Students in Antarctica
Four expedition members standing on a rocky Antarctic ledge, overlooking a vast ice field under blue sky

Application information

Everything you need before you apply.

This is the only programme that flies Grade 11 African students into deep field Antarctica. Before you begin, read this page: who can apply, how the five steps work, and exactly what your video needs to cover. When you are ready, the application form takes a few minutes.

Key dates

Video submissions close 5th November.

Final 5 winners selected 20th November.

No late submissions will be accepted. Please start your video early so you are not caught out.

Go to the application form
Scan to applyQR code that opens the Students in Antarctica application formPoint your camera to open the form, or tap to share.

Who is eligible

Who can apply

Grade 11 pupils only, from a registered school or registered home schooling
A valid passport is required, no exceptions
Your passport must have enough valid pages to obtain a visa
Written consent from a parent or guardian if under 18
You are medically fit to participate, as we are in the most remote location on earth

Questions? Email pr@riaanmanser.com.

Expedition members walking across a bright snowfield between blue ice slopes

How it works

The application process.

01

STEP 1: Enter your details and tick consent boxes

Fill in your name, school, grade, age, home town, country and contact details. Tick the passport, parent or guardian consent and media consent boxes.

02

STEP 2: Complete your answer to the submission question

Answer the submission question as part of your application.

03

STEP 3: Submit

Review everything and submit. You will see a confirmation on screen.

04

STEP 4: Start preparation of your application video

Once you have submitted, start preparing your application video. See the video guidelines below.

05

STEP 5: Video submission deadline

Your video must be submitted by the 5th of November. A top 10 will be selected for interviews, and the top 5 will be selected by the 20th of November.

An expedition member emerging from a vivid blue ice cave

Video submission: what you need to know.

What the video must include.

Your video must answer all three questions below. Read through the video requirements and the useful tips to make it awesome.

3 questions your video must answer

  1. 1What environmental or sustainable project are you currently working on?
  2. 2How would a trip to Antarctica benefit your project and make a difference in your community?
  3. 3Given the chance, what would you do in Antarctica that could inspire change back home?

Video requirements

  • Keep it under 90 seconds, filmed on a phone is fine.
  • Landscape or portrait, either is fine.
  • Film in a quiet spot with good light.
  • Say your name, your age, your school and your country.
  • Upload it to YouTube, Google Drive or Dropbox, set the sharing to anyone with the link, then copy that link.

Video tips

  • Ensure the light is good. We have struggled with dark clips before, so film facing a window or outside in daylight.
  • Do not waste time repeating the questions. Some previous videos used 60 seconds telling us the questions we asked. Just answer them without stating them.
  • 90 seconds is quick. Be concise, accurate and truthful. Do not waffle off the topic.
  • No need for music or special editing. No AI rubbish. Genuine, authentic, passionate and real is far better than slick and over-edited.
  • If you need stock clips to show what you do in your community, that is fine, but keep yourself the focus.
  • Do not worry about what you look like on camera. We care about what you say.
  • Speak clearly and be you.
  • Prop your phone up or use a tripod so the shot is steady.
  • Check your link opens in a private window before you submit.

You are entering for a reason. You are good enough. We are excited to receive your video submissions. Well done and good luck.

Riaan Manser & the whole SIA team

Ready? Apply now.

The form takes a few minutes.

Apply now