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
  
  
IAATO Antarctic Fellowship ​
The fellowship provides up to USD 15,000 to support early-career professionals undertaking Antarctic-focused research. The scheme promotes hands-on experience, applied science and international collaboration, contributing to environmentally responsible Antarctic activities and long-term partnerships.
IAATO6/14/2026
COMNAP Early-Career Award ​
The award offers up to USD 15,000 to support emerging Antarctic professionals. It enables collaboration with national Antarctic programmes abroad, building operational expertise, innovation and leadership that strengthen cooperation within the Antarctic Treaty System.
COMNAP6/14/2026
The Second International Training Workshop on Coastal Blue Carbon​
CBC-MSR 2026, will take place from 18 October to 1 November 2026 in Shanghai and Qinzhou, China. The programme builds capacity in carbon sequestration assessment.
IMBeR6/15/2026
Stellenbosch University seeks two PhD and two MSc students for 2027 in blue carbon ecosystem research. Projects span salt marsh carbon storage, genomic diversity of Zostera capensis, seagrass restoration and carbon fractionation. Apply by 15 June 2026 to Prof Sophie von der Heyden.​
Stellenbosch University6/15/2026
The Department of  Ichthyology & Fisheries Science at Rhodes University seeks a motivated MSc student for a fully funded project tracking blue stingray and diamond ray movements using acoustic telemetry. Supervised by Dr Chantel Elston and Dr Taryn Murray, the position starts January 2027. Apply via celston@ori.org.za by 15 June 2026.
Rhodes University6/15/2026

CCAMLR’s Scientific Scholarship Scheme​

The scheme supports early-career scientists’ participation in the Scientific Committee and working groups over two years. It develops expertise in ecosystem-based management, fisheries science and conservation for Antarctic marine governance.

CCAMLR8/31/2026
Applications for this collaborative 2027 programme are open to postgraduate students and professionals. Closing on 31 August 2026, the course commences in February 2027. Click here for the prospectus. Apply at https://samos-edu.eu/.
NMU & partners8/31/2026
SCAR Antarctic Fellowship Programme​
The programme offers four to five awards of up to USD 15,000 for early-career researchers in 2026. It supports Antarctic and Southern Ocean research across disciplines, strengthening collaboration and leadership.
SCAR9/4/2026
The NRF invites applications for DSTI‑NRF postgraduate funding for 2027 across all disciplines. Student closing dates are 3 July 2026 for first‑time Master’s and Doctoral applications, 14 August 2026 for Master’s and Doctoral extension support, and 23 November 2026 for Honours (General) applications.​
NRF-DSTI11/23/2026
The 2026 NF POGO Open Call invites early career scientists, technicians and postgraduate or postdoctoral researchers from developing countries to apply for shipboard training fellowships. Applicants may indicate research interests and travel availability, and selections are made as cruise opportunities arise. No closing date.
NF-POGO12/31/2026
The Humboldt Research Fellowship supports outstanding postdoctoral and experienced researchers from all disciplines worldwide to conduct independent research stays in Germany. Fellowships last 6–24 months and offer generous financial support, flexible start dates and extensive academic networking opportunities, with a strong commitment to diversity and international collaboration. Calls open on the 15th in March, July and November. Calls close once 800 applications are submitted, so applicants should submit early when open.​
Humboldt Foundation12/31/2026