The global underwater community sees the selected scholars as individuals with the potential to make significant contributions to the underwater world even though they may not have yet chosen a specific career path. During the course of the year, exposure to a wide array of types of work and the chance to actually jump in and experience specific jobs provides scholars with invaluable career-deciding opportunities.

The minimum age limit is 21 and maximum age limit is 26 at the time of application.

The maximum cash amount for the North American Rolex Scholarship is $25,000.