ACES-STAR is two-year programme studying in three centres of European excellence in aquaculture research; Scotland, Crete and France. Gain practical and theoretical skills needed for a successful career in aquaculture through industry-led research programmes, internships and fieldwork.

The course includes three six-month semesters at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (UHI), University of Crete and Nantes University followed by the fourth semester with the host or an affiliated partner for a dissertation of your choice. In semester two, students also undertake a three-month industry placement, gained invaluable experience in the aquaculture industry.

APPLICATIONS FOR ACES-STAR SEPTEMBER 2025 INTAKE ARE NOW OPEN

To apply to the ACES-STAR programme, applicants must complete the online application form AND submit your relevant supporting documents. Please see below for more information on what you will need to prepare and a timeline of application dates.

*Please note, applicants MUST fully complete these steps in order to submit a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please read the advice on preparing your application below.

The application process is the same for everyone, however please note that the closing date for those applying to the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is much sooner.

Click here for application portal

All applications open 9am, 7th January 2024. Links to the online application form and pack will become available on this website on this date.
The closing date for Erasmus Mundus full scholarship applications only is Friday 31st January 2025. Any applications received after this time, will automatically be rejected.

Click here for ap βplication & admissions timetables

Preparing your application

Ensure you are applying for the correct funding option on your application. If you are unsure which is correct for your circumstances, please email aces@sams.ac.uk before you submit your application form. The funding option you select could be the place you are offered if successful. For example, if you incorrectly select Self-Funding, you may only be offered a self-funded place.

We strongly advise that applicants begin working on their application as soon as possible before it opens for submission to allow extra time to collate your supporting documents and answers for your application for questions.

For the application you need to provide the following documents :

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• A professional reference (of 500-800 words) – please see section on Professional References for further guidance on how this should be prepared
• Copy of your passport
• Certified copy of degree certificate (plus certified translation into English if applicable);
• Certified copy of transcript of marks (plus certified translation into English if applicable); and
• Proof of English language ability, IELTS certificate (if applicable). You must achieve an overall score of 6.5 in your IELTS test and have obtained this qualification by the time you apply for the EMJMD ACES-STAR course.

We advise preparing for the following questions ahead of the submission open date:

1. Motivation statement (max. 350 words)
   How will the EMJM ACES-STAR support your personal and professional development and career aspirations?
   Here you should discuss why you are applying to the EMJM ACES, what you hope to learn, how this programme will help develop you as an individual and how you hope to use your new knowledge and practical skills in the future.
2. Previous Experience in Aquaculture
   Please provide examples of your experience in this area, and/or why you are interested in aquaculture and its relationship with the environment and society.(approx 350 words in total)
   Here you should consider the knowledge, skills and values needed for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry and the relevance of the EMJM ACES-STAR.

FURTHER ADVICE ON COMPLETING FULLY-FUNDED ERASMUS MUNDUS APPLICATIONS

Commonly asked questions for fully-funded Erasmus Mundus scholarship application forms (when selecting full scholarship or bursary):

• For “Funding/Organisation name”: Please state “Erasmus Mundus”
• Where asked for Address, please state – “European Commission, European Education and Culture Executive Agency, Rue Joseph II 59, 1000 Brussels, Belgium”
• For “Amount Awarded” on Fully-Funded Erasmus applications please state: “Cost of tuition fees, insurance and €1,400 per month”
• Under “Any relevant information of funding”, please state: Erasmus Mundus Full Scholarship.
• IELTS & English Language Requirements
  • Please visit the UHI website for Entry requirements and visa advice – English language requirements (uhi.ac.uk)
  • For further advice please see the UK Government Website for advice on Exempt Countries : English language requirement (accessible) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Anyone outside of the list which is about three quarters of the page down needs to provide an accepted certificate as explained on the UHI website.

Please also read the information about statements and references.

Call for Applications