About the Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is an internationally recognised personal development programme for young people aged 14 to 24.
It is not a competition, and there is no rivalry between participants. Instead, it is a personal journey in which you challenge yourself to achieve your own goals, progressing at your own pace.
- Self-confidence
- Life and career-relevant skills
- Access to a global network of engaged young people
- An internationally recognised certificate
By taking part in the Award programme you will:
- discover your strengths and passions
- learn how to plan, organise and stay motivated
- get involved in meaningful activities that matter to you and your community
- step outside your comfort zone and push your limits
- boost your chances with employers or university admissions
- Any young person aged between 14 and 24
- You can start at any time, as long as you complete your chosen level before your 25th birthday
- No previous experience is required – just motivation
- Check whether your school or organisation is an Award Centre → ask your teachers or contact your Award Coordinator
- If there’s no Award Centre nearby → you can register through the Virtual Award Centre
- Complete the registration form and pay the participation fee. This includes access to the Online Record Book and your final certificate (fees may change with prior notice)
- You will be allocated an Award Leader → your Award Leader is an adult knowledgeable about the programme who will support you throughout your Award journey
- You will receive access to the Online Record Book (ORB) → the platform where you set your goals and track your progress
Each participant completes four (or five) sections:
- Personal Skills – Develop practical competencies and personal abilities.
- Physical Activities – Maintain or improve your physical fitness through chosen activities.
- Volunteering – Make a positive contribution to your community through acts of service.
- Adventurous Journey – Plan and undertake a team expedition in an outdoor environment.
- Residential Project (Gold level only) – Spend five days working on a project with people you don’t already know, in a new setting.
| Level | Minimum age | Minimum duration | Sections |
| Bronze | 14 years | 6 months | 4 |
| Silver | 15 years | 12 months* | 4 |
| Gold | 16 years | 18 months** | 5 |
Or 6 months if you have completed Bronze
** Or 12 months if you have completed Silver
You can start at any level as long as you meet the age requirement, though following the full progression is recommended.
Personal Skills
Choose something that interests you — such as drawing, cooking, IT, photography, music, writing or organisation — with the aim of learning something new or deepening an existing interest. The focus is on consistent progress, not performance.
Physical Activities
Pick a form of movement you enjoy — football, dance, yoga, running, hiking, etc. — with the aim of staying active and improving your health and wellbeing.
Volunteering
Get involved in a cause you care about — helping children, animals, older adults or environmental projects — developing responsibility and empathy through practical action.
Adventurous Journey
Alongside a team, you will plan and carry out a journey in an area of interest. This develops planning, teamwork and navigation skills, and brings you closer to nature.
Typical journey durations:
Bronze – 2 days / 1 night
Silver – 3 days / 2 nights
Gold – 4 days / 3 nights
Residential Project (Gold only)
You will live and work for five days with people you haven’t met before, in a new environment. This builds adaptability, independence and teamwork through engagement in a shared project.
Activities should be of personal interest and something you can do consistently. You choose the activity and find a suitable mentor or instructor in your community to help guide you.
Activities within each section should be balanced and varied.
You will be supported by an Award Leader and section instructors, set clear objectives, and record your progress in the Online Record Book.
Completing Your Journey
After you successfully complete a level:
- You are invited to an Award Ceremony with other participants
- You receive your international Award certificate
- You can go on to the next level