The Science Without Borders Challenge is an annual international art competition run by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation that combines art and ocean science to inspire conservation. Each year, students ages 11-19 from around the world are invited to create original artwork responding to an ocean-themed topic. The 2026 theme is "Microscopic Marine Life," asking students to highlight the positive impact of microscopic marine organisms such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, and protists. Winners in two age groups (11-14 and 15-19) receive scholarships of up to $500 (1st Place: $500, 2nd Place: $350, 3rd Place: $200), plus a People's Choice Award of $50 per age group. The contest is free to enter.
Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation
Science Without Borders® Challenge
ClosedScienceSTEMCompetition
About the Program
Eligibility
Entries must be original, hand-drawn or painted two-dimensional artwork using acceptable media such as paint, pencil, marker, crayon, ink, felt, or oil pastel. Digitally created artwork and photographs are not accepted. Each student may submit one entry only. A teacher sponsor is required, and parent/guardian consent forms must be completed. COPPA forms are mandatory for participants ages 11-12. Semi-finalists must mail their original artwork to be eligible for prizes. Students ages 11-19 enrolled in primary or secondary school (or homeschool equivalent). Students age 10 may participate if they turn 11 by the submission deadline. College and university students are not eligible. Primary or secondary school students (or homeschool equivalent).
Eligible Countries
other residency: Worldwide🌎 Open to primary and secondary school students ages 11-19 anywhere in the world. Submissions must be in English.
How to Apply
Students fill out the online entry form, upload a picture of their artwork along with an artist's statement explaining how their artwork relates to the annual theme, and submit before the deadline. Submissions must be made online; email submissions are not permitted. Awards are given in two age groups: 11-14 and 15-19.