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. This is a collection of opportunities provided by numerous organisations. All programs which we are aware of will be listed here.
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]
Women Divers Hall of Fame – Various Scholarships & Grants
What Is It?
Women Divers Hall of Fame “support the underwater world and its associated careers by promoting opportunities in diving through grants, scholarships, internships, and mentoring as well as a worldwide network of industry contacts”. To date, WDHOF has awarded over half a million dollars to 471 individuals.
They offer a huge array of scholarships and grants annually, covering all sorts of scuba diving disciplines. These range from grants for entry-level certification, up to specialities such as dive medicine, underwater archaeology, technical diving, photography, scientific diving, conservation, and more!
For the first time ever, Girls that Scuba have partnered with WDHOF to award our very own grant. We are so excited to be able to offer the opportunity for one diver to develop their skills to Divemaster or Instructor level, up to the value of $1000.
Who Can Apply?
Application requirements vary depending on the individual grant or scholarship, with some opportunities available to women only, and others open to people of all genders.
Applicants are only able to apply for one opportunity, with the exception of US based applicants who may also be able to apply for the Underwater Photography Equipment Award. See this link for more details on applications and eligibility.
How Do I Apply?
Apply via this form. All applications require two letters of recommendation, so please allow time to gather these for your application. The application review criteria may help in writing your application!
Applications close October 31st 2024
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
