Bursaries and Scholarships

The Oman Bursary Scheme is now open for applications

What Is It?

In 2012, we had the pleasure of launching a bursary scheme in partnership with the Sultanate of Oman. It aims to foster international friendship and provide new and exciting opportunities for young people each year. It does this by helping them to experience a sail training voyage on a Tall Ship during a Sail Training International (STI) Tall Ships Race or Regatta.

STI has enjoyed a long, positive relationship with Oman. The country is regularly involved with our events and is committed to developing young people. Both things that we value!

In 2014, the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) celebrated the delivery of a brand new sail training vessel, Shabab Oman II, replacing Shabab Oman (Youth of Oman) which had a long and proud sail training history – she won the prestigious International Friendship Trophy nine times! The beautiful Shabab Oman II continues Oman’s sail training success story, promoting international friendship and peace.

How Did the Bursary Start?

We trialled the scheme at the Tall Ships Races in 2011 and launched it officially in 2012. Back then, we awarded funds to 25 trainees from seven countries – the Royal Navy of Oman has funded the scheme every year since.

The RNO also presents the Sultan Qaboos Trophy, which it awards annually to the organisation or individual who has done the most to promote sail training for young people.

Since 2013, RNO and Sail Training International have worked together to bring young Omanis to Europe to participate in STI events on board other nations’ ships.

Who Can Apply?

The Oman Bursary Scheme is open to applicants who have never taken part in a Tall Ships Race or Regatta (training). We welcome financially or physically disadvantaged people between 15 and 25 years old, regardless of nationality, background, physical ability, or previous sailing experience. The maximum amount awarded is £500 each (if living outside of Europe, exceptions may be made for long distance travel costs).

We receive applications from a huge variety of young people from all walks of life and from all over the world. Trainees’ support letters often reveal their dedication, motivation and sometimes the difficulties that they’ve faced, such as health and personal problems. Those who are awarded the Oman Bursary achieve something special – they become part of a team of people from different nationalities in a new and exciting environment, form friendships and make memories that last a lifetime.

Oman Bursary Approved Vessels

You can see the full list of Oman Bursary approved vessels below.

Testimonials

Here are some of the thoughts and reflections from previous Oman Bursary winners.

“The high sea can be a harsh environment, so it quickly creates strong bonds between people!” – Xavier Wadbled

“Being afraid of heights, I experienced my moment of true happiness… climbing to the highest point on the ship while sailing… enjoying the view of a lifetime.” – Davis Odzins

To see what other recipients of the Oman and other sail training bursaries have been saying, check out their testimonials

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the Oman Bursary 2025, simply complete the form below.

OMAN BURSARY APPLICATION FORM 2025

Sail Training International is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our trainees. The information given will help us build a more accurate record of who our bursaries are reaching, so that we can then improve and target a wider range of audiences. We will not discriminate based upon any of the questions asked in this form.

If you are not comfortable disclosing any sensitive information, or need any help filling out this form, please email bursaries@sailtraininginternational.org

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• Please tick the button to agree to the new privacy policy

WWW.SAILTRAININGINTERNATIONAL.ORG/PRIVACY-POLICY

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• Please tick the button to confirm you are completing the application form for yourself

First Name *

Last Name *

Nationality *

To which gender do you most identify? *Please choose an optionMaleFemaleTransgender MTransgender FNon-Binary/Non-ConformingI prefer not to sayOther

Which ethnicity would you say best describes you? *

Ethnic origin is not about nationality, place of birth or citizenship. It is about the group to which you perceive you belong.

Do you consider yourself to have a disability or health condition? *NoYesPrefer not to say

If yes, please provide details (e.g physical, mental health, learning etc.) *

Please state "Prefer not to say" if you are not comfortable disclosing this information.

Age at start of voyage? *

Date of Birth *

Address *

City *

ZIP/Post Code *

Country *

Trainee Email *

Trainee Mobile Number *

Name of Next of Kin *

Next of Kin relationship to Trainee *

Next of Kin Email *

Next of Kin Mobile Number *

*

• Please tick the button to confirm you have not taken part in a Sail Training International Tall Ships Race or Regatta before? (Unless there are exceptional circumstances, these Bursary Funds are only available to those who have NOT taken part in a Tall Ships Race or Regatta before).

