Swinburne offers lots of different types of scholarships available to students. If you have been offered one, be sure to read the conditions and requirements for your Swinburne scholarship.

Our merit-based scholarship is the Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship. We also have a range of equity-based scholarships including some for women in Vocational Education, those with a disability, and asylum seekers as well as some donor-funded scholarships. The conditions for these are outlined below. 

Note: If you are an international student and looking for the conditions of your International Excellence Scholarship (Pathway, Undergraduate or Postgraduate), George Swinburne STEM Postgraduate Scholarship or ELICOS+ Scholarship, please visit the ‘Scholarships for international students’ page.

Concurrent scholarships

At Swinburne, you can hold a maximum of two non-research scholarships concurrently during your course of study, as per the rules below:

  • one scholarship awarded on academic merit and one access (Equity) scholarship
  • one scholarship awarded on academic merit and one donor funded scholarship (unless specified otherwise in the terms of the donor funded scholarship)
  • one Access (Equity) scholarship and one donor funded scholarship (unless specified otherwise in the terms of the donor funded scholarship)

Industry-funded scholarship courses

Students enrolled in industry-funded scholarship courses are not eligible to receive concurrent merit and/or donor-based scholarships. This condition applies to students who commenced the following courses prior to 2022:

  • Bachelor of Accounting and Business Information Technology (Professional); or
  • Bachelor of Business Information Technology (Professional).

Merit-based scholarships

  1. As a recipient of a merit-based scholarship, you’ll need to fulfil the following scholarship requirements:
    • start your first year of studies at Swinburne at the Commencement Period outlined in your letter of offer.
    • undertake an on-campus undergraduate degree.
    • maintain:
      • a full-time study load; generally, three units (37.5 credit points) or four units (50 credit points) per semester. Note: If you are on a student visa, a full-time study load is four units (50 credit points) per semester.
      • Applicable only to Vice-Chancellor’s, Dean’s Outstanding and Swinburne Excellence Scholarships: an average mark of 70 per cent in each teaching period/semester, and you must not fail a unit.
      • Applicable only to George Swinburne, STEM and Women in STEM Scholarships: an average mark of 65 per cent in each teaching period/semester, and you must not fail a unit.
      • Women in STEM Scholarship recipients may continue to hold the scholarship while studying part time.
    • not behave in a manner which discredits Swinburne or the scholarship program
    • seek your own independent advice from the relevant authorities on the effect, if any, that the scholarship may have on your eligibility for government benefits or any taxation implications.
  2. If you don’t maintain the conditions outlined without any exceptional circumstances, you may:
    • forfeit the scholarship and
    • be liable to repay the scholarship payment
  3. Payments are made in instalments per year, within four working weeks after the Census date of each semester/teaching period upon meeting the conditions set out above.
  4. If you withdraw from a unit after the Census date, you will:
    • be able to retain your scholarship, provided you continue to meet the scholarship conditions.
    • have the relevant future payment adjusted to a pro-rata payment as appropriate or required.
  5. If you withdraw from your degree after the Census date, you will:
    • forfeit the scholarship, and you will not be eligible to apply for the scholarship again if you re-enrol at a later date.
    • be liable to repay the payment for the current semester.
  6. The scholarship will be awarded for study in a specific degree and is not transferable to another degree. In exceptional circumstances, the Pro Vice Chancellor of the relevant faculty may approve transfer of the scholarship to another degree.
  7. Leave of absence
    • If you take a Leave of Absence, you will forfeit your scholarship, and you won’t be eligible to apply for the scholarship again when you return from your Leave of Absence.
    • If you are on a student visa, you can only apply for a Leave of Absence if you have compassionate or compelling circumstances.
    • In compassionate or compelling circumstances, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the relevant faculty may approve continuation of your scholarship on your return from your Leave of Absence.
  8. You will be invited to be involved in internal and external Swinburne promotional activities for the duration of your scholarship.
  9. You can’t hold this scholarship at the same time as a similar scholarship unless otherwise specified.
  10. In the event that you withdraw or discontinue from your course or unit that is linked to your scholarship, you may be required to repay the scholarship amount in full.

