**Safe Bulkers Launches €100,000 Scholarship Program for Maritime Students in Cyprus**
Safe Bulkers, a prominent shipping company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext Athens, has announced the opening of its sixth annual scholarship program aimed at supporting students pursuing maritime education. Chief Executive Polys V. Hajioannou revealed that the company is offering ten scholarships, each valued at €10,000, for the 2026–2027 academic year. This initiative is designed to assist students from Cyprus in building careers in the maritime industry.
The scholarship program is available to Cypriot citizens and Greek citizens who are permanently settled in Cyprus. Eligible candidates include students graduating from secondary schools in Cyprus as well as those currently enrolled in universities in Greece, the United Kingdom, or other countries abroad. The selection process for the scholarships will be based on academic performance and financial need, ensuring that those who are most deserving receive support.
The scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines related to maritime studies, including undergraduate and postgraduate master’s programs in naval architecture, marine engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science, cyber security, artificial intelligence, data science analytics, shipping law, and master's programs in shipping, trade, and finance. This diverse range of fields reflects the company's commitment to fostering a skilled workforce in the maritime sector.
To qualify for the scholarships, high school graduates must have been accepted into a relevant university and must hold a school leaving certificate with a minimum grade of 18 out of 20, or an A-level grade of B or higher in mathematics or physics. For students already attending universities in the UK, an annual average above 60 percent or a 2:1 classification is required, while those in Greek polytechnic institutions must achieve an average above 6.5. Additionally, applicants seeking support for a master's program in the UK must possess a Greek polytechnic degree with a grade of at least 7.5 or a UK university degree classified as 2:1. Students from other overseas universities must demonstrate an annual average equivalent to “Very Good” or higher.
In addition to academic qualifications, the scholarship assessment will take into account the applicant's family or marital status and the family's income from the previous year. This comprehensive evaluation process aims to ensure that the scholarships are awarded to those who not only excel academically but also require financial assistance.
Applications for the scholarship can be submitted through a dedicated online portal, with the deadline for submissions set for August 31, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to provide all necessary supporting documents and academic certificates, although it is permissible to submit initial applications without some documents, provided that all required materials are submitted before final approval.
This new scholarship call follows the successful distribution of ten scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year, reflecting Safe Bulkers' ongoing commitment to maritime education. The company emphasizes that this initiative is part of its broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policy, which aims to promote sustainable practices within the maritime industry.
In addition to the scholarship program, Safe Bulkers also supports maritime education through a separate cadet program in collaboration with the Cyprus Maritime Academy (CyMA). This partnership further underscores the company's dedication to nurturing the next generation of maritime professionals.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the Safe Bulkers scholarship program play a crucial role in ensuring that aspiring students have access to the education and resources they need to succeed in their careers. By investing in the future of maritime education, Safe Bulkers is not only contributing to the personal growth of individual students but also to the overall development of the maritime sector in Cyprus and beyond.