Science Without Borders® Challenge 2027
International Student Art Competition
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international art competition that provides students with valuable insights into ocean science and conservation.
Bringing together students and teachers from around the globe, the competition encourages creativity while raising awareness about the need to protect, conserve, and restore the world’s oceans and water resources, thereby supporting the overall goals of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation.
Participation is free, open to students ages 11–19 (middle and high school), and winners receive scholarships of up to $500.
The 15th annual competition will focus on the theme:
“Navigate with Care”
The theme asks students to show how people can make safer and more responsible choices while traveling on the water, helping protect both people and marine life.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open worldwide to students ages 11–19 who are enrolled in elementary or secondary school.
Homeschooled students may also participate.
College and university students are not eligible.
For the 2027 competition, entries are evaluated in two age divisions:
- Ages 11–14
- Ages 15–19
Students who are 10 years old may participate if they turn 11 by March 1, 2027.
Theme: Navigate with Care
Students are asked to create artwork showing how decisions made while traveling on the ocean or waterways can help protect both people and marine ecosystems.
Possible subjects include:
- Safe boating and navigation
- Responsible use of boats and vessels
- Protecting marine animals
- Protecting sensitive marine ecosystems
- Sharing the ocean safely with marine wildlife
- The effects of responsible navigation decisions on the ocean
The artwork should communicate the relationship between responsible navigation and the protection of people and ocean life, rather than simply showing a boat or marine animal.
Accepted Art
The competition accepts original, two-dimensional artwork created by the student.
Students may use traditional drawing and painting techniques and other hand-created 2D media.
The artwork must be the student’s own original work.
Artificial Intelligence
AI-generated or AI-enhanced artwork is not allowed.
Artwork created or modified using artificial intelligence may not be submitted.
For the 2027 competition, students must also provide two progress photographs showing themselves working on their artwork.
One photograph should show an early stage, such as a sketch or preliminary work. The second should show the artwork at a later stage.
Both the student and the artwork must be clearly visible in the photographs.
These photographs are used only to verify that the artwork was created by the student. They are not part of the judging process and will not be publicly displayed.
Teacher or Art Educator
Each participant must have a teacher or art educator who supports the entry.
The supporting teacher does not have to be a science or art specialist. Their role includes confirming the student’s eligibility and serving as a contact person during the competition.
How to Enter
Entries are submitted online.
Applicants must:
- Complete the online entry form.
- Upload an image of the finished artwork.
- Upload two photographs showing the artwork in progress.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Parental permission is required for participants under 13.
Original Artwork
Although the initial submission is online, semifinalists must submit their original physical artwork to the organizers.
Students should therefore keep the original artwork safely after completing the online submission.
Awards
Educational scholarships are awarded to the winners.
1st Place: $500 scholarship
2nd Place: $350 scholarship
3rd Place: $200 scholarship
A People’s Choice Award is also presented in each age division. Each People’s Choice winner receives a $50 scholarship.
Entry Fee
FREE
There is no entry fee to participate.
Deadline
March 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
Entries submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Competition Information
Organizer: Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation
Competition: Science Without Borders® Challenge
Theme: Navigate with Care
Eligibility: International
Age: 11–19
Entry Fee: Free
Deadline: March 1, 2027
Artwork: Original 2D artwork
AI: Not allowed
Top Prize: $500 scholarship
Official Information and Entry
Science Without Borders® Challenge – Official Website
Contest Rules & Eligibility – Official Rules
Important: Participants should check the official website for the latest rules and submission requirements before entering.