laura Dixon

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