GENERAL FAQs

  • Yes, our trainings are aimed all students as well as working professionals who wish to obtain better knowledge, understanding and experience of wildlife forensics. The training has a large, hands-on component in which you will perform practical wildlife forensic investigations.

    If this is something you are interested in or could even benefit from in your further studies or career then we would highly recommend to sign up.

  • Generally we do not exclude these activities as they are educational and add value to the content of the course but we advise you to liaise with us directly.

  • We require a 50% deposit to secure your booking. Final payment is due 1 week before your arrival.

  • You have two payment options:

    1.        Pay in full – You can choose to pay the entire course fee upfront.

    2.        Pay a deposit – Alternatively, you can secure your spot with a deposit of $500/€500/£440. The remaining balance can then be paid either in one lump sum or in 2–4 instalments.

    If you prefer the deposit option, just let us know. Your booking will be confirmed once we receive your deposit. Please note that the full balance must be paid at least one month before the course starts.

    We also offer a 5% discount on course fees paid in full at least six months before the start date. There are no penalties or interest for paying in instalments, and we accept payments to our Dutch bank account, or we can send a credit card link.

    Please note: A portion of the proceeds from our international training courses goes directly toward funding critical forensic training for wildlife rangers in Africa - many of whom operate on the front lines of conservation with little to no support. These rangers need access to specialised skills to combat poaching and environmental crime but often lack the funding to receive such training. Your participation helps make this support possible.

  • The course fee does not include:

    • Alcoholic beverages

    • Flights to and from Cape Town

    For internships, the fee also excludes:

    • Accommodation, catering

    • Transport

    • General living expenses

    • Any costs associated with visa applications.

  • Any notification of cancellation of the Booking must be in writing by email. The date on which the notification is received by WFA will determine the cancellation charges applicable. In the event of cancellation the following charges will normally apply: 

    • Up to 6 (six) months before the Due Date, a full refund of any monies paid to WFA

    • 6 (six) months to 30 days before the Due Date, 50% (Fifty percent) of the total course cost will be forfeited

    • Less than 30 (thirty) days before the Due Date 100% (One Hundred percent) of the total course cost will be forfeited. 

INTERNSHIPS FAQs

  • No, we require all interns to complete at least the 2-Week course.

  • Internships are voluntary (i.e. the intern does not earn a stipend or salary during their internship)

  • The option to stay at the academy is subject to availability and also depends on the type of course booked / nature of the research project assigned to the student. Interns are required to pay for their own accommodation for the duration of their internship (for the period that they are on a course at the academy, then accommodation and transport is provided).

  • Accommodation options range from 450-700 Euro per month. Costs will depend on the area of Cape Town and whether it’s private or shared accommodation. The WFA provides assistance and guidance to students when booking their accommodation.

  • The cost of a 5-month internship with us is €650 (March 2026: €750) which includes collection from the airport, a SIM card (data and airtime at own cost), 24hr telephone access to mentor in case of emergency and weekly check-ins and guidance meetings.

  • You will have to cover your own accommodation, visa, flights and living expenses.

  • This will depend on when the training you signed up for is scheduled to run at the Academy. Ideally students should arrive at Cape Town airport roughly 48 hours before the start of the course to acclimatise and factor in any possible flight delays.

    If you have signed up for an internship we usually communicate with you directly to decide on the best start date, taking into account your educational institution’s requirements. We also have to take consider the needs of the research project you are scheduled to do.

ONLINE COURSES FAQs

  • We currently grant 8 weeks access for the Introductory Online Course (Module 1) and 12 weeks access for all other modules.

  • Yes they are. However, the length of time that you will have access your online course differs per course. At the start of your course you will receive a date by which your link will stop working. Up until that date you can work as fast or slow as you please.

  • If you buy the Introductory Online Course (Module 1) and then decide to do an in-person training at the Academy in South Africa, you will get the costs of the introductory course back.