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
  
A PhD position is available in the lab of Prof. Sophie von der Heyden lab at Stellenbosch University, one of Africa's leading marine research groups specializing in the use of molecular tools to understand patterns and processes driving southern Africa's rich marine biodiversity. This PhD project will use a combination of eDNA metabarcoding across the Tree of Life and Species Distribution Models to examine the connectivity of Marine Protected Areas along coastal South Africa and infer potential distribution changes under future climate change scenarios.  Applicants should be motivated, physically fit, and have a strong MSc record (≥65%). Experience in molecular methods and marine ecology is ideal. Apply by 15 Sep 2025 with a CV, transcript, and two referees. Start date: early 2026.
Stellenbosch University9/15/2025
Stellenbosch University will host a 2-day workshop on Isotope Geochemistry and Instrumental Applications from 1 to 3 December 2025, presented by experts from Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town. The course will cover topics such as radiogenic and stable isotope systems, trace element analysis, and dating techniques. It is open to students and professionals, with discounted rates for Stellenbosch students. Applications close on 18 September 2025, and successful applicants will be notified by 17 October. For more information, contact Riana Rossouw or Janine Colling.
SU & UCT9/18/2025
Are you an early career researcher interested in deep-sea exploration? The Crustal Ocean Biosphere Research Accelerator (COBRA) is offering a Master Class and Fellowship designed to train the next generation of deep-sea expedition leaders. This intensive 12-week programme is an endorsed action of the United Nations' Decade of Ocean Science. It provides comprehensive training on expedition planning, funding, data management and more.
  • Key Details:
  • Who should apply? Early career researchers with an interest in deep-sea research.
  • What is the course format?
    • Virtual Sessions: The first 11 weeks will be held virtually on Tuesdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM US Eastern Time (13 January to 31 March 2026).
    • In-person Finale: The final week will be an in-person event from 7 April to 9 April 2026 at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Maine, USA.
  • ​What's in it for you? Selected participants will be named COBRA Fellows and will have their travel and visa costs for the in-person event reimbursed.
COBRA9/18/2025
The International Seabed Authority (ISA), in partnership with the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC), is launching the first African Academy for Deep Sea Diplomacy—a hybrid training programme designed for early to mid-career professionals from African Member States, especially diplomats, government officials and policy makers. The programme aims to build regional capacity and leadership in deep seabed governance under UNCLOS. It includes a mandatory online phase from 6–31 October 2025 and an in-person session in Yaoundé, Cameroon, tentatively scheduled for 17–21 November 2025.
ISA9/19/2025
27-31 October 2025 | Online
​The Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation (SEEC) at the University of Cape Town is offering an online short course on statistical modelling and data analysis using R from October 27-31, 2025. Targeting researchers and scientists, the course covers R basics, regression, experimental design, and generalized linear models. The fee is R5000, and participants need basic statistical knowledge and their own computer with R and R-Studio.
UCT9/26/2025
​The new Oppenheimer Chair in Environmental Justice for Inland and Coastal Fisheries, part of the Southern African Fisheries Ecology Research Lab (SAFER Lab) at Rhodes University, is inviting applications from BSc Honours, MSc and PhD students. Led by Professor Warren Potts, the Chair is looking for students interested in the social, ecological, or governance aspects of inland and coastal fisheries.  Applications, including a CV and letter of motivation, should be sent to w.potts@ru.ac.za by 30 September 2025. Scholarships are available and successful applicants will be based in Makhanda.
Rhodes University9/30/2025
The DSTI and NRF have announced a call for new Master's and Doctoral funding applications for the 2026 academic year, with continuing eligible students required to submit progress reports. Funding is available at Full Cost of Study (FCS) for eligible South African citizens and permanent residents (financially needy, disabled, or exceptional academic achievers) and Partial Cost of Study (PCS) for a limited number of international students and other qualifying South Africans. Applications across Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities must be submitted online via the NRF Connect System, with specific opening and closing dates for students at different study levels. 
Closing dates:
Honours (General): 21 November 2025
NRF-SARAO Honours: 31 August 2025
First-time Master’s: 04 July 2025
First-time Doctoral: 04 July 2025
Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support: 15 August 2025
NRF11/21/2025
The Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (and collaborators) is offering a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to share lessons learnt in developing the Algoa Bay Marine Spatial Plan (MSP). The MOOC will be available for free on the Nelson Mandela University's Engage platform and can be accessed at any time by anybody around the World! Click here for further details, if you are interested in doing this Course, kindly register here​. YouTube details: https://youtu.be/_g2PxfPKVOQ
NMU12/31/2025