Learn something new or improve a talent anything from cooking to coding. As you try out new things and build your skills, you get to discover your talents and grow more confident in what you can do. Tracking your progress and improving over time is not only rewarding but can also open doors to future opportunities and careers.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
The Award is a global accreditation for young people aged 14 to 24. It’s all about discovering your potential through real-world experiences. You’ll set goals, challenge yourself, and build skills that matter for life, school, and your future. You choose what you want to do, and your Award Leaders and mentors support you along the way.
By doing the Award, you will:
Register Here
Design your own Award program
Set SMART goals and work towards them, reflecting on your progress
Make a positive impact on the lives of others through community service
Learn valuable practical and social skills for career development
Take up the challenge of an Adventurous Journey with a team of peers
Connect with other Award participants at home and abroad
Completing The Duke of Edinburgh International Award has been an incredible journey of personal growth and discovery. Each section pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, develop new skills, and build resilience.
Kyla, BC, Silver Award HolderHow it Works
The Award is a personal challenge designed around your goals and interests. You’ll take part in meaningful activities, set objectives, and work towards achieving them with guidance and support. There are three levels, each requiring more time and offering greater challenges. The Award is about consistency and personal growth over time, not speed. You cannot skip or shorten the minimum times; the Award is designed as a sustained-commitment challenge to develop healthy habits and a growth mindset. Completing each level earns you an internationally recognized accreditation, showcasing your commitment and accomplishments.
Award Levels
Bronze
Start your Award journey! Set and achieve goals in four sections over 13–26 weeks, Age 14+
Silver
Build your momentum! Set and achieve goals in four sections over 26–52 weeks, Age 15+
Gold
Take on the ultimate challenge! Set and achieve goals in five sections over 52-78 weeks, Age 16+
Award Section Activities
Each section has a minimum weekly time commitment, that you can choose how you fit it into your schedule, as part of your classes, after school, weekends, or as part of activities you already do. The Award includes four sections, with an additional one at Gold. Each section is designed to help you develop skills, confidence, and experience as you progress. For every section, you’ll set a goal that reflects your interests and work towards achieving it.
Award Section
Voluntary Service
Support a cause you care about and make a difference in your community. When you volunteer in your community, you’re making a real difference and showing that you care about the people around you. You also get the chance to meet new people you might not usually hang out with, and that helps you build important skills like teamwork, communication, and confidence.
Award Section
Skill Development
Award Section
Physical Recreation
Get active in a way that works for you and boost your well-being. When you stay active and exercise regularly, you get fitter, stronger, and feel better both physically and mentally. Working out or playing sports helps you feel happier and more confident, and it’s a great way to build teamwork skills, self-esteem, and a healthy lifestyle that keeps you feeling good inside and out.
Award Section
Adventurous Journey
Work with a small group of peers and take on a real team challenge. You will plan your trip, complete a Practice Journey, and then carry out your Qualifying Journey. Together, you will problem solve, step outside your comfort zone, build skills and achieve something meaningful as a team.
Award Section
Gold Project (Gold level only)
Take part in a group project away from home and build independence. The Gold Project gives you the chance to try something new with people outside your usual group. You’ll get better at communicating, taking initiative, and understanding different cultures. By spending time in a new place, working on a meaningful project, and making new friends, you’ll have an experience that broadens your horizons and helps you grow.
Why It Works
The Award is built on a proven experiential learning framework that helps you grow through the Plan–Do–Review cycle. It’s designed to support your growth and development in a way that’s personal, flexible and meaningful.
Getting Started:
Begin your Award journey by joining a local Award Centre or participating online through our Virtual Award Centre, where you’ll be guided by a trained Award Leader and supported by your peers.
Join Your Local Award Centre
Many schools, youth organizations, and community groups are licensed Award Centres. These are places where trained Award Leaders and mentors guide you through your journey. Ask your teacher, guidance counsellor, or group leader if your school or organization offers the Award.
Register with your Award Centre
Join the Virtual Award Centre (VAC)
If you don’t have access to a local Award Centre, you can register through our Virtual Award Centre. This fully online option connects you with a dedicated Award Leader who will support you remotely as you work through each section.
Register with the VAC
