Trans-Antarctic Grants Program

Trans-Antarctic Grants Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Trans-Antarctic Association
Amount: Up to £1,500
Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Summary

The Trans-Antarctic Grants Program, run by the Trans-Antarctic Association, supports scientific research and expeditions in Antarctica, offering grants up to £1,500. Priority is given to early career scientists and non-salaried researchers. With a total funding pool of £10,000 to £15,000 annually, grants are available for eligible nationals from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK, promoting vital research in the unique Antarctic environment.

Overview

NOTE: Applications must be received before the annual closing date of 31 January in the UK, and 15 March in NZ. Trans-Antarctic Grants Program The Trans-Antarctic Association (Registered Charity No. 205773) was established to promote, organise, encourage or support scientific research or expeditions of discovery in the Antarctic. The association arose from the profit made by the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition (TAE) (1955-58) led by Sir Vivian Fuchs. Amongst other achievements, the TAE completed the first crossing of Antarctica, and an overview of the expedition can be found below. The Trans-Antarctic Association provides financial grants in support of field work or travel to Antarctica, as well as equipment and other research activities directly related to Antarctica. Funding The Trans-Antarctic Association provides financial grants up to a normal maximum of £1,500 in support of field work or travel to Antarctica, as well as equipment and other research activities directly related to Antarctica. The total funds available for distribution in any one year typically ranges between £10,000 – £15,000. One third of available funds are awarded to New Zealand nationals, with the remainder being awarded to nationals from Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The TAA tries to help as many worthy applicants as possible, although the amount of any grant awarded depends upon the merit of the application and on funds available in a given year, which depends upon the performance of TAA investments. Amounts awarded take these factors into account and are at the sole discretion of the Association.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grants are awarded only for Antarctic and / or directly related work and only to nationals of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Please note that citizenship is required, and residence in one of these countries alone does not qualify. Citizens of eligible countries that reside in another country are eligible.Proof of nationality may be required.

Ineligibility

Please note that the Association cannot support requests for salary funding, and does not normally provide subsistence or living expenses. The TAA does not consider retrospective applications (ie. an application to fund an activity that has already taken place, or will have taken place, before the closing date). Applicants undertaking an activity after the application closing date and yet before a decision on award has been made by the TAA do so on the understanding that support for their application may not necessarily be awarded by the TAA.