PLEASE TICK BELOW THE SECTION(S) OF THE EVENT YOU WISH TO TAKE PART IN - THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2025 (PLEASE NOTE, THE DATES SHOWN BELOW ARE THE DATES THE VESSELS WILL BE IN PORT)

Please tick below the section of the event you wish to take part in - THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2025 (The dates shown below are the dates the vessels will be in the port)

• Race 1 - Le Havre, France (4 - 7 July) to Dunkirk, France (10 - 13 July)

Please tick below the section of the event you wish to take part in - THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2025 (The dates shown below are the dates the vessels will be in the port) (copy)

• Race 2 - Dunkirk, France (10 - 13 July) to Aberdeen, UK (19 - 22 July)

Please tick below the section of the event you wish to take part in - THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2025 (The dates shown below are the dates the vessels will be in the port) (copy) (copy)

• Race 3 / Cruise-in-Company - Aberdeen, UK (19 - 22 July) to Kristiansand, Norway (30 July - 2 August)

Please tick below the section of the event you wish to take part in - THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2025 (The dates shown below are the dates the vessels will be in the port) (copy) (copy) (copy)

• Race 4 - Kristiansand, Norway (30 July - 2 August) to Esbjerg, Denmark (6 - 9 August)

Bursary Amount Requested (Maximum £500.00) (Travel bursaries may be available if living outside of Europe. Please email bursaries@sailtraininginternational.org for more information) *

Please note that the Sultanate of Oman Bursary Scheme is only awarded to those young people who would not otherwise be able to afford the full voyage fee.

Therefore, please provide the name and email address of a supporter who knows you personally, who could comment on your financial situation and would be willing to support your request (for example, teacher, youth worker, employer, scout guide or other youth organisation leader, member of sail training organisation, etc)

DO NOT GIVE NAMES OF FAMILY MEMBERS – OR YOUR BEST FRIEND!

It would be helpful if you made contact with this person advising them that they may expect an email from Sail Training International. A Bursary will not be considered until a reference is received.

Supporter's Name *

Please name someone who can give you a reference and support your application.

Supporter's Email *

How do you know your nominated supporter? *

Please note that we do not accept references from a family member or personal friend.

Please explain how you would benefit from this Tall Ships Adventure. *

Minimum 250 words

What, if any, sailing experience do you have? (No previous sailing experience is required) *

Please explain why you believe you are a deserving candidate for this bursary. *

Please note that we prioritise financially or physcially disadvantaged youth who may not otherwise have the ability to participate in this adventure. (Minimum 250 words)

How do you plan to raise the remaining voyage fee? *

Have you applied or agreed to any Host Port funding? *NoYes

If yes, please state which Host Port. *Le HavreDunkirkAberdeenKristiansandEsbjerg

Have you applied or agreed to any additional funding? *NoYes

If yes, please give details. *

Please let us know what kind of funding and if this is secured or in progress.

Please list any holidays you may have had away from home during the past two years.

Name of your preferred Tall Ship (Please note: Applicants SHOULD NOT make arrangements directly with any vessel in advance of being allocated a bursary). *

You can see the full list of Oman Bursary approved vessels here.

How did you hear about the Oman Bursary Scheme? *WindseekerWindseekerOther Booking AgentSail Training International WebsiteYour local National Sail Training OrganisationDirectly from a Sail Training VesselSocial MediaWord of MouthOther

If other, please specify.

Confirm *

• Please tick the button to confirm that without this bursary you would be unable to participate in this adventure.

Confirm (copy) *

• If awarded a bursary I agree to:

Complete the Oman Bursary Agreement Form within 7 days.

Complete the Oman Bursary Trainee Pre-Registration form at least 2 weeks before you join the vessel.

