Postgraduate Training in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystems Management

The Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences (DMFS), University of Ghana, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for postgraduate admission for the 2026/2027 academic year and subsequent consideration for funding under the African Union – InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) Human Resources Capacity Development Programme.

This initiative is supported through a SIDA-funded continental project being implemented by AU-IBAR to enhance institutional and human resource capacity in aquatic biodiversity conservation and integrated ecosystems management in African Union Member States.

Eligible Graduate Programmes

Applicants may apply for admission into one (1) of the following programmes offered by the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences for the 2026/2027 Academic Year:

• MPhil Marine Science
• MPhil Fisheries Science

Number of Sponsorships

A maximum of two (2) students will be selected for AU-IBAR sponsorship.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Satisfy the University of Ghana School of Graduate Studies admission requirements for the selected programme.
• Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.
• Possess strong academic background and research interest in:
  • Aquatic biodiversity conservation
  • Fisheries and aquatic ecosystem management
  • Marine and coastal sciences
  • Blue economy–related disciplines
• Demonstrate commitment to contributing to capacity development in Africa upon completion of training.
• Be available to participate in a selection interview.

Gender equity will be considered and qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Graduate Admission Procedure (Mandatory)

Interested candidates must first apply for admission to the University of Ghana for the 2026/2027 Academic Year through the official School of Graduate Studies admissions process.

Detailed information on graduate admission requirements, deadlines, and procedures is available at the following link:
https://www.ug.edu.gh/announcement/graduate-admissions-20262027-academic-year

Only applicants who obtain an official admission offer from the University of Ghana will be eligible for consideration for AU-IBAR sponsorship.

AU-IBAR Sponsorship Application Process

Applicants who have secured admission should submit the following documents to the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences:

• A copy of official University of Ghana admission letter (2026/2027)
• Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages)
• Statement of Motivation (1 page), indicating:
  • Career objectives
  • Relevance of the chosen programme to aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem management in Africa
• Copies of official academic certificates and transcripts
• Proof of nationality (African Union Member State)

Selection Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a selection interview. Final selection will be based on:

• Academic merit
• Relevance of academic and professional background
• Statement of motivation
• Interview performance
• Gender considerations

Funding Modality

Sponsorship will be administered in accordance with African Union financial regulations. Details regarding coverage and conditions will be communicated to successful candidates.

Note: Securing admission into the graduate programme does not automatically guarantee funding.

Submission Instructions

All application documents should be compiled into a single PDF file and submitted via email to mafs@ug.edu.gh and copy bbotwe@ug.edu.gh

Subject line: AU-IBAR-sponsored Postgraduate Training Application (2026/2027)

Submission deadline: 1 week after admission offer