Students

2027 Camp

Monday 18 to Saturday 23 January

The 2027 is fully funded, with students staying at Waipārūrū Hall.

Student applications are open now, and nominations (not applications) close on 25 September 2026. Scroll down for information on applying!

If you have any student-related enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact our student manager at students@ignite.ywb.co.nz.

For students in years 11-13, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Ignite is a five day long free residential camp held during the January school holidays, to inspire deserving students who have a budding interest in STEM, and associated fields. The camp is supported by our partners.

“Ignite has helped me realise that no matter what, don’t let anything stop you from doing what you want to do. Because life is always changing but if you stay true to yourself, nothing will ever stop you from being you.”

How to Apply

We have a two-part application system for the camp.

  1. Students from years 11-13 are nominated by a teacher, staff member, or parent/guardian who can specify the barriers the student currently faces and how they may benefit from receiving a scholarship to the camp.
    This evidence will be used to determine which students get accepted to the Ignite Engineering Camp. Please note that the nomination is more heavily weighted in the selection process. This form is here.

  2. The student completes an application form, which asks for basic contact details and a few short-answer questions that allow us to learn about the student and why they are interested in attending the camp. This form is here.

Nominations (not applications) must be completed by 25 September 2026.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at students@ignite.ywb.co.nz.

Step 1: Nominator Form
Step 2: Student Application Form

Student FAQs

  • Ignite Engineering Camp is fully funded by our generous partners and sponsors - no additional expenses are required from our students! This includes transport to camp if necessary, even if you’re located outside of Auckland.

  • Any student in who will be in years 11-13 in 2025 is strongly encouraged to apply, particularly those who come from non-traditional backgrounds. Non-traditional backgrounds may include (but are not limited to) Māori and Pasifika students, refugees, low socioeconomic status, rural, foster care, or those with special needs.

  • Although our camp has a focus on science, technology, engineering and maths, applicants do not necessarily have to aspire to study engineering or similar STEM courses - we welcome students from all aspirations! We look for students with a can-do attitude who are willing to give it a go.

  • The camp is aimed at students who face barriers in pursuing further education and realising their potential.

    The camp has been proven to be beneficial to:

    • Students whom teachers see great potential in, but who perhaps do not realise it themselves. This camp will provide an opportunity for these students to be inspired in the direction of tertiary education.

    • Students who have a desire to pursue further education but struggle to see how they can overcome their current situation, or gain the confidence to make that happen.

  • The ideal student will be someone currently in years 11, 12, 13, or graduating in 2027.

  • Typically, we take students who may face disadvantages to their education, or those who come from non-traditional STEM backgrounds. Past students have come from a diverse range of situations, including:

    • Māori/Pasifika descent

    • Refugee/Asylum seeker

    • Unusual or difficult living situations

    • Foster care

    • LGBTQIA+

    • Learning difficulties

    • Disability

    • Low socio-economic background

    • Migrant

    • Social difficulties

    • Single-parent family

    • Female

    • Will be first-in-Family (to attend University)

    • English as a second language

    • Lacks motivation

“We believe that the right to tertiary education should be equally accessible to people from all cultures, backgrounds and communities. Our aim is to break down the barriers students face to accessing university through the support, encouragement and equipment of our students.”