International students and early-career researchers looking to build a career in marine science now have a final opportunity to secure a fully funded Master’s or PhD through the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) Scholarships 2026. This global scholarship news is especially important for applicants from partner countries aiming to pursue advanced research and academic training in marine science fields.
Funded through the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, the Ocean Country Partnership Programme Scholarships are designed to strengthen research capacity and innovation in marine environmental protection, sustainable seafood systems, biodiversity conservation, and marine pollution control. The scholarship opportunity supports world-class postgraduate study and research at selected host universities, helping scholars from partner nations develop solutions to pressing ocean and coastal challenges.
The OCPP scholarship programme is scheduled to close in March 2026, making this one of the last intakes for eligible candidates to benefit from fully funded marine science education and research support.
Your Fully Funded Ocean Career Starts Here: Financial Package Explained
If you are planning to pursue postgraduate studies in marine science, the OCPP Scholarships 2026 provide a comprehensive financial package designed to remove financial barriers and allow you to focus entirely on academic and research excellence. As a selected candidate, you will receive full financial support covering all major academic and research costs throughout your study period.
The scholarship package includes:
- Full tuition fees for approved marine science Master’s or selected PhD programmes
- Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses
- Research support grant to assist with fieldwork, materials, and academic research needs
- Coverage for disability-related expenses where applicable
- Maternity support provisions on a case-by-case basis
This funding structure ensures that scholars can fully engage in advanced marine science research, collaborate with leading researchers, and contribute to sustainable ocean management without financial stress.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Benchmarks for Global Marine Researchers
If you are aiming to build a professional pathway in marine science and environmental sustainability, this scholarship is designed for early to mid-career researchers from OCPP partner countries. Applicants must meet both academic and host-university entry standards before applying.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Must hold an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Must meet postgraduate admission requirements of the chosen host university
- Should be interested in research areas such as marine pollution, sustainable seafood, or marine biodiversity
- Must be from an eligible OCPP partner country such as Ghana, India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Senegal, Mozambique, Belize, Solomon Islands, or Vanuatu
- Must review country-specific eligibility and course availability before applying
The programme primarily targets candidates committed to strengthening marine environmental management and research capacity in their home countries.
Apply: https://www.acu.ac.uk/funding-opportunities/for-students/scholarships/ocpp/
Final Call for Ocean Innovators: Application Deadline
The Ocean Country Partnership Programme Scholarships 2026 are scheduled to close as planned in March 2026.