SUT Global Scholarships & Educational Support: Applications open

The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) Educational Support Fund (ESF) sponsors gifted Undergraduate and taught Postgraduate (Masters) students anywhere in the world pursuing degrees in marine science, underwater technology and subsea engineering and related fields.  SUT branches in Australia (also embracing New Zealand) and the USA also offer scholarships applicable to those studying in their countries.  

ESF applications are now open online at https://sut.org/jobs-and-careers/education-and-training/educational-support-fund/. Students of any age or nationality, studying any approved course worldwide who meet the published criteria, can apply. The process is also open for US students at https://tinyurl.com/2hvcnhxh. In Australia/New Zealand, applications opened on the 28th of May at https://sut.org/branches/perth/sut-scholarships/. Applicants should check the relevant website for closing dates as they differ. 

Students eligible for Awards from the ESF 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 – up to £2,000 annually. 

• Postgraduate (MSc) students enrolled on one-year taught MSc or M.Eng courses – up to £4,000.

• Undergraduate students for the full or remaining duration of their degree, subject to maintaining a satisfactory academic standard (reviewed annually) – up to £2,000 annually.

• Students of any age or nationality, studying on any approved course worldwide, who fit the above criteria.  

• PhD students can apply for the Bil Loth Doctoral Grant, which offers 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.

Additionally, there are special Gold and Platinum prizes recognising the most outstanding students each year. 

As Sue John, SUT’s Interim Operations Manager, explained: “The SUT’s ESF offers support on a scale that is unique within the sector. We are proud of our long and impressive track record of nurturing future talent in marine science, underwater technology and offshore engineering, thus helping to bridge the talent gap and develop the next generation of industry leaders.  

Sue John, SUT’s Interim Operations Manager

“More than 250 undergraduate and postgraduate students have been supported to date, through £465,000 raised by the ESF. 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.” 

A form at https://sut.org/jobs-and-careers/education-and-training/educational-support-fund/ should be completed no later than 30 June in order to receive guidance notes and an
application form by email. That form, along with all required references, must be submitted by midnight BST on 31 July 2026 to Julie Callaghan – j[email protected]. 

SUT scholarships in Australia & New Zealand 

In Australia and New Zealand, the SUT (headquartered in Perth) awards a selection of scholarships every year to recognise exceptional students and provide targeted financial support to see them complete their studies and start their careers in the industry. This year sees up to four scholarships on offer, each include networking opportunities and attendance at an SUT short course: 

• SUT Excellence Scholarship of AU$5000 – funded by the SUT’s Perth Branch.

• Marine Renewable Energy Scholarship of AU$5000 – sponsored by Aurora Offshore Engineering. 

• Digital Automation in Engineering Scholarship of AU$5000 – sponsored by SEA Global. 

• The Chris Lawlor Scholarship of U$2500 that will be awarded to the most outstanding winner  among all three scholarships.

Applications this year opened on the 28th of May and close on 12 August, A statement of academic record must also be received by this date. Further information is at https://sut.org/branches/perth/sut-scholarships/ with a link to the relevant form. Selection will be on the basis of the information provided in the application form, the academic transcripts and an interview of the short-listed candidates. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment before the end of October 2026. 

SUT Scholarships in the USA 

The SUT‑US Scholarship supports students passionate about marine science, underwater technology, and offshore engineering, offering annual financial awards and industry recognition to help launch impactful careers in the marine sector. The application process is now open at https://tinyurl.com/2hvcnhxh and closes on 15 June. All candidates will be advised of the outcome by 17 August 2026 for the following fall semester or quarter. 

Specifically American scholarships of $2,000 are awarded annually. Full eligibility criteria are online. Sophomores and juniors who receive an SUT scholarship award are eligible for yearly continuation of the awards (until completion of their senior year), provided they maintain at least the equivalent of a 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, have excellent references, and submit well-designed career goals in line with objectives stated above. Renewal is not automatic. To apply for renewal, an individual must submit a completed application, career essay, official transcript and three letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters must be from a professor from the student’s university or college.
  

Applicants may be students of any nationality, unrestricted by the US State Department, and in full-time study at any accredited college or university within the United States. 

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, SUT-US has active student chapters at Prairie View A&M University; Rice University; Texas A&M University, College Station; Texas A&M University at Galveston; University of Houston; and University of Texas at Austin and offers advice on starting a Student Chapter at https://sut.org/branches/us-houston/student-chapters/