SCHOLARSHIPS
Outward Bound New Zealand is dedicated to reaching people all across the country with our life-changing programmes. We believe in our courses and want to make them available to as many people as possible. If the cost of a course is beyond your financial means, you may be eligible for a scholarship.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A SCHOLARSHIP?
Our scholarship funding is available for our one-week and three-week courses. For a limited time this year, we're broadening our eligibility criteria so you may be closer to a scholarship than you think!
Applicants must meet the following funding criteria:
I am a New Zealand Citizen or Resident currently living in New Zealand
I am aged between 16-26 years
I am interested in doing an Outward Bound course
I am able to pay for 50% of the course fee
I am able to cover my own medical and travel expenses
APPLY FOR AN OUTWARD BOUND SCHOLARSHIP IN JUST 5 MINUTES
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TEENS (AGES 16-18)
Scholarship applications are open. Scholarships to cover 50% of the course fee is available for July, September and October 2026 courses.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR YOUNG ADULTS (AGES 18-26)
Scholarship applications are open. Scholarships to cover 50% of the course fee is available for July and September 2026 courses.
We also have funding available for our Adapted courses for students with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Please get in touch with our Adapted team directly to discuss.
OUR KA MAHI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
Ka mahi! Great work!
Our Ka Mahi Scholarship programme is supported by a variety of individuals, organisations and foundations. The programme makes participation on our courses possible for people who come from less advantaged socio-economic and/or cultural backgrounds and those actively volunteering in their community.
Over the past 63+ years, support from our generous donors has provided the opportunity for hundreds of under-resourced young people to realise their full potential. A full list of our supporters can be found here.
The programme is guided by the principle that every young person should be able to access the opportunity to experience adventure and challenge, develop character and compassion, and learn leadership skills and service ethics, regardless of financial ability.
HOW MUCH DO SCHOLARSHIPS COVER?
On average, an Outward Bound NZ scholarship will cover 20-50% of the full course fee. The funding amount is directly based on the level of need and the motivation to attend demonstrated by the student’s application and our donors’ designations. Our enrolments team determine how much we can offer after reviewing each application.
From June to October 2026, we are offering scholarships that cover 50% of the full course fee for people who meet the eligibility criteria above.
WHAT COURSES DO THEY COVER?
Our scholarships are only available for our Adapted courses and select one-week and three-week courses for ages 16-26.
However, we've supported hundreds of students who do not meet the criteria to successfully fundraise to help cover their course fees.
Please refer to our Funding page for advice on how to get to Outward Bound if there is a financial barrier.
FUNDRAISING STORIES
Danielle's Fundraising Initiative
After receiving a scholarship to attend Outward Bound, Danielle asked her community to help cover the remaining portion of her course fee and travel costs. Through Danielle's initiative and the generosity of her community, she was able to get to Outward Bound.
Our Community Partner Organisations