Issue date: 4 July 2025
Ocean Mineral Singapore (OMS) pursuant to its contract for the exploration for polymetallic nodules signed with the Authority on 22 January 2015 is offering ten (10) master’s fellowships to candidates from developing States as a part of its 2026 training programme.
TRAINING PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:
Through this initiative, OMS aims to make advanced marine science education more accessible to passionate individuals and to foster future talent in the field. Therefore, these fellowships will allow 10 candidates to pursue a full-time, 1-year master’s programme in Marine Science at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Founded in 1970, UKM—The National University of Malaysia—is one of the country’s top five research universities and ranked #138 in the QS World University Rankings. With a strong international reputation and diverse student body, UKM offers a dynamic and globally oriented academic environment. Graduates will be well-prepared for impactful careers in academia, government, environmental consultancies, and international research organizations.
PROGRAMME DETAILS
Course Name: Master of Science (Marine Science) (Coursework)
Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)
Intake: March 2026
Mode: Coursework-based
The Master of Science in Marine Science at UKM equips students with both advanced theoretical understanding and practical skills to address complex marine challenges. The programme offers a unique blend of:
- Core and elective modules, covering marine ecology, oceanographic data analysis, and biogeochemistry;
- Hands-on fieldwork, including beach surveys, and may include sea expeditions;
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and analytical facilities; and
- Interdisciplinary research projects and independent inquiry guided by expert faculty.
ELIGIBILITY:
Candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or equivalent, from any institution of higher learning recognized by the UKM Senate; a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with CGPA between 2.00 – 2.49, with at least 5 years of working experience or a research project in the relevant field (International candidates must provide proof of experience endorsed by their national embassy);
- For local candidates only: Fulfil Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL A) by being: over 30 years of age at the time of application; in possession of at least STPM or diploma in a relevant field (or equivalent qualification) recognized by the Malaysian government and approved by the UKM Senate; holding a certificate of MQA APEL with MQF Level 7
- Language Proficiency: HEET score of at least 7, TOEFL iBT score of at least 46, IELTS band score of at least 5.5. Alternatively, candidates from countries where English is the official language, or who have academic qualifications from institutions where the medium of instruction is English, may be exempted.
- Age: Over 30 years of age at the time of application
- Other: Potential candidates are asked to carefully review UKM’s application/admission requirements to ensure they are eligible. Click here to know more about the programme: https://www.ukm.my/siswazahfst/marine-science/.
- Disclaimer: Employees of the Authority’s exploration contractors are not eligible to apply to the Contractors’ Training Programme.
COST BEARING
OMS undertakes to provide comprehensive financial assistance in direct relation to the fellowship, including:
- Full coverage of admission and course fees;
- Travel: One-time round-trip airfare and visa expenses;
- Accommodation for the entire duration of the programme; and
- A competitive stipend to support the basic living needs of all selected candidates.
As part of OMS’ sponsorship, students will be housed at UKM’s International Student Dome, which provides: private study-equipped rooms, high-speed internet, 24-hour security, shared lounges and collaborative spaces to foster both focused learning and social interaction. Click here to learn more about accommodation at UKM: https://www.ukm.my/ukmshape/information-accommodation/
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The selected candidates will be required to sign the Authority’s Contractors’ Training Programme Code of Conduct for Trainees prior to the start of the programme.
The candidates will provide, in parallel to the final research project, satisfactory periodical (per semester) written reports with presentation on the progress and outcome of the MSc. programme to both OMS and the Authority.
No later than four (4) weeks after the training has ended, each trainee shall submit an end-of-training report to OMS and the Authority outlining, amongst other things, the training completed, the benefits of the training opportunity, the knowledge gained and how the training will advance their career/educational pursuits.
Upon successful completion of the programme, trainees shall also receive an end of training certificate from the Authority.
Trainees shall also be required to submit a supplementary report to the Authority five (5) years after the training has been completed, to allow for an assessment of the long-term benefits of the programme.
HOW TO APPLY
All interested applicants are invited to register and submit their applications on the Authority CTP Application Portal, along with their supporting documents, including:
- A copy of current passport photo and valid passport biopage;
- Nomination Form (docx | pdf) duly signed by the nominating entity;
- Proof of meeting UKM academic and language requirements for the MSc. Marine Sciences programme (this may include proof of pre-qualification for the programme);
- Copy of CV or Résumé;
- Two recommendation letters.
Applicants must select the following options when applying for this training opportunity on the Application Portal:
Contractor Name: Ocean Mineral Singapore (OMS)/PMS
Year: 2026
Programme Name: 10x master´s fellowship
Specialization: Marine Science
Application Deadline: 30 September 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.
One of the Voluntary Commitments registered by the Authority at the 2017 UN Ocean Conference (#OceanAction 40768) and reiterated in 2022 was ‘Enhancing the role of Women in Marine Scientific Research through Capacity Building’. OMS supports this commitment and strongly encourages qualified women to apply for these training opportunities.
All queries concerning the training programme should be directed to training@isa.org.jm