Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) bursaries are targeted at undergraduate and postgraduate students, cadets and apprentices studying or working in marine engineering, marine science and marine technology, and related topics. The purpose of the bursaries is to encourage and support IMarEST student members to work on technical research projects or community-based projects.

The funding can be used to support planned or existing projects, such as activities and events, promoting marine engineering, science and technology as a career, undertaking research in the country of residence or overseas, or undertaking other voluntary activities.

The bursary can be used to fund any resources required, including travel, materials etc. In return, the awardees will need to work with the IMarEST to promote and report on their activity. Through working together, the aim is to promote the benefit of marine engineering, science and technology; raise awareness of the importance of the oceans and the public benefits provided by ocean service; and raise the profile of marine engineering, science, technology and the IMarEST. Recipients will also be asked to deliver a presentation at an appropriate location and support social media and communications activities.

At a glance

  • Funding valueUp to £500
  • Suitable for Applicants fromUK, EU, Rest of world
  • DeadlineOn going
  • Funding provider(s)Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology


What it covers

Each bursary has a value of £500 (GBP) for applications received from student members from Group A countries and £225 (GBP) for applications received from student members from Group B countries (see 'further information').

Who can apply

To apply an individual must be:

  • A current IMarEST Student (SIMarEST) member*;
  • Enrolled on a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course, or undertaking a cadetship or apprenticeship at the time of application;
  • Studying topics or working (if an apprentice) in a field related to marine engineering, science or technology.

* Student membership is free to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, all cadets and apprentices for the duration of full-time studies/cadetship/apprenticeship, and can be applied for on the .

Further information

Once every quarter, a judging panel will convene to consider all applications that meet the criteria. The judging panel comprises at least three senior IMarEST representatives selected based on their experience in the subjects of the applications submitted for the award. One additional member of the IMarEST Executive will be an ex-officio member in order to support the award administration.

Groupings of countries

Group A

All countries not listed in Group B (see below).

Group B

Angola, Bangladesh, Brazil, Botswana, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Romania, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela, Tanzania, Ukraine, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

How to apply

To apply, download and complete the application form on the .

Applications are ongoing – each year we will award a total of eight bursaries, covering the spectrum of marine engineering, science and technology at all levels (undergraduate, postgraduate, cadet and apprentices).

Submissions should be sent to awards@imarest.org.

The application requires:

  • Contact details;
  • A description of a project or activity, including statement of purpose, method and impact;
  • A personal statement, i.e. a description of why this project was chosen and what it means to you;
  • Contact details for a referee who is willing to provide a written statement in support of your application.