Deadline: 09-May-2026
The Institute of Forestry (IOF), Tribhuvan University provides targeted funding to support final-year undergraduate forestry students in completing their research project requirements.
The program is implemented in collaboration with RECOFTC Nepal under the Darwin Initiative-funded SEGA project.
Core Objectives of the Program
The grant aims to:
- Support academic research for B.Sc. Forestry final-year students
- Strengthen field-based forestry education and practical skills
- Document conservation and indigenous knowledge systems
- Improve understanding of forest governance and management
- Address human-wildlife conflict in protected areas
- Promote gender-responsive conservation research
Research Focus Areas
Students must conduct research in one of the following thematic areas:
- Gender-responsive governance in conservation area management committees
- Indigenous and local forest fire prevention and early control practices
- Human-wildlife conflict mitigation and relief strategies
Study Locations
Research must be conducted in designated sites:
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area
- Barandabhar or Panchase Forest Protection Areas
- Langtang National Park
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be B.Sc. Forestry final-year (8th semester) students at IOF, Tribhuvan University
- Submit research aligned with approved thematic areas and locations
- Meet academic project requirements of their degree program
Preference is given to:
- Permanent residents of study areas
- Female students
- Students from marginalized communities
Funding Details
- Number of grants: 3 awards
- Amount per grant: NPR 50,000
- Tax: Subject to applicable government regulations
- Purpose: Research project implementation costs
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Cover letter
- Recommendation letter
- Research proposal (maximum 8 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with referee contacts
Submission method
- Email submission only
Deadline
- May 9, 2026
Selection Priorities
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Relevance to thematic research areas
- Alignment with designated study sites
- Academic quality and feasibility of proposal
- Inclusion of marginalized or local community students
- Gender representation
- Research relevance to conservation and forestry management
Program Partnerships and Context
This grant program is implemented through:
- Institute of Forestry (IOF), Tribhuvan University
- RECOFTC Nepal
- Darwin Initiative-funded SEGA project
It reflects a broader effort to strengthen applied forestry research and conservation capacity in Nepal.
Why the Program Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Strengthens practical forestry education
- Encourages field-based conservation research
- Integrates indigenous knowledge into environmental management
- Supports gender-inclusive academic opportunities
- Builds capacity in conservation governance and conflict mitigation
- Links academic learning with real-world forest management challenges
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals outside approved themes
- Ignoring required study locations
- Exceeding page limits for research proposal
- Missing recommendation letter or CV details
- Weak connection between research and forestry conservation issues
- Late submission after deadline
Tips for a Strong Application
- Align research clearly with one thematic area
- Choose a feasible and well-defined study site
- Highlight relevance to conservation or community impact
- Ensure strong methodology within 8-page limit
- Emphasize local relevance and practical outcomes
- Include strong academic and fieldwork justification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is this IOF research grant?
A small grant program supporting final-year forestry student research in Nepal.
Who can apply?
B.Sc. Forestry final-year students at Tribhuvan University.
How much funding is provided?
NPR 50,000 per selected student.
How many grants are available?
Three grants in total.
What topics are eligible?
Governance in conservation, indigenous fire prevention, and human-wildlife conflict.
Where must research be conducted?
Approved protected and conservation areas in Nepal.
What is the deadline?
May 9, 2026.
Conclusion
The Institute of Forestry research grant supports undergraduate students in Nepal to conduct field-based forestry research with real-world conservation relevance. By funding studies on governance, indigenous knowledge, and human-wildlife conflict, it strengthens academic learning while contributing to sustainable forest management practices.
For more information, visit IOF.