A fully-funded, ten-day leadership and sustainability expedition to Antarctica — for the next generation of ocean and climate leaders, aged 18–34.
Applications close July 30, 2026 · 11:59 PM UTC
Each December, Ocean Youth Academy sends a small cohort of young leaders to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the expedition vessel St Helena. The Fellowship removes the single greatest barrier — cost — for emerging leaders ready to turn a once-in-a-lifetime journey into lasting impact back home.
Over ten days you'll make Zodiac landings among penguin colonies, kayak past glaciers, join real citizen-science research, and learn beside scientists, storytellers and sustainability mentors. You'll leave with a project, a network, and a story the world needs to hear.
"Connection leads to action and conservation."
Everything is provided so that talent — not budget — decides who goes. Here's what a place is worth.
A place valued at roughly $12,000 — expedition, accommodation, meals, guides and activities, all covered by the Fellowship.
One-to-one sustainability and career mentoring before, during and after the voyage — including coaching from Al Gore-trained ESG leaders.
Contribute to genuine citizen science and polar research alongside glaciologists, marine biologists and expedition naturalists.
Complete OYA's NGSS- and IB-aligned polar curriculum before departure, so you sail prepared and finish certified.
Workshops in film, photography and communications so you return able to move audiences and mobilise your community.
Join a global alumni community of scientists, educators and changemakers — and a mentor network that outlasts the voyage.
The Antarctic Peninsula is the wildest classroom on Earth — and for ten days, it's yours to explore, study and protect.
A complete application has five parts. You don't need a film crew or a perfect CV — you need a real idea and the drive to see it through. Follow the steps, then submit below.
Be aged 18–34, hold a passport valid 6+ months beyond the expedition, and be medically fit and physically able to trek on snow, board Zodiacs and kayak.
Takes 2 minutes1–2 pages on a community-based project tackling climate change, conservation or sustainability: the issue, your action plan, the expected impact, and how Antarctica deepens the work.
1–2 pages · PDFAnswer four questions: Why Antarctica? What issue are you addressing? Why you? What's your plan afterward? Film it on your phone, upload to YouTube (unlisted is fine), and share the link — we value authenticity over production.
60 seconds · YouTube linkFrom a teacher, advisor or administrator who knows your work. Include their contact details, submitted as a signed PDF.
Signed PDFA short summary of your background, experience and relevant work — whatever best shows who you are and what you've done.
Link or PDFSend it all through the application form below (or email the components to fellowship@oceanyouthacademy.com). Deadline 11:59 PM UTC · results by August 30.
Shortlisted applicants are invited to a short online interview with the Fellowship selection panel. Every application is read against five criteria.
How clearly your project could improve your community or the wider world — and how genuinely you understand the problem you're taking on.
Your preparedness to learn actively in a remote, demanding environment and to make the most of everything the expedition offers.
Whether your plan is realistic and you have a credible path to actually carrying it out after you return.
Your potential to lead, to collaborate across cultures, and to lift up the younger students you'll share the voyage with.
The honesty and conviction that come through in your video and proposal. We're looking for you — not a polished performance.
A Fellowship place comes with responsibility. On the ice and after, fellows help others get the most from the journey — and carry the mission home.
All components submitted by 11:59 PM UTC.
Shortlisted applicants meet the panel online.
Selection results shared with all applicants.
Polar Oceans Course and mentor sessions start.
Ten days aboard St Helena on the Peninsula.
You'll be mentored and guided by an expedition team of world-class scientists, educators and storytellers, including:
Fill in your details and paste the links to your proposal, video and letter. When you hit submit, your whole application is emailed to the Fellowship team at fellowship@oceanyouthacademy.com as a single, tidy message — nothing else to send.
Yes. A Fellowship place — worth roughly $12,000 — covers your ten-day expedition, accommodation, meals, guides, activities, the Polar Oceans Course and all workshops. You cover travel to and from the departure point, insurance and personal spending (see "What your place covers" above).
Emerging leaders aged 18–34 (exceptions are considered for exceptional applicants) who hold a valid passport, are medically fit for remote travel, and are physically able to trek on snow, board Zodiacs and kayak. We welcome applicants from anywhere in the world.
Five things: a 1–2 page project proposal, a 60-second video (as a YouTube link), one letter of recommendation, your CV/portfolio/LinkedIn, and the eligibility confirmation. Submit through the form above, or email everything to fellowship@oceanyouthacademy.com.
Not at all. Film it on your phone, upload it to YouTube (an unlisted video works perfectly — it won't appear in search), and paste the link into your application. We care far more about honesty, clarity and passion than production quality — the video is where we get to meet the real you.
Every application is reviewed against our five selection criteria. Shortlisted applicants are invited to a short online interview with the selection panel, and all fellows are announced by August 30, 2026.
Daily Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters, kayaking, citizen science and field research, plus leadership, sustainability and storytelling workshops — woven through the voyage rather than confined to a classroom. Fellows also help mentor and support younger students onboard.
You'll travel with a professional expedition team aboard the purpose-built vessel St Helena, with an onboard doctor and medical clinic and wilderness-first-aid-certified staff. The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most experienced-guided regions of polar travel.
Email the Fellowship team at fellowship@oceanyouthacademy.com — we're happy to help before you apply.
One extraordinary voyage. A cohort of young leaders. A story that starts at the bottom of the world and travels home with you.