Inform Sail Training International immediately if you no longer require the Oman Bursary funding.

Be responsible for travelling to and from the vessel.

Participate fully as required in the vessel’s programme.

Be involved in publicity for this scheme if required, including being filmed and/or photographed.

To tag Sail Training International @tallshipsraces when posting my voyage on social media.

Send us a minimum of 8 ‘action’ photographs as jpegs and any video footage you may have taken during your voyage. Please send these materials separately on an email, as an attachment.

All materials and findings submitted to Sail Training International are provided free of charge. Sail Training International reserve the right to use any such material for marketing and promotional purposes.

Complete a post voyage survey within 2 weeks after my voyage.

If you would like more information on the country and history of the Sultanate of Oman, we would recommend that you visit https://www.omanconsulate.com/en/

Submit

Vessels need to meet the criteria below to be approved to receive funding support from Sail Training International and/or to take bursary-supported trainees onboard during the Tall Ships Races 2025.  

As per clause 4 you must send a copy of your current certificate, and as per clause 10 please submit your sail training programme to us at office@sailtraininginternational.org 

CRITERIA FOR VESSELS TO BE SAIL TRAINING INTERNATIONAL APPROVED VESSELS  

1. Vessels must comply with the current Racing Rules and Special Regulations for Tall Ships Races and Regattas, (only applicable for participating vessels). 

2. Captains and officers must be duly qualified and hold all necessary certificates required by the laws of their country to undertake the planned voyage or participate in the race or regatta series. 

3. Vessels must be legally registered, licensed and insured to sail with trainees and take part in all programmed activities whether in port or at sea (including racing) and approved for the sea area of the voyage. A copy of the vessel’s registration certificate may be required.

4. Vessels must hold an appropriate commercial certificate to take passengers or trainees, and they must submit a valid annual inspection certificate from their Certifying Authority which is approved for the sea area of the voyage to office@sailtraininginternational.org  

5. The vessel’s stability characteristics and certification must be appropriate for the sea areas and season of the voyage being undertaking. 

6. Vessel operators must hold valid insurance cover against third party claims and injury, death or other loss to bursary recipients sailing as trainees, staff, or volunteers to a minimum British pounds £5M for the class of voyage and activities to be undertaken. 

7. Must have a Safety Management System (SMS) appropriate to their vessel. This can be in the language of the ship. 

8. Must have a trainee safeguarding, welfare and protection policy in place and a system for criminal record checks, or, where there is no national system, an internal system for checking references for their sea staff and adult volunteers. 

9. Vessel operators must have a proven safety and proven track record (2 years) of delivering sail training voyages. 

10. Vessels must have a proven track record of effectively delivering personal development work within their sail training programme. They must either submit their sail training programme with the application to office@sailtraininginternational.org or provide an outline of activities on a typical voyage. In subsequent years, the quality will be monitored using feedback from trainees and others. 

In all cases, STI has absolute discretion over decisions regarding the award of bursaries or funds.

Please contact office@sailtraininginternational.org for more information.

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NAME OF VESSEL(S) *

FUNDING OR PROJECT: *Oman BursaryYouth Development FundCanada Legacy FundResearch FundOther ProjectOther Bursary

IF OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY:

APPLYING AS: *Vessel Owner/OperatorProject ApplicantOther

IF OTHER, PLEASE SPECIFY

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LAST NAME *

EMAIL *

ORGANISATION *

ROLE *

CONFIRM *

• PLEASE TICK TO CONFIRM YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO SAIL TRAINING INTERNATIONAL'S PRIVACY POLICY BELOW

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The Marlow navigation Netherlands Bursary Scheme is now closed for applications in 2024

If you would like to be notified when future bursaries are launched please complete the form below

As we continue to offer life-changing experiences at sea for young people, we are always grateful for the kind and generous support of different organisations around the world who recognise the transformative impact of sail training.

We are delighted to be able to partner with Marlow Navigation Netherlands, one of the world’s leading commercial ship management providers, to offer the Marlow Navigation Bursary Fund. The £5000 fund offers young people aged between 15 and 25 years old the opportunity to take part in a voyage during The Tall Ships Races.

