SUPPORTING YOUR MARINE BIOLOGY JOURNEY

For years, the MBA has empowered hundreds of early-career marine scientists from all walks of life to take part in marine research events around the world through its bursary programme to deliver ocean equity.

Open to students and postgraduates from all walks of life, these bursaries have helped turn ambition into action, removing financial barriers and unlocking access to global events, groundbreaking research, and career-shaping connections. If you are at the start of your marine biology journey, this is your opportunity to follow in their footsteps; apply for a bursary and take your next big step.

Who can apply?

  • Current Student or Postgraduate Members of the MBA.
  • You must hold an active membership.

How to apply

  1. Fill out the application form (visible only to eligible current Members) before the deadline.
  2. Include a letter of support from your supervisor on letterheaded paper. This should confirm:
    • Comment on your financial need.
    • The event's relevance to your academic or career path.


Events that take place before the application deadline are not eligible.

Application rounds for 2025

Round 1: 01 May – 01 July (Deadline: 01 July, noon UK time).
Round 2: 01 September – 31 October (Deadline: 31 October, noon UK time).

For each round there will be 1 award of up to £500 and 2 of up to £250.

Application and award process

  • Once you have submitted your application you will receive an automatic confirmation email. If you do not receive this shortly after submission please contact the Membership team.
  • You can update or amend your application any time before the deadline – just email membership.
  • All submissions regardless of success will be notified of the outcome within a few weeks of the deadline.

Conditions of Award

If you are successful you will be expected to:

  • Acknowledge the MBA's support on posters, presentations, and social media.
  • Submit a short report and a photo of yourself at the event.
  • All funds must be returned in full if the event is not attended.

Your report may be used on the MBA website, in publications such as The Marine Biologist, Annual Report, Bulletins, website and on MBA social media.

How applications are assessed

Applications are assessed by a selection panel at the MBA. They will consider criteria such as:

  • Your level of financial need.
  • Whether you are presenting or planning knowledge-sharing.
  • Personal and academic benefit.
  • Relevance to your studies or career.
  • Whether you have received a bursary in the past.
  • Type and purpose of the event.

We are here to help remove barriers and support those who need it most.

 

 

Please note you need to be a Student or Postgraduate Member of the Marine Biological Association to apply. If you are a Member please make sure you are logged in by clicking here.