The SOI Foundation is accepting applications for its 2027 Students on Ice expedition season, open to youth aged 14 to 35, with scholarships available for the majority of spots and a self-funded route that costs more than $17,450 plus travel. Applications close on 10 December 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we read the full application process so that the costs, scholarship steps and payment rules are clear before you apply.
This Is Not an Erasmus+ or ESC Programme
Students on Ice is run by the SOI Foundation. It is not part of the Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programmes. Participation is either through a scholarship or by paying your own fees, as explained below.
The Expedition Season at a Glance
🏢 Organiser: SOI Foundation
🎂 Age: 14 to 35
🧭 Programme: Youth expeditions for global youth leaders, with educators joining diverse youth
🎓 Scholarships: Available for the majority of spots on expedition programmes
💳 Self-funded fee: More than $17,450 plus travel to and from the gateway city
📅 Application deadline: 10 December 2026
📝 Application: Online form
What Students on Ice Offers
The expedition programmes create global youth leaders through transformative, experiential opportunities. They bring together diverse youth aged 14 to 35 and educators to build rich, immersive learning environments that encourage action towards a better future for the planet.
The programme strives for diversity across gender, race, ethnicity and geography, with a particular focus on Indigenous, Black and under-represented youth. The team includes youth who have found their path and want to connect with like-minded people, and those who are still searching for direction and need a spark to get going.
A Learning Journey, Not a Vacation
Youth participants must show that they want to take part for the right reasons. The organisers describe the expedition as a learning journey that requires time, energy, passion and interest. It begins before the expedition with pre-learning content and continues afterwards through membership in a global group of SOI alumni.
What Every Applicant Must Show
Applicants must be between 14 and 35 and demonstrate commitment to the programme:
📚 A strong understanding of the educational nature of the programme, which is not a vacation or a trip
🌊 Interest in the immersive nature of the programme and willingness to take full part
🗣️ Acceptance of the responsibility to act as an ambassador for their communities
🪶 A commitment to learning about and engaging with Indigenous and Western ways of knowing
Extra Criteria for Scholarship Applicants
🔍 Curiosity and a desire to learn
🔥 Demonstrated motivation to participate
🧑🤝🧑 Leadership capacity, or the potential to develop leadership qualities
💛 "Heart", shown through passion and empathy
🏘️ A commitment to take insight and learning back to their community
How the Scholarship Process Works
The SOI Foundation aims to make its programmes accessible to youth regardless of their background. Scholarships are available for the majority of spots on expedition programmes, thanks to its partners, sponsors and supporters. Each programme has its own scholarship criteria.
To apply for a scholarship, you submit your application and indicate in it that you would like to apply for a scholarship, by the application deadline. You are automatically reviewed for every programme where you meet the criteria, and entered into the relevant scholarship pools.
What Happens After You Apply for a Scholarship
📧 If you are shortlisted and more information is needed, you will receive an email asking you to submit it to continue to be considered
🕵️ All scholarship applications are reviewed anonymously by an external scholarship review committee
📞 Successful recipients are notified by phone and/or email
✅ Double-check your email address and phone number in your application so you do not miss important information
Scholarship applications are not accepted after the deadline, to be fair to all applicants.
The Self-Funded Route and Its Costs
Self-funded participants are those who can fund their own participation. The fees to self-fund in 2027 are greater than $17,450, plus travel to and from the gateway city. A limited number of spaces are typically available to youth who wish to fund their own participation.
Self-funded applicants must still submit an application indicating that they will fund their participation, and are subject to a formal review process. Because the number of spots on the ship is limited, applying as self-funded does not guarantee acceptance. Self-funded applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and you will be notified of your status by April. The organisers recommend applying as soon as possible to be placed on the waiting list. Ensuring that your references are completed is your responsibility.
Payment Rules Once Accepted
💵 A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is due within 10 business days of acceptance to reserve your place
📆 Generally, 50% of the expedition fee is due at least 120 days before departure
🏁 Final balances are due at least 60 days before departure
↩️ Payments received 120 or more days before departure are refundable, except the $1,000 deposit
🚫 When a cancellation is received within 90 days of departure, payments are not refundable
🛡️ The organisers recommend that students purchase cancellation insurance
Further details about the payment schedule are provided in your acceptance letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Students on Ice?
Youth aged 14 to 35 who understand the educational nature of the programme, are willing to take full part and will act as ambassadors for their communities.
Are there scholarships for the expeditions?
Yes. Scholarships are available for the majority of spots. You apply by submitting the application and indicating that you want to be considered for a scholarship, by 10 December 2026.
How much does the self-funded option cost?
The fees to self-fund in 2027 are greater than $17,450, plus travel to and from the gateway city. A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is due within 10 business days of acceptance.
Who reviews scholarship applications?
An external scholarship review committee reviews all scholarship applications anonymously.
When will self-funded applicants hear back?
Self-funded applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants are notified of their status by April.
Is this an Erasmus+ or ESC project?
No. Students on Ice is not part of the Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps programmes. You can browse more opportunities like this in our Others section on Youth Works Hub.
Deadline
⏳ 10 December 2026
Links
🔗 Application form: https://form.jotform.com/262244692442054
🔗 Youth application process: https://soifoundation.org/en/youth/expeditions/application-process-youth
