Foundational Instruction for New SCUBA Scientists (FINSS) Scholarship

About this program

Administered by the AAUS Foundation, the FINSS (Foundational Instruction for New SCUBA Scientists) Scholarship provides up to $1,500 to cover Open Water scuba certification, basic gear, and associated fees for individuals who cannot afford the prerequisite certification needed to pursue scientific diving; funds are paid directly to the recipient’s chosen dive shop/instructor. The award typically allocates approximately $900 for the Open Water course, $500 toward gear and $100 for a one‑year DAN Master Plan, and includes a one‑year AAUS student membership upon completion of the scientific diving course. Applicants must demonstrate connection to an AAUS Organizational Member, address financial or access barriers (with priority for those from underrepresented groups in diving), have basic watermanship/swimming skills, and submit a one‑page personal statement, PI/supervisor recommendation, a Diving Safety Officer Statement of Support with timelines/logistics, the completed application (AAUS membership required to access the form), suggested dive shop/ instructor and gear cost lists; recipients must provide a bio, experience summary, and multimedia after training.