Turing Scheme Wildlife Management Program

Fully-funded programmes abroad in 2023

Welcome to Kaya’s Wildlife Management Abroad program – as part of the UK government’s Turing Scheme.

This project is established for the purpose of offering training for Vocational and Further Education students in the field of Wildlife management. This program is based on the Turing Ecology Program run successfully in 2022, adapted with a more specific focus on wildlife management to enable more participant spaces, due to high interest in this area.

Students aged 16+ studying on further education courses will be eligible.

The programme will offer a 15-day training schedule within a choice of these three projects focusing on different aspects of Wildlife management.. Training will be delivered by professionals within these fields and utilise existing training programs that have been developed specifically for the purposes of training individuals interested in these areas.

Participants on this project will have the opportunity to further their classroom-based animal sciences education by living within a unique new environment as they learn about the theory and engage in practices within each of these niche areas.

35 spaces will be available for this location, with dates of April 1st – April 16th and June 29th – July 14th 2023. (departure and return dates may vary by 1-2days depending on flights.)

1. Amazon Wildlife Conservation – Ecuador

This 2-week wildlife rescue program will take place over the Easter break with a group 15 students.

In week 1, students live at a wildlife rescue sanctuary, engaging in structured training, learning about the animals of the Amazon, the challenges faced by habitat destruction and human interference, and techniques used by conservationists in the rehabilitation and release of captive animals.

Ecuadorian veterinarians, biologists, and zoologists provide instruction on animal nutrition, behaviour and monitoring techniques.

Students will apply their knowledge, developing behavioural enrichment structures, carrying out monitoring activities, and helping feed the animals.

Accommodation will be in log cabins on site.

For week 2, students move to a nearby ecological reserve where researchers train students in habitat conservation, ecology, and techniques used to monitor and gather data in conservation initiatives. Students participate in monitoring projects and apply the techniques they learn. We will be housed at the on-site lodge.

45 spaces will be available for this location, with dates of March 31st – April 9th and June 29th – July 14th 2023. (departure and return dates may vary by 1-2days depending on flights.)

2. Wildlife Management – Zimbabwe

This 15-day African wildlife management training program takes place in Antelope Park Game reserve in Zimbabwe during the easter holidays.

The program hosts a group of 20 students with 2 support adults, housed in dorm rooms of 4-6 people. We will be provided with 3 meals a day at the site.

This program introduces students to land management and wildlife conservation within a 3000 acre game reserve. Students will take part in educational game drives and bush walks, participate in reforestation and anti-poaching initiatives, and assist the on-site team with important research being carried out.

As part of this training program, students will learn about the African savanna ecosystem, and the various aspects of wildlife, land and waste management. Combining educational workshops with practical tasks such as tree planting and snare sweeping, students will develop an understanding of the type of conservation work and environmental research that is required to preserve and protect African wildlife and habitats.

Students will be involved in a variety of activities and workshops, including;

  • Anti-poaching exercises: Students will learn about the impact of poaching on African wildlife, and will take part in bush walks to locate and remove poachers’ traps.
  • Reforestation and soil conservation efforts: Looking at the role of trees and soil in an ecosystem, students will learn how to identify different types of trees, and assist with tree planting and soil repair at multiple erosion sites.
  • Avian research: The reserve is home to over 200 bird species. Students will learn how to classify different birds, and conduct surveys to count the different types of species in the area at that time.
  • Identifying and monitoring the movement of mammals- Students will learn about mammal classification and learn how to identify animal tracks during bush walks. Early morning game drives will give students the opportunity to conduct game counts and behavioural surveys.
  • Exploring and protecting the African bush-Students will learn about bush survival and navigation skills, and be introduced to the river based ecosystem, observing reptiles and amphibians. They will also conduct litter sweeps, collect water, and learn about living off the land in a sustainable way.

14 spaces will be available for this location, with dates of April 8th – April 23rd 2023. (departure and return dates may vary by 1-2days depending on flights.)

3. African wildlife savanna ecology – Eswatini

This 16-day African ecology training program takes place in the Mbuluzi Game reserve in Eswatini during the Summer holidays. The program hosts a group of 14 students with 2 support adults, housed in 2-man tents with camp beds. We will be provided with 3 meals a day at our camp. This program introduces students to ecology and ecosystems within the African Savannah, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Students will learn about the flora and fauna of the savannah.

As part of this training program, students will learn about the research work being carried out at the site and participate in data gathering, monitoring and evaluation that goes into this work. By learning then applying these techniques, they will develop an understanding of the type of work involved in this field of environmental research and conservation.

There will be three focus projects that students will involve with;

  • Biodiversity monitoring: Carrying out transects, counts, sampling, recording and data entry to map biodiversity in an area, examining differences between protected areas, rural communities and agricultural areas
  • Reptile research: With a focus on leopard tortoise and lizards, students will be involved in locating, tagging, weighing and measuring individuals and looking at how changes in vegetation and boundaries affect range and movement patterns
  • Avian research: Learning about species identification, get involved in nest monitoring and banding with raptors and Helmetted Guinea fowl.
  • Within the reserve, students will also see giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, impala, warthog, crocodile, and more, and learn how the interaction between all these inhabitants maintains balance in the savannah ecosystem.

At each location, students will be staying in group accommodation and participating in hands-on training within each working area.  The aim of this programme is to provide students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and practical skills, while learning about different cultures and environments to expand horizons and develop educated, compassionate global citizens.

All flights will depart from and return to Manchester airport, and students will need to make their own arrangements for travel to and from home to the airport.


Covid Considerations

COVID vaccination and testing requirements will be dependent on each country. Face masks and social distancing could still be in place, dependent on local rules and laws. We will advise closer to departure.


Application criteria 

The Turing scheme aims to offer this opportunity to a broad range of students and, while we are looking for students studying related subjects, application evaluation is not based on your grades! We are looking for enthusiastic pupils aged 16+ who have an interest in Wildlife management and related subjects. The scheme is fully funded by the UK government, so there will be no cost incurred other than a £200 confirmation fee for successful applicants. 


Application process

  • The application form below will be the only requirement for consideration for this program. 
  • If you are successful with your application, we strongly advise you look into visa requirements straight away.
  • A board of administrators will evaluate all applications to select successful applicants on a rolling basis, so we encourage early application. 
  • Once successful candidates have been notified, a £200 confirmation fee will be required to confirm the placement (hardship grants will be offered to cover this cost where necessary)
  • As part of this program, students will be expected to complete some pre-departure assignments, including online attendance at a pre-departure workshop. 
  • Flights from Manchester Airport will be provided as part of the program, and students will be required to make their own way to the airport on departure, and home from the airport on our return.

Application deadline 

Friday October 28th, 2022

  • Application form

  • Program selection

    Select which program you would like to be considered for. You may put your order of preference by putting “1” for your 1st choice, “2” for your second choice and “3” for your third choice. If you do not want to be considered for all programs, put a number against only those options you wish to apply for.
  • The dates I would be available to participate in this program are (tick all that apply);
  • Why choose me?

    Tell us, in your own words why you think you should be considered for this program, what your interests are in the field of wildlife management and how you feel you might benefit from participation.
  • CV Upload

    Please upload a copy of your CV. You do not need to include details of any grades you may have received and we will not be assessing applications based on this information.
  • Accepted file types: docx, doc, pdf, jpg, png, Max. file size: 20 MB.