Apply to
Mare Nostrum 2026
Sail the Mediterranean
Join the inaugural expedition aboard the historic tall ship Pelican of London.
Choose one or more legs of this transformative journey under UNESCO patronage.
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Eligibility
Mare Nostrum welcomes applications from young adults (18+) from all backgrounds and disciplines, including environmental sciences, law, diplomacy, engineering, arts, humanities, and more.
No prior sailing experience is required, full training is provided on board. We take a holistic view of each application, considering your motivation, personal story, skills, and potential contribution to the cohort. English is the main working language.
Good physical health is needed for life at sea (shared cabins, watches, maneuvers). Review our program details to ensure Mare Nostrum is right for you.
Application
Timeline
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Applications open on a rolling basis for the 2026 expedition:
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Opening: 1 January 2026
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Closing deadline : 31 March 2026
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We encourage early applications — places are limited to approximately 40 participants. First selections will be announced in May 2026.
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Q&A
About the Expedition
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Q: What exactly is Mare Nostrum? A Mediterranean sailing expedition where young people from around the world team up to explore, learn, and protect the ocean. You’ll live aboard a tall ship, travel between iconic ports, run real scientific missions, and become part of an international crew.
Applying
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Q: How do I apply? Just fill out the online form, upload your motivation, and pay the 60€ non‑refundable registration fee. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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Q: When will I hear back? The first round of selections is announced in May 2026.
Experience & Requirements
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Q: Do I need sailing experience? No. Zero. None. You’ll learn everything on board with full training.
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Q: Do I need to be a science student? Not at all. Curiosity, teamwork, and motivation matter more than your field of study.
Costs & Funding
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Q: What is included in the participatory fee? Your berth on the ship, all meals, scientific activities, port programs, and seamanship training.
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Q: What is not included? Travel to and from the departure/arrival ports, personal insurance (mandatory), visas, and personal gear. Full details are shared once you’re selected.
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Q: Is the participatory fee tax‑deductible? Yes—if you are based in France, the USA, or India. Your contribution is considered a tax‑deductible donation.
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Q: Are scholarships available? Yes, but limited. If you want to be considered, make sure to mention it clearly in your motivation.
Life On Board
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Q: What’s daily life like? A mix of sailing watches, science missions, workshops, cultural exchanges, and shared meals. It’s intense, communal, and unforgettable.
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Q: Will I have free time? Yes—especially during port stops. But life at sea is active and collaborative.
Travel & Logistics
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Q: Do I need a visa? Depending on your nationality and the countries visited, you may. We’ll guide you once you’re accepted.
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Q: What should I pack? A packing list is provided after selection, including essentials for life at sea.
Support & Contact
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Q: Who can I contact if I have more questions? The team is always happy to help: apply@gaiafirst.org
Start Your Application
A once‑in‑a‑lifetime formative & transformative journey
for emerging ocean leaders
For students, Mare Nostrum is not a program, it is a journey that shapes your worldview, your skills, your courage, and your sense of purpose.
Mare Nostrum is not a course. It is a threshold. A human, scientific, cultural expedition that leaves a lasting imprint.