The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

About the Program

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is a globally recognised non-formal education and learning framework that challenges young people aged 14-24 to develop their skills, get physically active, give service to their communities, and experience adventure. Founded in 1956 by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, the Award operates in over 130 countries and territories and has empowered millions of young people to believe in their potential and make a difference.

The Award is structured across three progressive levels -- Bronze, Silver, and Gold -- each requiring completion of four core sections: Voluntary Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, and an Adventurous Journey. Gold-level participants also complete a Residential Project involving at least five consecutive days living and working with people they have not previously met. Participants design their own personalised programme, choosing activities that align with their interests and goals, and work with adult volunteers who provide guidance and mentorship throughout the process.

Through the Award, young people develop universal skills such as resilience, adaptability, creativity, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication, which support long-term positive life outcomes including educational attainment, employment, and mental health and wellbeing. The Award is inclusive of all backgrounds, locations, cultures, and abilities, and is delivered through a global network of licensed National Award Operators and Award Centres.

Checked November 4, 2026 against the Foundation’s Award framework, operator directory, and operational guidelines. Enrolment is agreed with a locally licensed operator. These sources do not publish a single global application deadline or establish that every centre admits participants at any time; use the local operator’s current registration instructions. The framework confirms minimum participation of six months for Bronze, twelve months for direct-entry Silver (six with Bronze), and eighteen months for direct-entry Gold (twelve with Silver).

Eligibility

Participants must be connected to a licensed Award Centre or Operating Authority in their country. The Award has four sections that must be completed at each level: Voluntary Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, and Adventurous Journey. At Gold level, participants must also complete a Residential Project (at least 4 nights and 5 consecutive days). Participants design their own programme with the support of adult volunteers and track progress through the Online Record Book. Ages 14-24. Bronze is available from age 14, Silver from age 15, and Gold from age 16. The published operational guidelines say activities should be completed before the participant’s 25th birthday.

Eligible Countries

How to Apply

Use the Foundation’s official directory to find a licensed National Award Operator or Award Centre. The published operational guidelines say registration begins by mutual agreement between the participant and the locally licensed operator. Follow that operator’s registration instructions and availability. Plan the four sections with adult support, undertake activities for the required minimum periods, and have achievements assessed and recorded. No common global application cutoff is published on the Foundation pages checked November 4, 2026.