Student Opportunities

Opportunities
​A list of training opportunities for early and mid-career professionals in fields relating to marine science. For internship and postdoctoral opportunities, please have a look at the Vacancies page.
Opportunity
Institution
  
Closing Date
  
PhD project at UKZN in Durban
​A PhD student is being sought to investigate carbon fluxes of the coral reefs of northern KZN and the associated water column. This PhD will form part of the South African Ocean Coastal Carbon Observatory (SArOCCO) programme, in collaboration with Stellenbosch University and other partners.  The programme aims to improve estimates of the carbon budget of the South African coastal ocean, with a view to better understanding the potential impacts of ocean acidification and the feedbacks in the system that link ocean carbon-climate science to mitigation policy needs and help formulate policies for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR).  Specifically, the incumbent will attempt to quantify the extent to which the reef habitats either emit or sequestrate carbon and the conditions that might alter the balance. The project will combine field samples and aquarium experiments, with the possibility of some numerical modelling. The project will suit a candidate with strong interests in coral biology and marine chemistry and with strong quantitative skills.  A class 4 diving certificate would be an advantage.   Bursary funding is available for the PhD.  Expressions of interest or further enquiries can be addressed to Dr David Glassom at glassom@ukzn.ac.za.
UKZN2/9/2026
​PhD Opportunity in Denmark
The National Institute of Aquatic Resources at the Technical University of Denmark is offering a PhD scholarship in experimental ecophysiology and biology of lumpsuckers. Based in Hirtshals, Denmark, the project focuses on optimizing the health and welfare of lumpsuckers used as cleaner fish in salmon farming. Candidates will investigate physiological responses to environmental stressors and dietary needs. Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree and demonstrate strong laboratory skills.
DTU2/15/2026
A fully funded PhD at the University of Galway in Ireland will investigate the evolution, taxonomy and chemical diversity of Dictyota using phylogenomics, barcoding and metabolomics. Building on recent discoveries of underestimated South African diversity, the project explores how evolutionary history, development and environment shape chemical traits. The candidate will join the RevAlgae programme, conduct fieldwork, complete remaining taxonomic descriptions and collaborate internationally. The 3–4 year PhD begins by May 2026.
 University of Galway2/20/2026
The Ocean Discovery League is accepting applications for the 2026 "Accessing the Deep" program, targeting early-career professionals in Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. This virtual initiative provides technical training and mentorship in low-cost deep-sea exploration. Running from May to November 2026, the program includes weekly online sessions and personalised project guidance. Participants may receive an internet allowance, while mentees earn a $500 honorarium.
ODL3/4/2026
The Hoogenboom Scholarship ​
The scholarship ​empowers female leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa by funding full master's degrees at Heriot-Watt University’s Lyell Centre Edinburgh, Scotland. Focused on environmental sustainability and planetary health, the programme addresses critical challenges like climate resilience, biodiversity loss and plastic pollution. Students gain technical expertise and practical skills through cutting-edge research and fieldwork. By bridging academic excellence with community engagement, the scholarship ensures graduates are equipped to deliver real-world impact and drive sustainable development across the African continent and beyond.​
Heriot-Watt University4/26/2026
21 Jan 2026 | Kirstenbosch, Cape Town​
Unlock the potential of Ocean Accounting to drive informed decisions in Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). This intensive single-day workshop is designed to introduce participants to the core concepts of ocean accounting and demonstrate its practical application as a robust decision support tool for MSP. Participants will engage in a practical role-play exercise, requiring them to make and defend real-world spatial planning decisions. Using ocean accounting information, attendees will learn to evaluate trade-offs across economic sectors, critically assessing the associated social community and environmental costs and benefits.
IOI-SA & Partners12/15/2026