Aquatic Biodiversity Summer School 2026/2027: Applications Open for South African Students
South African third-year, Honours and MSc students interested in aquatic biodiversity can apply for the 2026/2027 Summer School in Gqeberha and Durban. Applications close on 18 September 2026.
Aquatic Biodiversity Summer School 2026/2027
South African university students interested in aquatic biodiversity, marine science and environmental research have an exciting opportunity to participate in an upcoming Summer School programme taking place in Gqeberha and Durban.
The programme is aimed primarily at South African third-year, Honours and MSc students who are interested in developing careers related to aquatic biodiversity. Interns may also be considered, making the programme potentially relevant to a broader group of students seeking practical research exposure.
The Summer School is designed to combine classroom and technical learning with practical field experience. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from researchers and gain exposure to methods used in aquatic biodiversity research.
Applications for the programme close on 18 September 2026.
Summer School Locations and Dates
The programme will take place at two coastal locations in South Africa.
The first session will be held in Gqeberha from 30 November to 4 December 2026. The second session will take place in Durban from 18 to 22 January 2027.
Both locations provide an important setting for students interested in marine and aquatic research. Participants can expect a combination of practical activities, technical training and applied learning during the programme.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is targeted at students who are interested in pursuing careers in aquatic biodiversity and related scientific fields.
The advertised programme specifically welcomes:
- South African third-year students
- Honours students
- MSc students
- Interns, where applicable
Students who are considering careers in marine science, aquatic ecology, biodiversity research, environmental science or related disciplines may find the programme particularly valuable.
The programme provides an opportunity for students to connect their university studies with practical research and scientific activities.
What Participants Can Expect
The Summer School combines three major areas of learning: sea-going fieldwork, technical training and applied learning.
This combination gives participants an opportunity to understand how aquatic biodiversity research is conducted from different perspectives.
Sea-Going Fieldwork
One of the major components of the programme is practical sea-going fieldwork.
Participants will gain practical exposure to research conducted aboard NRF-SAIAB research vessels. This can provide students with an understanding of how scientists collect information and conduct research in aquatic environments.
Fieldwork is an important component of marine science because it allows researchers to gather observations and data directly from aquatic ecosystems.
For students who have primarily encountered aquatic science through lectures, laboratory work or academic literature, exposure to research vessels can provide valuable insight into how scientific investigations are conducted in real-world environments.
Technical Training
The programme will also provide participants with technical training in several research methods.
The advertised training includes acoustic telemetry, Marine Remote Imagery and geophysical mapping.
Acoustic telemetry can be used in aquatic research to study the movement and behaviour of organisms. Marine remote imagery provides another way of observing and documenting aquatic environments, while geophysical mapping can assist researchers in understanding underwater landscapes and habitats.
Exposure to these techniques can help students develop a broader understanding of the technologies used in modern aquatic research.
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Applied Learning in Aquatic Biodiversity
The third major component of the programme focuses on applied learning in aquatic biodiversity research.
Participants will have opportunities to connect scientific concepts with practical research applications. This can help them understand how biodiversity information is collected, analysed and applied to real environmental questions.
Applied learning is particularly important for students considering postgraduate research or professional careers in environmental and marine sciences because it demonstrates how academic knowledge can be translated into practical research activities.
Developing Future Aquatic Scientists
The Summer School can serve as an important development opportunity for students who are considering careers in aquatic biodiversity.
Modern aquatic research increasingly requires scientists who can combine biological knowledge with fieldwork, technology, data interpretation and environmental understanding.
By bringing these areas together, the programme can help participants develop a broader perspective of aquatic research and the different career pathways available within the field.
Students may also benefit from interacting with researchers and other participants who share an interest in aquatic science. Such exposure can help them better understand postgraduate research, scientific careers and potential areas of specialisation.
Practical Experience Beyond the Classroom
For university students, practical experience can complement academic learning.
The Summer School’s focus on fieldwork, technical methods and applied research gives participants the opportunity to see how scientific principles are used outside the traditional classroom environment.
Working with research equipment, observing field activities and learning about aquatic research methods can help participants develop practical confidence and a better understanding of scientific research processes.
The experience may also strengthen students’ CVs when applying for future internships, postgraduate programmes, research projects or employment opportunities.
Application Deadline
Interested students should take note of the programme’s application deadline.
Applications close on 18 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials early. The promotional information indicates that applicants should provide a written motivation and a one-minute video application.
A strong motivation should clearly communicate the applicant’s interest in aquatic biodiversity, relevant academic background and reasons for wanting to participate in the Summer School.
The short video should provide applicants with an opportunity to introduce themselves and communicate their enthusiasm for the programme.
An Opportunity to Explore Marine and Aquatic Careers
The Aquatic Biodiversity Summer School presents an exciting opportunity for students who want to explore careers in marine and aquatic science.
With activities covering sea-going fieldwork, acoustic telemetry, marine remote imagery, geophysical mapping and applied biodiversity research, participants can gain exposure to several aspects of modern aquatic research.
The combination of practical experience and technical training can help students understand the skills required in the field while encouraging them to consider further study and research careers.
For eligible South African third-year, Honours and MSc students, the programme offers an opportunity to learn, network and gain practical exposure in an area of science that plays an important role in understanding and protecting aquatic ecosystems.
With applications closing on 18 September 2026, interested students are encouraged to prepare their written motivation and one-minute video application and submit them before the deadline.
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