About the opportunity
The Science Without Borders Challenge is an international art contest that teaches students about important ocean science and conservation issues. This annual competition engages students and teachers around the world, inspiring them to be creative while raising awareness of the need to preserve, protect, and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources—contributing to the overarching goals of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. The 2027 theme is ‘Navigate with Care,’ inviting students to explore how mariners can help protect both people and life in the ocean by navigating safely and responsibly. The challenge is free to enter and offers scholarships and prizes across two age groups.
Funding and benefits
- 1st Place: $500 scholarship
- 2nd Place: $350 scholarship
- 3rd Place: $200 scholarship
- People’s Choice Award: $50 scholarship for winners in each age group
Who can apply?
- Open to students 11-19 years old
- Must be enrolled in primary or secondary school, or the home school equivalent
- College and university students are not eligible
- Each participant must have a teacher or art instructor vouch for their application
- Judged in two age categories: 11-14 age group and 15-19 age group
Required documents
- Online entry form
- Picture of original 2-dimensional artwork created by hand (e.g., painting or drawing)
- Two photos of the applicant creating their artwork at different stages to verify it is original and not AI-generated
- Original physical artwork (required from semi-finalists to be eligible to win)
- Parental consent if under the age of 13
When to apply
- Join in the Fall for the 2027 Science Without Borders Challenge
- Entry deadline is Monday, March 1, 2027 at 11:59 pm Eastern
How to apply
- Review the contest rules and theme details before beginning your artwork
- Create an original 2-dimensional piece of art by hand
- Fill out the online entry form
- Upload a picture of your completed artwork
- Upload two photos of yourself creating the artwork at different stages
- Submit everything before the deadline
Additional information
- The 2027 Science Without Borders Challenge is proudly sponsored by the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN).
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Students aged 11-19 who have a passion for combining artistic expression with environmental conservation.
- Young artists who are capable of creating original 2-dimensional hand-drawn or painted artwork.
- Students who have access to a teacher or art instructor willing to vouch for their submission.
What should you think carefully about?
- Semi-finalists must be prepared to ship their original physical artwork to be eligible for the final prizes.
- The contest requires documentation of the creative process, including photos of the work in progress to verify originality.
- The competition is strictly for primary and secondary school students; university students are not eligible to participate.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
Participating in this challenge is a great way for students to build their creative portfolio while engaging with critical global issues like ocean conservation. It provides a platform for international recognition and modest scholarship support that can help with future educational expenses.
Our take
This is a fantastic opportunity for creative students interested in marine science. It is not suitable for those outside the specified age range or those who cannot provide the required documentation of their creative process.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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