How to apply for UNSW Startup Year 2024
Ready to launch?
UNSW Startup Year is kicking off in 2024, and the applications are open!
You’ve got your idea, you’re motivated, and you’re ready to hit ‘apply’ for UNSW Startup Year. To give yourself the best chance possible, read through our How-To guide on the two-stage application process!
What is the UNSW Startup Year Program (Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship)?
The UNSW Startup Year Program is an extraordinary year-long incubator, offering a unique pathway for graduates from across Australia with aspirations to build, launch and grow their ideas.
It is a practical and immersive learning journey where you can refine your entrepreneurial skills, gain hands-on experience, and transform your innovative ideas into impactful solutions.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship.
Am I eligible?
UNSW Startup Year (Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship) is open to recent graduates, post-grad students, or PhD grads. If you fall into one of these categories, you can apply.
To be eligible for the UNSW Startup Year Program, you must have:
Completed a recognised degree from an accredited higher education provider in Australia
Achieved a Credit average (65% or higher) in your degree
Be able to participate full time in the year-long program.
Demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship and a desire to create or join a startup venture.
Domestic Student status
To also be eligible for the STARTUP-HELP loan, you must be in undergraduate in your final year of studies, a current postgraduate student, or a recent postgraduate student. If you are a recent postgraduate, you must have completed your studies within the last 3 years.
Applications close on March 31, 2024.
HOW TO APPLY:
Stage 1: Online Application
Applications will be made directly to UNSW through ‘Apply Online’.
This is where we check your eligibility with our entry requirements. Make sure you have the following elements all lined up:
✅ Domestic Student
✅ A Bachelor's degree
✅ WAM≥65%
Passing Pre-Screening
Once you’ve ticked all the boxes for the initial application, the UNSW Founders team will contact you to for the next steps.
You’ll need to submit a 3-minute video outlining why you want to be a part of UNSW Startup Year.
Introduce yourself to us, and tell us why you have the drive, passion, and interest in this program. Tell us about why this is the perfect opportunity for you and why you’re uniquely qualified to be a part of this!
This is where you can also submit other supporting materials about your startup – for example, a copy of your Lean Canvas - this is not compulsory, but if you’re joining us with a startup idea in mind, it’s recommended!
Stage 2: The Interview
Once you have progressed past Stage 1, the UNSW Founders team will reach out to successful candidates to meet you!
The interviews will run between February 26 – 11 April 2024 and be conducted with a selection panel who want to understand your motivations, goals and what you want to achieve out of the Startup Year program.
Stage 3: The Offers
Final offers will be sent out by April 19, 2024 a month before the start date of May 27, 2024. This gives you time to get organised and walk into Day 1 as the most prepared version of yourself.
Not sure, or have some questions?
Get in contact with the team directly and see if this is the best program for you via the email - startupyear@unsw.edu.au
View the Handbook: Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (Startup Year)
Visit Startup Year — UNSW Founders for more information about the UNSW Startup Year Program.