Science Without Borders® Challenge

About the Contest

Inspiring students to be creative while raising awareness about the need to protect our ocean

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 Challenge is free to enter, open to primary and secondary school students 11-19 years old, and scholarships of up to $500 are awarded to the winning entries.

Awards & Prizes

Scholarships & People’s Choice Award

Winners of the Science Without Borders® Challenge will be awarded the following scholarships:

1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $350
3rd Place: $200
We also offer a “People’s Choice” award, in which the winners in each age group receive a $50 scholarship.
How to Apply

To apply to the Challenge:

Fill out the online entry form;
Upload a picture of your artwork;
Make sure everything is submitted before the deadline!
If you are under the age of 13, your parents will be asked to provide consent, so make sure not to wait until the last minute.

Before applying, check out our Tips for Success for suggestions on how to make the most of your application, such as how to write a compelling artist’s statement that describes how your artwork relates to this year’s theme.
Contest Eligibility

This international art competition is open to students 11-19 years old who are enrolled in primary or secondary school, or the home school equivalent. College and university students are not eligible for this contest.

Artwork will be judged in two categories based on age:

11-14 age group
15-19 age group
… with prizes awarded in both age groups. Learn more about the judging process and timeline.

Contest Rules

Before beginning your artwork, make sure to review the Contest Rules for more information on the types of art we are looking for.

For example, the Science Without Borders® Challenge only accepts original 2-dimensional pieces of artwork students have created by hand, such as a painting or a drawing.

Also note that although the application process is online, semi-finalists will be required to send us the original artwork in order to be eligible to win.