Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program

Eligibility

• Pursue or intend to pursue graduate-level study at an accredited U.S. institution.
• Conduct research in oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology, or another discipline aligned with NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary System.
• Demonstrate academic excellence.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Submit a research proposal strongly aligned with NOAA and National Marine Sanctuary System science or education priorities.
• Meet all citizenship and enrollment requirements established in the current federal Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Requirements

• Complete the required pre-application process.
• If invited, complete the full scholarship application.
• Submit a detailed research proposal.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Submit a financial need statement and supporting financial information.
• Provide tuition documentation.
• Submit all additional federal application documents required by the current Notice of Funding Opportunity.

How to Apply

1. 1Review current National Marine Sanctuary System science priorities.
2. 2Prepare the required pre-application when the FY27 competition opens.
3. 3Wait for NOAA to determine whether you are invited to submit a full application.
4. 4If invited, develop the complete research proposal.
5. 5Request two strong recommendation letters.
6. 6Prepare the financial-need narrative and documentation.
7. 7Complete all required federal application forms.
8. 8Submit the full application by the published deadline.