Scuba diving is an expensive hobby, and this can be a barrier to those who have something to offer to this industry but don’t have the means to pursue their passions. Many organisations and brands come together to offer scuba diving scholarships and grants to offer opportunities to more divers.
We’re all about levelling the playing field and offering opportunities to as many divers, and as many marginalised divers, as possible. If you’re looking for up-to-date information on scuba diving grants and diving scholarships, you’re in the right place!
We’ll keep this page updated with all of the best diving grants out there, in hopes of encouraging more women and marginalised groups to take on these incredible opportunities.
Opportunities are arranged with the soonest closing dates at the top. New opportunities will be added as they open. If you are a brand or organisation offering a scuba diving scholarship or grant, or you find an opportunity not listed on this page, please forward to [email protected]
NextGen Scholarship – GUE
What Is It?
The Global Underwater Explorers NextGen Scholarship is amongst the most generous scholarships in the scuba diving world. The first ever recipient of the scholarship was one of our Girls that Scuba Ambassadors, Annika Andresen!
The scholarship offers a year of GUE tuition, a travel budget, sponsored dive equipment, and mentorship, amongst other benefits. This program champions “certified divers who are passionate about pursuing further education, have an interest in exploration and conservation, and are ready for a year of new adventures”.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 30, certified as an Advanced Open Water diver (or equivalent) with a minimum of 20 dives, must be medically fit for diving, and must also be fluent in English. Full details can be found here.
How Do I Apply?
Applications are thorough – the process includes a 1000 word essay, a video detailing your dive background and suitability for the scholarship (less than 2 minutes), and a letter of character recommendation. These must be submitted through the GUE website here.
Applications close 1st July 2023
Scuba Diving Instructor Training – Kerry College
What Is It?
Kerry College of Further Training and Education offers pathways to further study, employment, third level and apprenticeship. There is an increase in the demand for highly skilled and qualified Scuba Diving Instructors in Ireland, as participation in water based sports is on the increase.
Their Scuba Diving Instructor course will train people from Open Water to Instructor level, with all application fees, tuition fees, examination fees, and certification fees covered. This takes place across a 41 week full-time course, including 6 weeks of work experience. Additionally, students will study for ISA Powerboat Award/Diver Coxswain certification.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be aged 18+ and in possession of Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award. There is a mature student application route for those aged 23+. Non EU applicants must obtain permission to work in Ireland. Full pre-requisites can be found on the website.
How Do I Apply?
Applications must be made online through the Kerry College website.
No closing date is specified
Government Funded Diving – Maldives
What Is It?
The Maldivian Government is initiating a training programme aimed at up-skilling job seekers in priority trade areas, including scuba diving. This is an exciting opportunity for Maldivian residents to develop their skills to either PADI Divemaster or PADI OWSI level.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be Maldivian residents currently living in Maldives, aged 16-65, and should be either unemployed or currently working less than 20 hours per week. Full eligibility criteria can be found here.
How Do I Apply?
Dive operators taking part in this programme are listed on the Maldivian Job Center website.
Closing dates vary depending on dive operator
DiverSeaFy – Open Water Certifications
What Is It?
There are many benefits that the ocean has to offer and Diver•Sea•Fy believe that those benefits should be accessible to everyone. They want to open the door to the underwater world for youth of colour that might not otherwise get the opportunity.
They offer the opportunity for students to receive their Open Water Certification, breaking down the financial barrier to entry involved in learning to scuba dive.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to students of colour, aged 14-18, living in the LA area.
How Do I Apply?
Prospective students must fill out the Diver•Sea•Fy Google Form.
They must also provide a 250 word (maximum) response explaining their interest in the program, and a letter of recommendation from an adult. This could be a teacher, counselor, coach, or any adult that would advocate on their behalf. These supporting documents should be emailed to [email protected].
No closing date – applications are rolling