ADMISSIONS

Applications are open for the 5th cohort of the Master’s in Conservation Biology. Deadline: November 3, 2026.

Program at a glance

  • Period: March 2027 – February 2029 (24 months)
  • Location: Gorongosa National Park, Sofala Province
  • Places: 12, with 50% reserved for women
  • Format: In-person, taught in intensive modules
  • Coordination: Universidade Zambeze, through the BioEducation Consortium (UniZambeze, UniLúrio, ISPM, Universidade de Lisboa and Gorongosa National Park)

Objectives

To train specialists in conservation and ecology for research, management, restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems, in line with international conventions.

Scholarships

All selected candidates receive a full scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, meals, research costs, one trip per year and a monthly stipend of 6,000 MZN.

Students pay a deposit of 6,000 MZN for the use of specialized equipment. The deposit is refunded at the end of the program when the equipment is returned in good condition.

Eligibility

  • A bachelor’s degree (licenciatura) in Biology, Conservation or a related field; graduates in other fields with proven experience in the area may also apply
  • Mozambican nationality
  • Proficiency in Portuguese and English
  • Preference is given to candidates with a final grade of 14 or higher

Required documents

  • Letter of motivation addressed to the Director of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources, Universidade Zambeze – Chimoio
  • Two letters of recommendation, sent by the referees directly to posgraduacaofearn@gmail.com and ciencia@gorongosa.net with the subject line “Carta de Recomendação — [Candidate’s name]”
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Completed application form
  • Certified copy of degree certificate (or certificate of equivalence, where applicable)
  • Letter of authorization from your employer, if applicable
  • Certified copy of national identity card (Bilhete de Identidade)
  • Two passport-size photographs
  • Bank receipts for the deposits required in the call for applications

How to apply

Combine all documents into a single PDF and send it to both posgraduacaofearn@gmail.com and ciencia@gorongosa.net, with the subject line “Candidatura MBC – [Candidate’s name]”.

Selection timeline

  • November 3, 2026: Application deadline
  • November 17, 2026: Pre-selection
  • Following pre-selection: Online written exam
  • First week of December 2026: Online interview
  • January 15, 2027: Final selection

Results will be published on the official websites of the BioEducation Consortium institutions or sent by email.

Degree requirements

To receive the master’s degree, students must complete 120 credits and present and defend a thesis.

Mozambican Students attend a workshop in the E.O. Wilson Laboratory at Gorongosa National Park. Mozambique

Academics

We aim to become an internationally recognized M.Sc. program dedicated to training competent and capable biologists and conservation leaders in Mozambique. Our students acquire comprehensive knowledge of conservation science, which allows them to become successful researchers and managers of the country's biological resources.

Admissions

Applications are open for the 5th cohort (March 2027 – February 2029). Twelve fully funded places are available, with half reserved for women. The deadline is November 3, 2026. See admission requirements and how to apply.

Faculty

The Gorongosa Master's in Conservation Biology faculty consists of a talented, knowledgeable team of professors who generously donate their time to teach intensive courses in the master's curriculum. Faculty members also act as thesis advisors to students and help them in the design and development of their research. We are very grateful for our amazingly dedicated faculty from around the world!

Information for Faculty

Our incredible guest faculty make the Gorongosa Master's in Conservation Biology Program possible. We are extremely grateful for your time and dedication to promoting conservation through education.

Our Consortium Partners

The Gorongosa Master's in Conservation Biology Program is made possible through partnerships with three Mozambican institutions, the Universidade Lúrio, Universidade Zambeze, and the Instituto Superior Politécnico de Manica, in partnership with the Universidade de Lisboa. Our consortium partners help ensure our academic excellence and provide the institutional and administrative support necessary to run a master's program housed in a national park.

 

Student Life

Students in the Gorongosa Master's in Conservation Biology Program have the rare privilege of calling Gorongosa National Park their home for two years.

Student Research

Our students conduct their thesis research on an impressive variety of topics in Gorongosa National Park and its buffer zone. See here for a list of current research projects.

Mission

Vision

To become recognized nationally and internationally as a master’s program that prepares professionals capable of contributing to conservation through biodiversity research and effective management.

Mission

To provide master’s students the highest quality education possible in conservation biology in Mozambique. Students will graduate with ample scientific knowledge and will be capable of conducting research and working in conservation management. Graduates will be critical thinkers, have high ethical standards, and a strong sense of compassion. These qualities will guide them in their work in conservation and sustainable development.