Science Without Borders® Challenge
International Student Art Contest
Science Without Borders® Challenge
International Student Art Contest
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.
This Year's Theme
Microscopic Marine Life
The theme for the 2026 Science without Borders® Challenge is “Microscopic Marine Life.”
Microscopic marine organisms may be tiny, but they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our ocean and, by extension, the planet. To apply for this year’s contest, students should submit artwork that highlights the positive impact of microscopic marine organisms. Artwork should show how these organisms contribute to ocean ecosystems, support marine life, or impact the health of the planet.
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.
Entry Deadline
Monday, March 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern
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.
For Teachers
In order to make it easier for teachers to encourage their students to participate in the Science Without Borders® Challenge, the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has compiled a number of resources to help them do so.
This includes providing information and links to lesson plans to help students learn about the theme, a grading rubric, and handouts they can use in their classrooms.
Each Science Without Borders® Challenge participant must have a teacher or art instructor vouch for their application. We welcome all enthusiastic educators willing to take on the responsibility.
PaST WINNERS
Here are the winning entries from each year of the Challenge, showcasing a diverse range of cultures, perspectives, and artistic styles. These pieces celebrate the beauty of ocean life and demonstrate how art and science can inspire change.
Take a moment to explore these remarkable entries—and if you’re feeling inspired, check out this year’s theme and create your own masterpiece!
