Ph.D. scholarship in oceanographic studies: Call for Applications

Call for Applications:

Ph.D. Scholarship in Oceanographic studies

Faculty of Science/Department of Geosciences/OMRG (Oceanography Malta Research Group).

A.     The Scholarship Award

1. The University of Malta (“UM”) is issuing a scholarship, funded through an agreement with the Nautilus Project (Gibraltar), for Ph.D. students to work on research projects which shall focus on “Optimising Posidonia oceanica Growth in Controlled Conditions and Scaling Transplants for Mediterranean Coastal Restoration.”
2. Applications are now open for the scholarship which will cover research within the Faculty of Science/Department of Geosciences/OMRG (Oceanography Malta Research Group).  
3. Applicants shall be eligible for Ph.D. studies at UM in terms of the applicable regulations and the faculty’s bye-laws. 
4. The selected candidate is expected to enroll in full-time Ph.D. studies offered by the above-mentioned faculty. The scholarship award (the “Award”) is for a maximum of three years and can be taken up as from the approved Ph.D. commencement date, as approved by Senate, based on the recommendations made by the Faculty Doctoral Committee, the Faculty Board and the Doctoral Academic Committee. 
5. This Award shall cover a basic maintenance allowance of EUR 18,000 per annum for a maximum of 3 years. The Award will not cover the annual enrolment/tuition fees, bench fees or other expenses. The Award shall be renewable on an annual basis, upon confirmation that the selected candidate has enrolled for the relevant year.
6. International candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with information available on the website of the International Office when applying, particularly to the sections concerning travelling to Malta, living costs, visas and e-residence permit conditions and requirements. It is important to note that the Award does not cover all the costs related to studying and living in Malta. Information about fees and English Language requirements can be found on the Doctoral School website.
7. Applicants should submit their letter of application by not later than Monday, 22 June 2026 by email to scholarships.doctoralschool@um.edu.mt together with a copy of their curriculum vitae, and a scanned copy of their certificates. The Award is intended to support students who have clear goals for their future. Applicants are expected to explain how they believe doctoral research will allow them to shape their plans after graduation and declare any special attributes and accomplishments that they consider make them deserving of the scholarship. Late applications will not be considered. 
8. The selection procedure will consist of the following: 
   a.    scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application); 
   b.   shortlisting; and 
   c.    an interview and/or an extended interview.
   The selection panel will make its final decision on the successful candidate based on demonstration of academic excellence and research potential. 

B.    Terms and conditions 

1. The selected candidate is expected to travel to the Nautilus Project premises in Gibraltar twice, during the first and second year of the research project, with each stay lasting a maximum of one (1) week. Expenses linked with travelling to and from the Nautilus Project premises in Gibraltar will not be covered by the Award.
2. The Award will be suspended in the event of a suspension of studies. The Award will also not cover any extension of studies. 
3. The Award may not be held concurrently with another major scholarship or sponsorship award for the same purpose. 
4. The Award-holder may not engage in full-time employment which is likely to interfere with the progress of their research and must seek the permission of Senate - on the recommendation of the Faculty Doctoral Committee, the Faculty Board and the Doctoral Academic Committee - before engaging in any employment.  
5. The Faculty Doctoral Committee must be kept informed about the nature and extent of the Award-holder’s employment commitments throughout their period of study. 
6. The Award-holder shall abide by all applicable regulations and policies of the UM in force during the course of their studies.
7. The Award-holder will be required to provide progress reports on an annual basis (normally in May each year) to the Faculty Doctoral Committee, as required by University regulations and procedures. At the end of their studies, the Award-holder shall provide a final report, covering what has been achieved.
8. The Doctoral School requests that the award holder acknowledges the assistance of The Nautilus Project in any publications arising wholly or partially from the award.  
9. Other relevant regulations and policies of the UM shall apply.

The Doctoral School, May 2026