
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation's Science without Borders® Challenge is an annual international art competition designed to educate students globally about critical ocean science and conservation issues. Established to inspire creativity while raising awareness for ocean preservation, the challenge contributes to the broader mission of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, which has been active in marine research and education for over 20 years. The competition accepts entries from students aged 11-19, offering scholarship awards up to $500 USD to top participants. Each year, the challenge introduces a new theme, guiding participants in their artistic expressions. For the 2027 cycle, the theme is "Navigate with Care," encouraging students to explore responsible interactions with marine environments through art. This initiative aims to engage a global audience, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the importance of protecting aquatic resources. Students from around the world are invited to submit their artwork, which is then judged based on artistic merit and adherence to the theme. The competition not only serves as a platform for artistic expression but also as an educational tool, disseminating vital knowledge about marine ecosystems. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
To apply for the Science without Borders® Challenge, students must complete an online entry process, submitting their original artwork along with verification photos. The entire process is conducted online.
Participants are expected to adhere to the annual theme for their artwork. All artwork must be original and created by the student themselves. Submission requires proof of the artwork's creation process to verify authenticity.
All countries
Winners are selected based on the artistic merit of their submission and how effectively their artwork addresses the annual ocean conservation theme. Judges evaluate creativity, originality, and the clarity of the message conveyed. An additional 'People's Choice' award is determined by public voting, offering another avenue for recognition for students in different age groups.
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to coral reef research and ocean conservation. Since its establishment, the Foundation has conducted scientific missions and educational programs globally, focusing on preserving and restoring marine ecosystems.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
It is an international art competition organized by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. Its purpose is to educate primary and secondary school students about ocean science and conservation issues through art.
The scholarship provides monetary awards to the winning entries. These awards are intended to support the students' educational pursuits or artistic development.
The scholarships range from ~$50 USD for People's Choice winners to ~$500 USD for the first-place winner in each age category. Second and third place winners receive ~$350 USD and ~$200 USD respectively.
The challenge is open to primary and secondary school students globally, specifically those between the ages of 11 and 19 years old.
Students from all countries around the world are eligible and encouraged to participate in this international art competition.
The scholarship is open to students enrolled in primary and secondary education, specifically within the age range of 11 to 19 years old.
The application deadline for the 2027 Science without Borders® Challenge is March 1st, 2027.
To apply, you need to fill out an online entry form, upload a picture of your artwork, and include two photos of yourself creating the artwork at different stages. Ensure all steps are completed online before the deadline.
Required documents include a completed online entry form, a digital image of your final artwork, and two photographic proofs of you in the process of creating the artwork.
Winners are selected based on the artistic quality and how well their artwork conveys the year's theme of ocean conservation. A separate 'People's Choice' award is determined by public voting.
The scholarship provides a one-time monetary award for winning entries in a given year. It is not an ongoing or renewable scholarship; students would need to re-enter future annual challenges.
You should confirm all current-cycle details, including themes and exact deadlines, on the official webpage of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation's Science without Borders® Challenge.