Protecting Wetlands for the Future

Applications now open!

Applications for our 2026 Student Challenge programs are now open! Follow the link below to apply.

Apply now

Want to experience hands-on conservation?

Imagine spending a week in an amazing location with students from all over Australia, exploring solutions for a more sustainable relationship with our environment. The Earthwatch Student Challenge is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a select number of Year 10 - 12 students to experience environmental research first hand.

This is a fully-funded scholarship opportunity
No prior experience is necessary
Receive training in scientific fieldwork from leading scientists
Gain valuable insights into conservation research

What to expect

Mangroves are one of the world’s most underrated coastal ecosystems. You may not know it, but mangroves provide most of our seafood, help clean the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, protect coasts from storms and erosion, are home to iconic wildlife, and are carbon storage powerhouses that help reduce carbon in the atmosphere. Unfortunately, mangroves are globally threatened by climate change, sea level rise and coastal development.

This is your chance to have some muddy fun and help researchers understand how mangrove forests respond to severe flood events and develop strategies to protect and enhance these coastal habitat heroes into the future.

Program dates

Expedition 1: Magnetic Island, June 28th - July 3rd, 2026

Expedition 2: Daintree September 20th - 25th, 2026
Accommodation

Dormitory style with shared rooms and a separate toilet block.
Location

Expedition 1: Magnetic Island (Yunbenun), QLD

Expedition 2: Daintree, North QLD
Eligibility

Expedition 1: Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF) fellowships are available if you are currently: A year 10, 11 or 12 student attending a QLD government school.

Expedition 2: George Alexander Foundation (GAF) fellowships are available if you are currently: A year 10, 11 or 12 student attending a QLD or NSW government school.
Cost

This is a fully funded fellowship

Some activities may include

Estuary shoreline video assessment
Mangrove forest flood recovery surveys
Saltmarsh SAVER rapid assessments
Mangrove crab and fauna assessments

For successful applicants, the fellowship covers:

Flights and airport transfers
Insurance
All meals and accommodation
Field transport and research equipment
Professional and academic transferrable skills

Download flyer

Share this opportunity with your community! Click below to download the program flyer.

Download Flyer