Training:
how to apply
The closing date for applications is the 20th FEBRUARY each year. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of March.
The exact details for applying depend on whether you are a European or African applicant.
The online application form can be filled in here.
If you are unable to use this online application form due to technological constraints, you may download it as a Word document or as a pdf file and send it in the post or email it to the addresses given below. Please include your name in the filename of any documents you send, including your cover letter and curriculum vitae.
scholarships
Scholarships are available to those from Africa and Madagascar to take part in the African or Madagascar courses.
Scholarships include transport to and from the field site, accommodation, subsistence and course fees.
European applicants
Essential:
- Applicants must have completed at least 3 years of their first degree in a biological science by the start of the TBA course;
- Applicants should have a genuine interest in tropical ecology, be highly motivated and keen to learn new ideas;
- Applicants should have a willingness to participate fully during the course and mix well within an international group.
If you think you fit all these criteria then please apply.
Applications and letters of reference must be in English and must include:
- A completed application form - you can either fill this in on the web here, or download it in word or pdf format and send in the post;
- A cover letter explaining in detail why you want to attend the course (no more than 2 pages). Applicants must write their own letters and should not copy letters from colleagues;
- A curriculum vitae detailing your education with degree, year of course and marks attained; any achievements, interests, work and/or extra activities especially any biological ones; and
- Confidential references in English from two referees (e.g. lecturers from your university or employers at your current institution). All applicants must arrange to have references sent to the TBA as soon as possible; you may include them in a sealed envelope with your application, or ask your referee to send them directly to the TBA. See below for reference guidelines and an optional letter of recommendation for your referees.
Hard copy applications and references should be sent to:
TBA Course Coordinator
Tropical Biology Association
Department of Zoology
Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1223 336619
Fax: +44 (0)1223 336676 (please mark for the attention of TBA)
African applicants
Essential:
- Applicants must be nationals of an African country;
- They must have a first degree in a biological science field (for example, zoology, botany, wildlife management, environmental science, natural resource management or conservation biology) by the time the course begins;
- A willingness to participate fully during the course and mix well within an international group;
- Preference will be given to those involved in biological field research following their degree courses and/or those studying for a higher degree and who are at an early stage of their careers (for example, first year Masters).
Applications (including letters of reference) must be in English and must include:
- A completed application form you can either fill this in on the web here, or download it in word or pdf format and send in the post;
- A cover letter explaining in detail why you want to attend the course in your own words (no more than 2 pages). Applicants must write their own letters and should not copy letters from colleagues;
- A curriculum vitae giving details of your education (degree, year of course and marks attained); any achievements, interests, work and/or extra activities (especially any biological ones); and
- Confidential references, written in English from two referees (e.g. lecturers from your university or employers at your current institution). All applicants must arrange to have references sent to the TBA as soon as possible: you may include them in a sealed envelope with your application, or ask your referee to send them directly to the TBA. See below for reference guidelines and an optional letter of recommendation for your referees.
Hard copy applications and references should be sent to: 
Course Coordinator
Tropical Biology Association
PO BOX 44486
00100 - Nairobi
Kenya
Tel: +254 (0)20 3537568
Guidelines for referees
Below are some guidelines for referees to look at when preparing a standard reference for a TBA applicant:
- The TBA courses are aimed at young biologists near the beginning of their research careers, rather than people with extensive experience of research. The courses bring together students and academics from Europe and host regions in equal numbers, teaching ecology and conservation, and providing a unique opportunity to share ideas and make contacts.
- We are looking for students who have a keen interest in tropical biology, are bright, enthusiastic, and motivated. An ability to integrate into a multi-national group of people is extremely important, and we favour students who will participate fully in the course.
- The courses are taught in English, so students must have a suitable fluency in the language (all students have to make presentations in English during the course). Living conditions at the field stations are comfortable but basic. Students should be able to cope in what they might regard as somewhat primitive field conditions. Also, the climate may be extremely hot; applicants must be able to cope with climatic environments perhaps different to their own.
- Does the applicant you are writing a reference for fit these criteria? Would they be suitable for a place on a TBA course?
Please download and print a list of guidelines and letter of recommendation for your referee here in pdf format or fill in the reference form electronically in Word format and return to:
courses-africa@tropical-biology.org (for African participants) or
courses@tropical-biology.org (for European participants).
PLEASE NOTE THE FAX NUMBER FOR THE UK OFFICE IS
+44 (0) 1223 336676
PLEASE MARK FAXES FOR THE ATTENTION OF TBA
Applicants for the Organisation for Tropical Studies courses
PhD students from TBA member institutions may also be eligible for places on OTS courses in Tropical Biology in Costa Rica.
Please click here or visit the OTS website for details (http://www.ots.duke.edu/)
If you are interested in applying for an OTS courses please contact the TBA at courses@tropical-biology.org.
DO NOT SEND YOUR APPLICATIONS TO OTS.
The TBA office will process your application on behalf of the OTS in the first instance.