Admissions & Cost

Who Should Apply?

The program is designed for learners with a professional or intellectual interest in tropical forest landscapes, committed to biodiversity conservation, integrated land management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and more. The program is open to individuals from diverse disciplines and backgrounds and does not require an extensive background in ecology or environmental science.

Participants to date represent 280+ organizations from 70+ countries, including:

• Professionals from governments, private industries, and nongovernmental organizations working on project design and landscape management
• Staff members from foundations, businesses, and aid agencies seeking to fund and promote effective programs
• Academics, lecturers, graduate students, and recent graduates looking to supplement their knowledge
• Landowners, farmers, ranchers, and community organizers enhancing management within their communities
• Individuals seeking professional development or career changes
• Other champions of sustainable tropical landscapes from the Global South and beyond.

How to Apply

All materials must be submitted through our online application system. Please contact us at tropicalcertificate@yale.edu for any questions about the application materials or process.

Required Materials

To apply to this program, you must submit:

1. Completed online application form
2. Resume or curriculum vitae
3. Personal statement and two short-response statements (see application for details)
4. One professional recommendation
   •  A recommendation from an academic or professional supervisor is preferred. We are looking for individuals who can evaluate your academic and professional activities, leadership skills, and career goals.
   •  Listing yourself, family, or friends as a professional recommender is not acceptable.
   •  It is your responsibility to contact your recommender and inform them that the ELTI Online Certificate Program will be contacting them with the link and directions for submitting the letter of recommendation. Your application file will not be complete until your recommendation is received.

Optional Materials

The following materials may be uploaded to support your application, but are not required. Individuals who do not have the following materials will not be penalized.

Applicants may choose to submit:

1. Documentation of coursework additional to a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent
2. Official TOEFL or IELTS test score reports
   • Participants must have a high proficiency in English in order to learn from the written and recorded presentations, complete written assignments and engage in thoughtful discussion with peers and instructors during live sessions.
   • If you have standardized language scores demonstrating English proficiency, you may submit your score reports to accompany your application. This material is not required.