Don’t let cost hold you back: UNSW Startup Year Grant
We know that post-grad study comes at a cost. We also know that UNSW Startup Year is an opportunity of a lifetime.
That’s why we are excited to be offering a new grant to allow more people to take part in the life changing year ahead!
UNSW Startup Year is unique in so many ways - but one of the standouts is the fact that it’s designed to help you launch your startup. The point is not to overwhelm anyone with more student debt – but get people ready to launch!
Which is why, thanks to the Federal Government’s new STARTUP-HELP Loan you’re able get a Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship for $12,700 as opposed to the standard $30,000+.
If you thought this opportunity was a little too far out of reach for you, it’s time to think again.
What is the UNSW Startup Year Grant?
UNSW Startup Year has been designed for post-grad students to actively create a startup with the support and guidance of the best in the business. Students will get actual hands-on experience, coupled with the academic nod of approval that comes with the Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (upon successful completion of the course).
The UNSW Startup Year Grant is a $5,000 dedicated funding initiative, designed to make entrepreneurship more accessible. This grant is to UNSW Startup Year students, in addition to the STARTUP-HELP loan.
Let’s break it down:
Eligibility
To be eligible for the UNSW Startup Year Grant, applicants must:
Have accepted an offer of admission into the Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship for Term 2 2024 by April 22, 2024
Be commencing full-time study in the Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship in Term 2, 2024
Maintain a credit average or above throughout the course of study
Selection Criteria
We want to know why this grant would make a difference for you! You'll get to tell us about your studies, who you are, and why you're committed to launching your startup into the world. Applicants will be considered based on:
Reasons for undertaking the UNSW Startup Year Program
Commitment to launching their startup venture
Consideration will be given to groups that are underrepresented in the startup ecosystem First Nations Australians, people with disability, and women.
How much will I receive?
Recipients of the Grant will receive a total of $5,000, distributed as a series of micro-grants across three terms:
Term 1: $1,500
Term 2: $1,500
Term 3: $2,000
How can I use the grant?
The grant is there to support you validate and grow your startup. Which may include but are not limited to:
Market Research
Product Development
Marketing
And more!
How do I apply?
Here’s the good news – your UNSW Startup Year application does the hard work for you!
Eligible students who have accepted an offer of admission into the UNSW Startup Year Program will be automatically considered for the grant.
Applications are assessed based on the supporting documents submitted with the Graduate Diploma of Entrepreneurship and the admissions interview. You do not need to submit any specific grant application or additional supporting documentation to be considered.
Key Dates
As there is no additional grant application involved, the approval process will align with the UNSW Startup Year admissions schedule.
Offer of admission released by April 19, 2024
To be eligible for the Startup Year Grant, students must accept the offer of admission by April 22, 2024
Grant assessment outcomes released by April 29, 2024
I’ve received a grant – now, how can I make sure that I keep it?
This one is important - a grant is not guaranteed to be continuous. To keep receiving funding, certain milestones must be achieved throughout your UNSW Startup Year.
Recipients are required to:
Maintain a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65 or above throughout the program to be eligible for the second and third micro-grant distribution.
Maintain regular reports on their startup progress and use of grants at intervals specified by the Program
Remain a student with good standing who are abiding by the UNSW Student Code of Conduct.
This all sounds great! Who can I talk to about the grants?
We are always keen to hear from potential entrepreneurs when it comes to our programs. You can reach out to startupyear@unsw.edu.au and one of our team members will be in touch to answer your questions and have a chat.
If you’re yet to submit your application for UNSW Startup Year, you can submit your application directly with UNSW Online.
Got questions? Book in a 1:1 with our Program Manager here