Ocean Futures Fellowship 2026: Build Your Career in Ocean Conservation

Are you passionate about protecting the oceans and ready to build a career in ocean science or conservation? The Ocean Futures Fellowship 2026 offers a chance for young professionals to gain hands-on skills and make a real impact. This six-month program, run by OceanX, provides training, projects, mentorship, and global connections to tackle ocean challenges.

Applications are open now, with a deadline of May 3, 2026. Fellows work full-time from June to December 2026. The program supports the UN Ocean Decade and Sustainable Development Goal 14 by training leaders who boost ocean literacy and drive change.

Program Overview

The Ocean Futures Fellowship 2026 equips participants with advanced skills in ocean-related fields. Fellows join OceanX teams for educational projects and professional growth. They learn to use emerging technologies, like AI, in responsible ways to advance science and storytelling.

This full-time commitment helps build careers while addressing key ocean issues. Participants gain experience that opens doors worldwide. The focus is on innovation and leadership to protect oceans for the future.

Fellowship Focus Areas

This year’s cohort targets specific roles. Applicants should show experience or strong interest in at least one area, plus knowledge of AI and new tech.

AI Fellow

Design AI systems with OceanX teams to speed up ocean science. Create insights and stories for exploration and conservation.

Digital Correspondent Fellow

Share ocean science through journalism and digital platforms. Tell stories that reach wide audiences.

Digital Asset Archives Fellow

Help organize OceanX’s media archive. Make it easier for science and production teams to access materials.

Immersive Media Fellow

Use VR, AR, game design, or UX/UI to engage people with ocean topics. Build tools for education and exploration.

Marketing and Communications Fellow

Plan campaigns across channels. Create content and work on team projects.

Partnerships Fellow

Build and maintain ties with OceanX partners. Support key relationships.

Stipend and Support

Fellows get a monthly stipend for full-time work. It covers participation but not housing, travel, or personal costs. Some may qualify for a technology stipend based on need.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must meet these criteria:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be allowed to work in your home country.
• Commit full-time from June to December 2026.
• Have experience or interest in one focus area.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school (specific fields for some roles).
• Speak English at a full professional level (C2 or equal).
• Know AI basics and want to use tech responsibly.
• Be driven by purpose, mentorship, and global chances.

For Partnerships Fellows, degrees in finance, policy, science, nonprofit management, media, communications, business, or related fields work. Immersive Media or Digital Correspondent roles need ocean science, conservation, media, or communications backgrounds.

How to Apply

Submit an online application with:

• Basic info, like contact details and work history in ocean education.
• Resume or CV link.
• Answers to short essay questions.
• Video on your skills and why you want to join.

Have these ready: resume/CV link (required), video link (required), project samples or English score (optional).

Apply here: Ocean Futures Fellowship application.

Learn more at the official Ocean Futures page.

Frequently Asked Questions