Programme overview
Three month paid international work placement (suggested June to August 2026 with some flexibility on exact timing of the exchange)
Bursary of £3,000 to cover applicants own expenses, including flights, accommodation, local transportation, food, VISAs, insurance and incidentals
Gain valuable international forestry work experience
The Award programme
This award recognises young professionals actively engaged in forestry or natural resource management and have demonstrated a passion for the environment and a desire to solve complex problems. Two UK applicants will be selected and will take part in an international knowledge exchange programme during 2026. Applications for 2026 are now closed.
Participants will take part in a three-month paid international work placement in one of the participating partner countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom) which will offer a broad range of interdisciplinary forestry experience in policy, planning and fieldwork.
This could include: aiding in harvest prescriptions, high value conservation area determination, harvest block and road layout, silviculture-related data collection, modeling and analysis, science and research support, urban forestry management, tree planting and nursery husbandry, or gaining a better understanding of how forestry NGOs and government work. This programme connects future forestry leaders with all the resources required for success — providing unique experiences and opportunities, and empowering participants, while significantly contributing to employers and host countries alike.
Award winners will receive a bursary of £3,000 in total. Participants will cover their own expenses, including flights, accommodation, local transportation, food, VISAs, insurance and incidentals.
In addition, participants will be asked to maintain a blog during the exchange and produce an article after the programme finishes (additional information on the requirements for maintaining a blog will be provided to successful Award recipients). Recipients may be asked to participate in an alumni online event.
Eligibility requirements (for UK applicants)
- A United Kingdom citizen age 30 or under at the time of the exchange due to VISA requirements
- Early career professional (from the point of graduation to five years on). Must have a degree or qualification in forestry or a related natural resource management subject
- A member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters
Please note, UK applicants must be members of the Institute of Chartered Foresters prior to applying in order to participate. For information about membership options, click here.
Placement country preference
Candidates should indicate their preferred placement location/country. Although we will make every effort to accommodate your preference, we cannot guarantee that you will be awarded your top choice.
Ready to apply?
Applications must be submitted in a single document via email by 23:59 GMT on 16 January 2026. Applications must include each of the following:
Personal essay
Submit a 500-word essay describing how your engagement in forestry and/or natural resources management — as well as extracurricular and volunteer activities — demonstrates why you should receive the Young Professional Foresters’ Exchange Programme Award. Also briefly discuss how you would benefit professionally and personally from the Young Professional Foresters’ Exchange Programme.
Proof of graduation
Submit a scan of your certificate from your degree or qualification in forestry or related subject.
CV
Submit a current version of your CV. Ensure that it states your academic history (including institution, programme and year of graduation) and your employment history if applicable.
Application form
Three references and contact information
Please provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five independent references, along with their contact details in the section below. Your references will be required to submit written reference letters and should be sent directly to Dr Rob Hawkins at rob.hawkins@charteredforesters.org.
Submit completed applications and direct any questions about the application process or eligibility for the award to Dr Rob Hawkins at rob.hawkins@charteredforesters.org.
Please note that applications for 2026 are now closed.
Programme timeline
Important requirements and considerations
For UK applicants
- A valid UK Passport
- Eligible to apply for a Canadian, New Zealand or Australian Work Visa. It will be the applicants responsibility to acquire all necessary visas.
- A valid UK driving license as driving may be a requirement for your placement
- Agreement from current line manager to undertake the placement on sabbatical leave from current role