Scholarship Application Requirements & Eligibility

MTS SCHOLARSHIP

Application Requirements

Everything you need to confidently prepare and submit your scholarship application.

MTS Marine Studies Scholarships

Explore the requirements for each MTS scholarship, including eligibility, required materials, and any scholarship-specific criteria.

MTS Rising College Scholarship - $2,500

Open to high school senior-level MTS members who have been accepted into a 2-year or 4-year marine studies program at an accredited college, university, or technical institution.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

1. Essay: The Marine Technology Society is interested in providing scholarships to students with a current focus (or future interest) in marine technology, marine engineering, and marine science. Please provide an essay of no more than 500 words. Your essay MUST include the following:

- - Your interest in marine technology
  - How your interest in marine technology relates to your current or planned field of study
  - How you plan to apply your degree
  - If applicable, please include your current use or development of instrumentation of technology

2. Marine Technology, Marine Engineering and/or Marine Science Related Activities plus Honors and Awards Statement: Statement on engagement in marine-related activities such as volunteering at local Ocean Sciences Bowl events, ROV Competitions, science or engineering festivals, or MTS-affiliated conferences. Participation in initiatives like local aquarium programs, beach or underwater clean-ups, water quality monitoring programs, or aquatic animal monitoring efforts. Contributions to local associations focused on marine-related issues or service to the country—please provide details on how your service connects to marine technology. Include specialized research projects by describing your independent research on your role within a team project. Additionally, provide a bulleted list of honors, awards, and academic achievements from the past two years, such as Dean’s List, Science Fair Awards, National Merit Scholar, or other recognitions. The list should be concise.

3. Letter of Recommendation (ONE required for all scholarships)

4. List of Relevant Courses/Classes

5. Unofficial Transcript (only one from most recent academic institution)

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John C. Bajus Scholarship - $1,000

Application Materials

- Your interest in marine technology
- How your interest in marine technology relates to your current or planned field of study
- How you plan to apply your degree
- If applicable, please include your current use or development of instrumentation of technology

3. Volunteer Hours: List number of volunteer hours.

4. Statement on Volunteering: Comments highlighting the volunteerism and community service.

5. Volunteer Verification: First name, last name, and email for volunteer supervisor/coordinator.

6. Letter of Recommendation (ONE required for all scholarships)

7. List of Relevant Courses/Classes

8. Unofficial Transcript (only one from most recent academic institution)

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Dieter Family Scholarship - Up to $1,500

Open to MTS members who are full-time undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in or accepted into a 2-year or 4-year marine studies program at an accredited college, university, or technical institution. Full student registration and UP TO $1,500 for travel-related expenses to attend Underwater Intervention from Dec 2-4, 2026 in New Orleans, LA. Winners will be required to submit an expense report with all receipts to ensure the money was used properly. Final approval will be determined by the MTS office.

Application Materials

- Your interest in marine technology
- How your interest in marine technology relates to your current or planned field of study
- How you plan to apply your degree
- If applicable, please include your current use or development of instrumentation of technology

3. Letter of Recommendation (ONE required for all scholarships)

4. List of Relevant Courses/Classes

5. Unofficial Transcript (only one from most recent academic institution)

Apply Now >

The Paros-Digiquartz Scholarship - $2,000

Open to MTS members who are full-time undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in or accepted into a 2-year or 4-year marine studies program at an accredited college, university, or technical institution. Applicants must have an interest in marine instrumentation.

Application Materials

- Your interest in marine technology
- How your interest in marine technology relates to your current or planned field of study
- How you plan to apply your degree
- If applicable, please include your current use or development of instrumentation of technology

3. Marine Technology Development Activities Statement: Please be specific as to the type of technology applied, augmented or developed (can include computer models and software).

4. Letter of Recommendation (ONE required for all scholarships)

5. List of Relevant Courses/Classes

6. Unofficial Transcript (only one from most recent academic institution)

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Charles H. Bussmann Undergraduate Scholarship - $2,500

Application Materials

- Your interest in marine technology
- How your interest in marine technology relates to your current or planned field of study
- How you plan to apply your degree
- If applicable, please include your current use or development of instrumentation of technology

3. Letter of Recommendation (ONE required for all scholarships)

4. List of Relevant Courses/Classes

5. Unofficial Transcript (only one from most recent academic institution)

Apply Now >

Charles H. Bussmann Graduate Scholarship - $2,500

Open to MTS members who are full-time graduate students currently enrolled in or accepted into a marine studies program at an accredited institution.

