EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT FUND
Addressing the talent gap.
The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) Educational Support Fund sponsors gifted undergraduate and taught Masters students pursuing degrees in marine science, underwater technology and subsea engineering and related fields helping to bridge the talent gap and develop the next generation of industry leaders.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SUT’S EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT FUND?
Students eligible for the Society for Underwater Technology’s (SUT) Educational Support Fund include:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students of high calibre, either starting or continuing a degree that includes at least one relevant component in marine science, underwater technology or offshore engineering
- Postgraduate (MSc) students enrolled on one-year taught MSc or M.Eng courses
- Undergraduate students for the full or remaining duration of their degree, subject to maintaining a satisfactory academic standard (reviewed annually)
- Students of any age or nationality, studying on any approved course worldwide who fit the above criteria
Note: PhD students are not eligible for this fund but may apply for the Bil Loth Doctoral Grant instead.
History of success for SUT’s Educational Support Fund
SUT’s Educational Support Fund has a long and impressive track record of nurturing future talent in marine science, underwater technology and offshore engineering.
- More than 250 undergraduate and postgraduate students have been supported to date, through £465,000 raised by the Educational Support Fund
- Recipients have consistently achieved excellent academic results and many have gone on to build successful careers in the offshore industry or pursue advanced research in related fields
- SUT’s Educational Support Fund offers support on a scale that is unique within the sector
- Annual awards range from £2,000 for undergraduates up to £3,000 for taught Masters students, with special Gold and Platinum prizes recognising the most outstanding students each year
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF INDUSTRY LEADERS
Entry qualification and selection procedure
SUT’s Educational Support Fund welcomes applications from talented undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing studies in offshore engineering, marine science or underwater technology or related field.
Entry Qualifications
- Postgraduate (Masters) candidates must:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant science or engineering subject
- Have been accepted onto a one-year taught Masters course related to the marine or offshore sectors
- Undergraduate Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have permission to proceed to the second or subsequent year of a relevant BSc, BEng, or equivalent degree programme
- Hold a firm offer of a place on a relevant degree course at a recognised university
- Have a provisional offer, pending final examination results
Selection procedure
Applications are assessed based on the information provided in the application form and supporting references:
All sections of the application form must be fully completed to be considered. Applicants will be notified of the outcome in September.
Postgraduate (Masters)
Applicants must provide a report from the Head of Department at their university. Where applicable, a current employer’s reference should also be included
Undergraduate
Applicants must provide either a head teacher’s reference or a report from the Head of Department at their university
Postgraduate (Doctoral)
Bil Loth Doctoral Grant applicants must provide a Head of Department’s report, and where relevant, a current employer’s reference
Finances
SUT’s Educational Support Fund provides financial support to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students undertaking studies in marine science, underwater technology and offshore engineering.
- Postgraduate (Masters) students may receive up to £3,000 per academic year for a full year of study
- Undergraduate students may receive up to £2,000 per academic year for a full year of study
SUT scholars are welcome to apply for additional sources of funding and may still be eligible to receive an SUT grant. However, please note that receiving an SUT grant may affect the level of funding available from other funding bodies.
- Postgraduate (Doctoral) – Bil Loth Doctoral Grant recipients receive a minimum of £500 per academic year for up to three years of study. This top-up grant does not affect eligibility for EPSRC funding
How and when to apply
For the academic year 2026 – 2027
Request an Application Form
Students wishing to be considered for an SUT Educational Support Fund sponsorship award must request an application form no later than Tuesday 30 June 2026 by contacting Julie Callaghan – [email protected].
When requesting an application form, please include:
a) Details of the subject you are studying or intend to study
b) A link to your course page on your university’s website
0.2 Submit Your Application
If your request is approved, an application form will be sent to you. The completed form, along with all required references, must be submitted by midnight (BST) on Friday 31 July 2026 to Julie Callaghan – [email protected].
Please note: Late applications will not be accepted.
For further information, contact:
Cheryl Burgess
SUT, Nunn Hayward LLP, 2-4 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, SL9 7QE (correspondence address only)
For further information, contact:
Cheryl Burgess
SUT, Nunn Hayward LLP, 2-4 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, SL9 7QE (correspondence address only)
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