The Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) Scholarships, supported by the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, provide a special opportunity for students from the South Pacific. These scholarships cover the full cost of a Master’s or Ph.D. program in marine science.

About the Scholarships

Our oceans are crucial for life on Earth, supporting communities globally with livelihoods, food security, and cultural traditions. However, marine pollution poses a serious threat to underwater ecosystems, making it one of the most urgent environmental issues today.

Universities and researchers play a key role in addressing marine pollution and finding sustainable solutions for marine resource use.

Degree Level

The UK Government’s Ocean Country Partnership Programme Scholarships 2023 is open for Master’s and Ph.D. programs at UK Universities.

Who Can Apply

These scholarships are for early to mid-career researchers from the Solomon Islands or Vanuatu interested in developing a career in marine science. The OCPP scholarships aim to support top-notch research and innovation in marine pollution. Applications are also accepted for Ph.D. study from citizens of other Pacific Island countries.

Hosted by the University of the South Pacific, these scholarships allow scholars from the South Pacific to use their regional knowledge for essential research and contribute to solving marine environmental problems.

The goal is to support scientific research that aids in the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources. The initial set of OCPP Scholarships will enhance the capacity of partner countries in the South Pacific to address marine pollution, promote sustainable resource management, and bolster responses to marine environmental challenges.

Available Subjects

Master’s Programs

Environmental Management
Geography
Marine Management
Agriculture
Biology
Chemistry
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Geospatial Science
Marine Science

Ph.D. Programs (Focused on or directly applicable to Vanuatu or the Solomon Islands)

Agriculture
Biology
Chemistry
Earth Science
Environmental Management
Environmental Science
Geography
Marine Management
Marine Science

Scholarship Benefits

These scholarships cover an 18-month period for Master’s students and three years for Ph.D. candidates. Each successful recipient will receive:

Tuition fees (including general and health fees)
Living allowance
Research support grant
Travel grant (case by case basis)
Dependent, disability, and maternity costs (case by case basis)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for Master’s should be citizens of, and normally resident in, the Solomon Islands or Vanuatu.
Applications will be accepted for Ph.D. study from citizens of other Pacific Island countries but only if their research is focused on or directly applicable to Vanuatu or the Solomon Islands.
Should be working in or have significant experience in the areas of environment, fisheries, and aquaculture science.
Should hold an undergraduate or bachelor’s-level degree.
Should propose a research topic that is innovative, timely, and likely to lead to demonstrated wider impact beyond the academic community.
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for postgraduate study at the host University.

How to Apply

Apply for the Ocean Country Partnership Programme Scholarships by following the application procedure below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) Scholarships 2024

1. What is the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) Scholarship?

The OCPP Scholarship is a program funded through the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, providing fully funded opportunities for students from the South Pacific to pursue Master’s or Ph.D. programs in marine science.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the OCPP Scholarships?

The scholarships are aimed at early to mid-career researchers from the Solomon Islands or Vanuatu for both Master’s and Ph.D. programs.
Applications for Ph.D. study will also be accepted from citizens of other Pacific Island countries, but the research must be focused on or directly applicable to Vanuatu or the Solomon Islands.

3. What universities are involved in the OCPP Scholarships?

The scholarships are available for study at UK Universities. Specific details regarding partner universities can be obtained during the application process.

4. What is the goal of the OCPP Scholarships?

The primary goal of the scholarships is to support scientific research contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources, with a particular focus on addressing marine pollution.

5. What subjects or programs are covered by the OCPP Scholarships?

A range of Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various disciplines related to marine science are covered. These include Environmental Management, Geography, Marine Management, Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Geospatial Science, and Marine Science.

6. What benefits do the OCPP Scholarships offer?

Recipients of the scholarships will receive coverage for tuition fees (including general and health fees), a living allowance, research support grant, and a travel grant on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, dependent, disability, and maternity costs are covered on a case-by-case basis.

7. How long do the scholarships cover for Master’s and Ph.D. candidates?

The scholarships are awarded on an 18-month basis for Master’s students and over 3 years for Ph.D. candidates.

8. Can individuals with work experience in environmental or marine science apply?

Yes, applicants should ideally be working in or have significant experience in the areas of environment, fisheries, and aquaculture science.

9. What criteria are considered during the selection process?

The selection process considers factors such as citizenship, residence, relevant work experience, academic background, and the innovative and impactful nature of the proposed research topic.

10. How can I apply for the OCPP Scholarships?

To apply for the OCPP Scholarships, visit the official Covenant Health Alberta website and follow the application procedure outlined. Ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria before submitting your application.

For any further inquiries or clarifications, please refer to the official scholarship website or contact the scholarship administration office directly.