MBSR course cost: Pricing & financial assistance
MBSR requires time, effort, and financial investment. We've designed our pricing to make this training accessible while sustaining the quality teaching and support that makes it effective. Here's how it works.
What your investment covers
When you register for MBSR, you receive:
- 8 weekly 2.5-hour sessions with your teacher and small group (20 hours)
- One full-day retreat (7 hours)
- Pre-course individual interview with your teacher (20 minutes)
- 138-page comprehensive course workbook
- Access to the Openground meditation app with all guided practices
- Ongoing teacher support via email between sessions
- Connection to Openground's ongoing practice community
Total: 27+ hours of direct teaching, plus extensive materials and ongoing support.
Choose what you pay
We've designed our pricing to make this training accessible while sustaining the quality teaching and support that makes it effective. Here's how it works.
Standard Rate: $695
Our foundation rate. The true cost of delivering this program with experienced teachers.
Supported Rate: $495
Partially subsidised. Made possible by generous donors.
Scholarship Rate: $195
Significantly subsidised rate for those facing substantial financial barriers.
No one is turned away for lack of funds.
If you need further assistance, contact us today.
Accepted payment methods
- Credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- Bank transfer
- PayPal
Optionally, you can set up a Payment Plan using PayPal's "Pay in 4". You'll need the free PayPal app to set this up. To learn more and check your eligibility, visit this page.
Cancellation & refunds
OpenGround's programs are built around genuine commitment - yours to the program and the practice, and ours to you. When you register, your place is held and costs are committed: teacher preparation, materials, catering, and in the case of retreats, venue fees that are locked in well in advance. Our cancellation terms reflect that reality, while leaving room for the unexpected turns that life sometimes takes.
We understand that circumstances change. Our MBSR refund policy:
- If you cancel before the first session, you'll receive a full refund less a $50 administration fee (plus a $50 fee if you have already had your pre-course interview with your teacher).
- If you cancel within 5 days after the first session (before session 2) you can transfer to a future course or you can opt for a 50% refund.
- After Session 2 there is no automatic refund, though you may transfer to a future course date at a 50% discounted rate for the next course.
Medical emergencies or significant life crises considered individually.
Questions about money?
Why isn't MBSR covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
Medicare covers practitioners (who use item numbers) not specific courses like MBSR. Some private health funds provide rebates under their wellness or prevention programs - check with your insurer.
We're working toward broader recognition and funding support, but currently, most costs are borne by participants.
Can my employer pay for this as professional development?
Many employers do support employees to attend MBSR as part of health and wellbeing initiatives, stress management, psychosocial support or professional development. If you'd like to request this, we can provide a letter outlining the program and its benefits.
Some participants also use their healthcare or professional development budgets.
I'm worried about paying for something that might not work for me
That's a legitimate concern. Here's what we can say:
- Research shows MBSR works for most people who complete the course and practice regularly
- Some people notice benefits immediately; others only see changes after the course ends
- If you're genuinely concerned that it's not helping, talk with your teacher - they'll work with you
- The money-back guarantee after two sessions gives you time to assess fit
What we can't guarantee: that you'll love every moment, that it will be easy, or that all your problems will disappear. What we can guarantee: rigorous teaching, genuine support, and a proven framework that works if you engage with it.
Next steps
Questions about pricing?
Call us: 0401 904 995 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEDT)
Email: info@openground.com.au