Apply for Outward Bound Scholarship Program (New Zealand)

The Outward Bound Scholarship Program, funded by the Southland District Council, supports residents of the Southland District in New Zealand to attend Outward Bound leadership and personal development courses. The scholarships help participants build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, self-responsibility, and stronger relationships.

Two scholarships are available, covering either a 21-day youth course or an 8-day Discovery Masters course for adults, with eligibility based on residency, community involvement, and interview performance.

Overview of the Scholarship Program

The Outward Bound Scholarship Program provides financial support for eligible Southland District residents to participate in nationally recognized Outward Bound personal development courses.

The program aims to develop leadership, resilience, teamwork, communication, and personal growth while encouraging participants to make positive contributions to their communities.

Programme Objectives

Core Objectives

• Increase self-confidence and resilience
• Encourage self-responsibility and personal growth
• Develop leadership and teamwork skills
• Improve communication and interpersonal relationships
• Strengthen motivation and problem-solving abilities
• Support positive community engagement

Available Scholarships

Scholarship 1 – Youth Outward Bound Course

The Southland District Council will sponsor:

• Course fees and travel costs

Applicants may attend either:

• Outward Bound Classic 21-day course (18–26 years)
• Outward Bound Mind Body Soul 21-day course (16–18 years)

Scholarship 2 – Discovery Masters Course

The Southland District Council will sponsor:

• Course fees only

Eligible course:

• Outward Bound Discovery Masters 8-day course (25 years and over)

Note: Recipients are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants receive:

• Fully funded course fees (or course and travel where applicable)
• Leadership and personal development training
• Outdoor learning experiences
• Team-building and resilience development
• Improved confidence and life skills
• Opportunities to strengthen community leadership

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Live in the Southland District Council area, or have parents/guardians living there
• Have lived in the district continuously for at least two years before applying
• Attend the mandatory interview held on the third Thursday of January

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Personal commitment and motivation
• Potential benefits to the applicant
• Potential benefits to the wider community
• Community involvement and volunteering experience
• Leadership potential and personal development goals

Application Requirements

Applicants may need to submit supporting documents with their application.

Supporting Documents

Examples may include:

• Community involvement records
• Certificates or supporting evidence
• Other required application documents

File Upload Guidelines

• Maximum file size: 25 MB per file
• Recommended file size: Up to 5 MB for faster uploads
• Ensure each upload is complete before attaching another file

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm eligibility requirements.
2. Select the appropriate Outward Bound course.
3. Complete the scholarship application form.
4. Prepare and upload all required supporting documents.
5. Submit the application before the deadline.
6. Attend the mandatory interview on the third Thursday of January.
7. Await scholarship selection results.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Personal Development Benefits

• Builds resilience and confidence
• Improves leadership abilities
• Develops teamwork and communication skills
• Encourages independence and responsibility

Community Benefits

• Supports future community leaders
• Encourages volunteering and civic participation
• Strengthens local communities through leadership development

Career Benefits

• Enhances employability skills
• Builds problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Provides valuable personal development experience

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without meeting the residency requirement
• Missing the mandatory interview
• Forgetting to include community involvement details
• Uploading incomplete or oversized documents
• Choosing an ineligible course based on age
• Waiting until the last minute to upload files

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain how the scholarship will benefit your personal growth.
• Highlight leadership roles and community service experience.
• Demonstrate commitment to learning and self-improvement.
• Explain how you will use the experience to benefit your community.
• Submit clear, organized supporting documents.
• Prepare thoroughly for the interview.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Outward Bound Scholarship Program?

It is a Southland District Council scholarship that funds eligible residents to attend Outward Bound personal development courses.

How many scholarships are available?

Two scholarships are offered.

What courses are supported?

The 21-day Classic Course, the 21-day Mind Body Soul Course, and the 8-day Discovery Masters Course.

Who can apply?

Residents (or applicants whose parents/guardians reside) in the Southland District Council area who meet the residency requirements.

Does the scholarship cover travel expenses?

Travel is covered only for the youth scholarship. Discovery Masters recipients must pay for their own travel.

Is an interview required?

Yes. All applicants must attend a mandatory interview on the third Thursday of January.

What qualities are the selection committee looking for?

Commitment, leadership potential, community involvement, personal development goals, and the potential positive impact on the community.

Conclusion

The Outward Bound Scholarship Program provides Southland District residents with an opportunity to develop leadership, resilience, confidence, and lifelong personal skills through Outward Bound courses. By investing in motivated individuals with strong community values, the program helps build future leaders who can make meaningful contributions to both their personal lives and their communities.