A climbing scholarship in WA supporting motivated climbers with clear goals, strong intent, and a desire to grow.
The Climbers Association of Western Australia (CAWA) is proud to continue the CAWA Scholarship Program for 2026/2027. This initiative supports Western Australian climbers who are ready to take the next step in their climbing journey - whether that means building outdoor skills, pursuing a major project, entering competitions, or developing in a new discipline.
We are not simply looking for the strongest climbers. We are looking for applicants with purpose, progression, and a meaningful goal. If the scholarship can help move your climbing forward in a clear and practical way, we want to hear from you.
What the scholarship supports
The CAWA Scholarship Program is designed to help climbers achieve clearly defined goals over the next 12 months. The scholarship can support climbing-related equipment, services, training, and activities that directly contribute to your development.
Climbing gear and equipment
Courses and training, such as trad, rescue, alpine, or technical development
Travel directly related to climbing objectives
Competition entries or structured development programs
Other climbing-related expenses that support your stated goals
The focus is simple: helping you take a meaningful next step in climbing.
Greg Carter exploring Peak Charles - photo: Jiri Stastny
Scholarship categories
Experienced Scholarship - $1,500
For climbers with 4 or more years of outdoor climbing experience. Best suited to applicants pursuing larger objectives, advanced skill development, or significant climbing goals.
Novice Scholarship - $1,500
For climbers with less than 4 years of outdoor climbing experience, including indoor climbers looking to transition outdoors. Ideal for applicants with strong motivation, clear goals, and a desire to grow.
Who can apply
Western Australian residents
Climbers aged 12 years and over
Boulderers, sport climbers, trad climbers, alpinists, and competition climbers
CAWA members and non-members
Please note: non-members can apply, but successful applicants will be required to join CAWA if awarded the scholarship. You can learn more about CAWA membership here.
We encourage applications from climbers with inspirational, ambitious, or unique goals. Outdoor climbing objectives are strongly encouraged, though indoor climbing goals will also be considered where the application shows clear direction, purpose, and benefit.
Application process
Complete the online application form
Submit your application by Sunday, 31 May 2026,at 11:59 pm AWST
If shortlisted, attend a follow-up interview with CAWA representatives
Applicants may edit their submission up until the closing deadline.
What you will be asked
The application form asks about your climbing background, your goals, and how the scholarship would help you. You will also need to provide a reference from someone aged 18 or over who knows your character and climbing journey.
Your current climbing disciplines and experience level
Further details on your climbing background and progression
Your climbing goals over the next 12 months
Your long-term climbing goals
How receiving the scholarship will help you achieve those goals
A reference who can support your application
What makes a strong application
A sense of how your journey may positively influence the WA climbing community
A clear and specific goal, rather than a vague desire to improve
A realistic plan for how the scholarship funds would be used
A strong personal reason why the goal matters to you
Evidence of progression, commitment, or consistent effort
How applications will be assessed
The CAWA climbing scholarship WA panel will review applications using a structured process designed to improve fairness, consistency, and clarity.
Assessment criteria
Clarity and quality of climbing goals
Alignment between the goals and the proposed use of funding
Demonstrated commitment, progression, or potential
Potential for a positive impact within the WA climbing community
Feasibility and ambition of the objective
Judging process for 2026/2027
Blind applications: judges will assess applications without identifying personal details wherever practical, reducing bias in the process
Three judges: a small judging panel will independently review and rank applications
Points-based ranking: each judge will award 3 points to their first pick, 2 points to their second pick, and 1 point to their third pick
Category winners: the applicant with the highest total score in each category will be selected
Scholarship advisor: a CAWA committee member who is not a judge may be appointed to answer applicant questions and provide general guidance during the application period
Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to an interview as part of the final stage.
Key dates
Applications open: now
Applications close: Sunday 31 May 2026
Shortlisting and interviews: early June 2026
Winners announced: late June 2026
*Cedric Puig on Double Scorpion (**23) at Peak Charles
Photo: Jiri Stastny
Expectations of scholarship recipients
Successful applicants will be asked to give back to the community in a few simple ways.
Represent CAWA: recipients will receive CAWA-branded clothing and are encouraged to wear it at gyms, events, and climbing trips
Share their journey: recipients may be featured in CAWA social media or community updates
Present at the AGM: recipients will be asked to give a short presentation at the CAWA Annual General Meeting on what they achieved with the scholarship
These expectations are intended to celebrate your progress and help inspire other climbers in Western Australia.
Why CAWA offers a climbing scholarship in WA
CAWA exists to support climbing in Western Australia through advocacy, community development, access, education, and participation. This climbing scholarship WA program is one of the ways we invest directly in climbers and help strengthen the broader climbing community.
We want to support people who are motivated to grow, try something bigger, and contribute to the future of climbing in WA.
Questions?
If you have questions about the scholarship, contact cawa@climberswa.asn.au.
Ready to apply?
If you have a climbing goal that matters to you, we encourage you to apply. Whether it is your first outdoor objective, a major personal project, or the next step in your climbing development, this scholarship could help make it happen.