Oceans Research – Marine Science Internship

Oceans Research investigates the biology and ecology of mega-fauna, including sharks, marine mammals, and terrestrial carnivores, and advise governmental and non-governmental bodies on relevant conservation issues. Oceans Research also offer multi-disciplinary practical and theoretical training for aspiring researchers from internship to postgraduate levels in conjunction with partner schools, technical colleges, and universities.

Oceans Research's Marine Biology Field Course enables students, scientists, and conservationists to learn and apply new skills in marine biology through hands-on experience. The internship is interdisciplinary ranging from biological to socio-economic studies of marine and terrestrial resource use in southern Africa’s coastal society. Activities that will be undertaken during the internship include: introduction to bioacoustics and how to analyse sounds, trophic and movement ecology of sharks and marine mammals, biodiversity assessment methods (e.g., baited cameras, transects, distance sampling, snorkelling, drone, fishing tag and release, surveys of plastic pollution), marine mammal stranding response workshop, science communication course. Throughout the internship, students will also learn seamanship (how to be on a boat, what to do in different situations, how to read bathymetry to safe anchor in coastal waters, knots, etc), ethical fishing for research, and how to maintain research boats and scientific equipment. 

Travel Scholarships Available

Where students are receiving academic credit towards their studies the following are available;

• RA Simpson International Scholarship AUD $500 (subject to meeting eligibility requirements)
• OS-HELP up to AUD $9,504 (conditions apply)

If you are a Post-Graduate, commonwealth-supported student, you are eligible to apply for OS-HELP up to AUD $9,504 (conditions apply).

For more details on eligibility, see the ‘Finances’ section below.

Program Costs (Indicative)

The cost of this program is approximately US$2,240 which includes a non-refundable deposit after committing to the program. 

The cost will cover:

• Research fee
• Dorm-style accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Local transport
• Local airport pickup/drop off
• Internet

The cost will not include:

• Airfare
• Laundry
• Tourism activities/excursions
• Spending money

Flinders University reserves the right to alter the program cost at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by its partners.

All students participating in this program will be covered by the university’s travel insurance. Please note, this cover is limited. It is advised that you read the Flinders University Travel and Insurance schedule of benefits before you go, know what is covered and what is not covered.

Insurance Registration required.

Study Plan Query

Submit an Ask Flinders query to confirm whether you have room in your study plan to take topic BIOL2704 in NS2 2025.

Please note that the selection process will be based on a written application, an unofficial student transcript, as well as an interview with candidates that will take place once applications have closed.

Expression of Interest
Once your study plan is confirmed, submit an Expression of Interest to Charlie.huveneers@flinders.edu.au by 5pm Wednesday, 30^th of April 2025. Include the following information:

• First and last name
• Student ID
• Student email
• GPA
• Year level
• Program name (degree))

EOI Submission

Write a 300 - 400 word EOI addressing the following question:

• Why do you want to apply for this program?
• How will participating in this program benefit you and your study? 
• What are some of the skills and/or personal attributes that you could bring to this program?

For detailed information about this program, please contact Professor Charlie Huveneers at charlie.huveneers@flinders.edu.au.