Each bursary will offer the chance to take part in a life-changing adventure and become part of a team of people from around the world to achieve something truly special.

We would like to extend our warm thanks to Marlow Navigation Netherlands as they help us to continue our mission of supporting educational and developmental opportunities for young people. It is only through generous support like this that we have been able to keep changing young lives for over 60 years.

About Marlow Navigation Netherlands

Since the company’s beginnings in 1982 from the maritime hub of Limassol, Marlow Navigation has grown to become a globally renowned and trusted name in the ship management industry.

Today, a network spanning 14 countries, with over 1,150 shore-based staff, 15,800 crew on board managed vessels and 25,000 active seafarers in the employment pool, underpins the company’s progress, business sustainability and client-focussed ethos.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applicants from financially and physically disadvantaged people from around the world who have not taken part in a Sail Training International event before.

We welcome financially or physically disadvantaged people between 15 and 25 years old, regardless of nationality, background, physical ability, or previous sailing experience. The maximum amount awarded is £500 each.

FIND OUT WHEN NEW BURSARIES ARE LAUNCHED

To keep updated when we launch our bursary schemes for 2025, simply complete the form below.

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Sail Training International is pleased to be able to be able to offer the Youth Development Fund, an annual fund provided to support a range of projects aimed at helping youth development.

We are seeking to support organisations – preferably nonprofit – to deliver sail training programmes that will reach young people from а mixture of backgrounds, particularly those from а disadvan­taged background (14-25). Applications may Ье submitted bу sail training operators, schools, National Sail Training Organisations or land­ based agencies/organisations or individuals working with young people.

We would like to extend our thanks to the Royal Navy of Oman whose generosity made the Youth Development Fund 2023 possible. Having supported countless young people to have a Sail Training adventure through the annual €50,000 Oman Bursary scheme since 2011, their continued support means we are able to bring the transformative experience of Sail Training to young people around the world.

You can find out more about the fund and how to apply below.

Youth Development Fund

If you have any questions about applying for the Youth Development Fund, please contact Alison Weston at alison.weston@sailtraininginternational.org.

The Sail Training International Canada Legacy Fund supports organisations (preferably non-profit) to help deliver youth sail training programmes to young Canadians. Sail Training International has set aside a total fund of $25,000CAN to be awarded in grants to successful applicants.

Following the success of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, the Canada Legacy Fund was been set up with generous support from Rendez-Vous Naval de Quebec. The Canadian Legacy Fund is under the management of the Sail Training International Board of Trustees, and is administered by the designated Legacy Fund Committee.

The Canada Legacy fund offers support to organisations that provide sail training programmes that look to reach disadvantaged young Canadians aged between 14-25 years. These programmes will offer one or more of the following:

• Improve trainees personal, social and/or educational development
• Enhance international friendship and understanding
• Demonstrate replicable models of innovation and good practice in sail training

You can find out more about the fund and how to apply below.

Canada Legacy Fund

If you have any questions about applying for the Canada Legacy Fund, please contact Alison Weston at alison.weston@sailtraininginternational.org.

Don’t know how to go about raising funds for your Voyage? Join the Windseeker Dinghy Programme!

Just like a literal dinghy, the Windseeker Dinghy Programme is designed to help you make your way from dry land onto a Small Ship or Tall Ship at sea. It’s an online fundraising training scheme run by the experienced team at Windseeker. Making use of their years of experience with helping young people to have an adventure at sea, the Windseeker Dinghy Programme coaches will give you all the tools and guidance you need to raise funds for a voyage. You’ll even get access to an online community of young trainees for networking and extra support!

The Windseeker Dinghy Programme is open for everyone aged 15-25 (other ages can apply) who wants to join a voyage available with Windseeker – including many Tall Ships Races journeys and Sustainable Sailing programmes. There is a participation fee of just €60 for the programme.

Find Out More

To keep updated when we launch our bursary schemes for 2025, simply complete the form below.

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