Application Materials

- Your interest in marine technology
- How your interest in marine technology relates to your current or planned field of study
- How you plan to apply your degree
- If applicable, please include your current use or development of instrumentation of technology

3. Letter of Recommendation (ONE required for all scholarships)

4. Unofficial Transcript (only one from most recent academic institution)

Apply Now >

MTS ROV Committee Scholarship - $5,000

Open to MTS members who are full-time undergraduate students currently enrolled in or accepted into a 2-year or 4-year marine studies program at an accredited college, university, or technical institution. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

Application Materials

1. Essay: Submit a 500 word or less essay of your interest in ROVs or underwater work that furthers the use of ROVs.

2. Letter of Recommendation (ONE required for all scholarships)

3. Unofficial Transcript (only one from most recent academic institution)

Apply Now >

Know Before You Apply

Eligibility for Scholarships

To be eligible for consideration, applicants are required to be active members of MTS, with student memberships available for $25 per year. Additionally, applicants must be at the high school senior-level or full-time undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in or accepted into a 2-year or 4-year marine studies program at an accredited college, university, or technical institution. It is important to note that students who were recipients of a scholarship in the previous year are not eligible to reapply for the same scholarship in the following year.

MTS Policy on Artificial Intelligence

MTS recognizes the expanding use of AI and how it may be used as a tool to overcome challenges and fill in knowledge gaps (in such areas as language comprehension or lack of technology fluency) that may occur during the preparation of your scholarship application. You will be asked to specify how you used AI as a tool (but not as a crutch) to assist with your application and fill in gaps in understanding (but not replace knowledge and skills).

FAQs

Is there assistance available to help cover the costs of membership dues?

If membership dues pose a barrier for you to apply, please contact grace.thompson@mtsociety.org.

My major is not specifically marine-related (e.g. Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, etc.), but I am applying it to marine-related research and work/professional pursuits. Am I still eligible to apply for scholarships?

Yes! Just be sure to clearly highlight your relevant marine-related activities, experience, and career intentions on your application.

Can I mail my application and supporting documents?

No. All applications and forms must be sent via email or via the online application.

Can I send in more than one recommendation or reference letter?

No. Please follow the guidelines given on the application.

Can outgoing high school seniors apply for MTS scholarships?

Yes, outgoing high school seniors are eligible to apply for MTS scholarships if they have been accepted into a 2-year or 4-year marine studies-related program.

Do I need to send a copy of my resume/CV?

No. please submit only the materials we have requested.

What kind of transcripts do you accept?

Unofficial transcripts are accepted, but they must be your most recent transcript from a single school. Please make sure that your transcript attachment includes a description of the grading scale used at your academic institution and is NOT password protected.

If I'm awarded a scholarship, what can I use the money for?

With the exception of the Dieter Family Scholarship, money is to go toward tuition only. The award cannot be applied towards room & board, books, equipment or any other expense. The check is in US funds only and is sent directly to your academic institution’s Bursar’s Office — not directly to scholarship recipients. No exceptions. This is a one time award, not a continuous award.

Can I apply for the scholarship if I graduate in Spring or Summer?

No. Since scholarship funds are only disbursed at the start of the Fall term, applicants must be enrolled as students for the next Fall term to be eligible to receive funding.

Will you contact me if there is a problem with my application?

No. Due to the number of applications received, we will not be able to contact anyone if there is missing or unacceptable supporting documents. If you have questions, please email grace.thompson@mtsociety.org.

How long will it take to know the results?

Please allow two months after the scholarship closing date for completion of the review process. You will be notified by MTS about results via email.

If I win, who is the check sent to?

To your academic institution’s Bursar’s office. We will ask you to provide that information when the winners are announced. We cannot send checks directly to students. If you are awarded a scholarship, we will need the Bursar’s office mailing address and your student ID shortly after we contact you to let you know you won.