Fellowship
A funded period of focused work or research
A fellowship is a funded opportunity — usually 3 to 24 months — where you work on a specific project, research question, or mission. Unlike a scholarship, a fellowship isn't just about paying for school. It's about giving you time, money, and support to do something meaningful.
Fellowships often come with mentorship, a cohort of peers, access to networks, and sometimes a stipend to cover your living costs. They're competitive and usually merit-based — you apply with a proposal or project idea.
Good for you if:
- You have a project or research idea you want to develop
- You want mentorship and a professional network
- You're early-career or a student looking to build experience
- You want to be paid to do conservation or science work
Examples in marine & ocean fields
OceanX Ocean Futures Fellowship
6-month paid fellowship with OceanX — tracks include digital media, AI, marketing, and partnerships. Includes a stipend and potential trip on the OceanXplorer.
Bow Seat True Blue Fellowship
For youth ocean advocates and creatives. Fellows receive funding and mentorship to develop ocean-focused projects and storytelling.
Y. Eva Tan Conservation Reporting Fellowship
For early-career journalists from tropical biodiversity regions. Fellows publish ocean reporting with editorial mentorship from Mongabay.
Scholarship
Financial support for education or training
A scholarship is money given to support your education or training — and you never have to pay it back. Scholarships can cover university tuition, course fees, certification costs, or even a full diving program.
They're awarded based on merit, financial need, background, or a combination. Some are very competitive, others are specifically designed for underrepresented groups — like women, or Indonesian citizens — making them more accessible than they might seem.
Good for you if:
- You want to study marine science, conservation, or environmental fields
- You want to get a diving certification but can't afford it
- You're Indonesian or from an underrepresented background
- You're looking for financial support without taking on debt
Examples in marine & ocean fields
Coral Catch Scholarship
9-week program for Indonesian women in coral restoration with 50+ dives, leadership training, and mentorship. Based in Gili Air, NTB.
GUE NextGen Scholarship
Fully funded 1-year diving scholarship for ages 21–30. Covers GUE training, gear, travel budget, and mentorship.
Women Divers Hall of Fame Scholarships
Annual scholarships and grants for women in diving, scientific diving, and marine conservation. Deadline October 31 each year.
Legend Diving Divemaster Scholarship
18-month free scholarship for qualified Indonesian divers. Includes full training, salary, and all PADI costs. Based in Nusa Lembongan.
Internship
Real-world experience in a role or organisation
An internship is a short-term placement — usually 1 to 6 months — where you work inside a real organisation, research station, or conservation project. You're learning by doing, not just studying.
Some internships are paid, some are unpaid or volunteer-based, and some come with accommodation or a small stipend. They're one of the best ways to build practical skills, professional references, and a network in your field — especially in marine science and conservation where fieldwork experience matters a lot.
Good for you if:
- You want hands-on fieldwork or lab experience
- You're a student needing credit or practical hours
- You want to try a career path before committing to it
- You want references and connections in your field
Examples in marine & ocean fields
ReShark Internship Programme
Hands-on internship at the world's first shark nursery in Indonesia. Focuses on shark and ray conservation, fieldwork, and community engagement.
Bimini Shark Lab Internship
2–4 month internship at the Bimini Biological Field Station. Join shark and ray fieldwork, education initiatives, and Florida Keys research trips.
MERO Foundation Marine Research Internship
University internship in Tulamben, Bali. Four tracks: Marine Research, Ecology & Conservation, Education, or Digital Media. 1 week to 6 months.
Nat Geo & The Nature Conservancy Externship
6–8 week remote externship for ages 18–25. No experience required. Includes workshops, speaker series, and a $500 stipend.
Grant
Direct funding for a project or initiative
A grant is money given directly to fund a specific project, research study, or initiative — and like a scholarship, you never pay it back. Grants are project-based, meaning you apply with a clear idea of what you want to do and how you'll use the money.
They can range from small micro-grants of a few hundred dollars to large research grants of tens of thousands. Grants are common in marine science, conservation, journalism, and the arts. You don't need to be enrolled in university to apply for most grants.
Good for you if:
- You have a specific project, idea, or research question
- You want to fund your own initiative rather than join someone else's
- You're a researcher, artist, journalist, or community organiser
- You don't want to take on debt to pursue your work
Examples in marine & ocean fields
Save Our Seas Small Grant
~$5,000 grants for early-career shark and ray researchers. Deadline June 28, 2026.
The Purple Grant
Supports Indonesian women in marine science research. Awarded twice a year with funding and mentorship.
Wild Wonder Foundation Club Micro Grant
Supports nature journaling clubs with a focus on underserved communities. Deadline May 29, 2026.
Ocean Culture Life Storytelling Grant
For storytellers, filmmakers, and creatives using narrative and art to inspire ocean conservation.
Conference & Summit
Global gatherings for learning and networking
A conference or summit is an event — usually a few days to a week — that brings together people working in a shared field. You attend talks, workshops, and panels, and most importantly, you meet people who can become mentors, collaborators, or employers.
Many conferences offer fully funded scholarships for young people, covering flights, accommodation, meals, and event access. These are especially worth applying for because the connections you make can open doors that applications alone never would.
Good for you if:
- You want to meet leaders and changemakers in your field
- You want to travel internationally and represent your community
- You're looking for inspiration, visibility, or collaborators
- You want to learn about policy, advocacy, or global conservation efforts
Examples in marine & ocean fields
One Young World Summit
Global leadership summit with multiple fully funded scholarships for young people working on environment, sustainability, and social impact. 2026 in Cape Town.
Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026
Fully funded global leadership forum for 250 young changemakers in Geneva. Ages 16–46, all nationalities. September 3–6, 2026.
2026 Youth Innovation Challenge
Submit a marine conservation solution for ages 15–30. Winners receive $1,000 and a fully funded trip to Taiwan to present at an international forum.
Quick comparison
Fellowship
Funded project or research · 3–24 months · Merit + proposal based · Often includes stipend
Scholarship
Pays for education or training · No repayment · Merit or need based · Can cover dives, courses, or degrees
Internship
Real-world work experience · 1–6 months · Paid or unpaid · Builds skills and networks
Grant
Direct project funding · No repayment · You propose how to use it · Any career stage
Conference
Short event · Networking + learning · Many offer funded scholarships · Global connections
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