You will be assessed within two weeks of the release of results for continuance of your scholarship. If your performance falls below the required average, the steps detailed below apply:

  1. a) If you don’t meet the required average mark and/or fail a unit, your scholarship will be suspended for the following semester/teaching period. Payment will not be made to you while on suspension.
    b) If you meet the required minimum average in the semester/teaching period you are suspended, your scholarship will be reinstated for the subsequent semester/teaching period.
    c) If you do not meet the required minimum average in the semester/teaching period you are suspended, your scholarship will be cancelled and no further payments will be made.
  2. If you do not meet the required study load in any semester/teaching period, your scholarship will be cancelled.
    You may apply for a review of the decision to suspend or cancel your scholarship if there were compassionate or compelling circumstances, i.e. circumstances outside your control that impacted your ability to study.
    Examples include:
    • illness/injury
    • bereavement of a close family member
    • natural disasters.

Request for a review should be submitted to scholarship@swinburne.edu.au, advising the circumstances with supporting documentation within five days of the advice.

Commonwealth scholarships

As a Commonwealth scholarship recipient, you’ll need to follow these scholarship requirements and agree to these conditions:

  1. You can only receive an Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarship for up to eight scholarship periods. As courses can run in normal semesters, or within trimesters or other study periods, the term scholarship period is used. A scholarship period is equal to a teaching period.
  2. During the eight scholarship periods, you may be in receipt of an Indigenous Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship (I-CECS) and if eligible, an Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship (I-CAS), concurrently or separately.
  3. You should not be in receipt of a Commonwealth scholarship from more than one provider at any one time:

    You can only receive an Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarship for up to eight scholarship periods. As courses can run in normal semesters, or within trimesters or other study periods, the term scholarship period is used. A scholarship period is equal to a teaching period.
  4. During the eight scholarship periods, you may be in receipt of an Indigenous Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship (I-CECS) and if eligible, an Indigenous Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship (I-CAS), concurrently or separately.
  5. You should not be in receipt of a Commonwealth scholarship from more than one provider at any one time:
    • if you are currently receiving an I-CECS from Swinburne, you can’t also receive a Start-up Scholarship or a Start-up Loan from Centrelink for the same period.
    • if you are currently receiving an I-CAS from Swinburne, you can’t also receive a Relocation Scholarship or ABSTUDY Residential Costs Options or Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships from Centrelink for the same period.
    • maintain satisfactory academic performance as outlined in the University’s Academic Progress requirements (or any other specific academic performance standards required for a particular course).
  6. You cannot transfer a commonwealth scholarship to study at another institution.
  7. You’ll need to notify the Scholarships team (scholarship@swinburne.edu.au) immediately if you:
    • transfer to another undergraduate program at Swinburne
    • stop studying full-time
    • Withdraw from your studies
    • change your home address
    • experience a change in your circumstances.
  8. Where a recipient defers or takes a leave of absence, scholarship payments will be suspended for up to one-year maximum.
  9. To maintain your scholarship, you’ll need to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
  10. You should seek independent advice from the relevant authorities on the effect that the scholarship may have on your eligibility for Austudy or Youth Allowance, or whether there will be any taxation implications.
  11. You can’t hold this scholarship at the same time as a similar scholarship unless otherwise specified.

You will be assessed within two weeks of the release of results for continuance of your scholarship. If your performance falls below the required average, the following steps apply:

  1. a) If you do not maintain satisfactory academic progress requirements, your scholarship will be suspended for the following semester or teaching period. Payment will not be made to you while your scholarship is suspended.
    b) If you meet the academic progress requirements in the semester/teaching period you are suspended, your scholarship will be reinstated for the subsequent semester/teaching period.
  2. If you do not meet the required study load in any semester/teaching period, your scholarship will be cancelled.
    You may apply for a review of the decision to suspend or cancel your scholarship if there were compassionate or compelling circumstances, i.e. circumstances outside your control that impacted your ability to study. 
    Examples include:
    • illness/injury
    • bereavement of a close family member
    • natural disasters.

Request for a review should be submitted to scholarship@swinburne.edu.au, advising the circumstances with supporting documentation within five days of the advice.

Access/Welcome/Women in VE ICT Scholarship and Studentship

  1. As a recipient of the scholarship, you must:
    • commence your studies in Semester 1 of the academic year in which the scholarship is offered.
    • maintain a full-time study load: full-time usually describes a study load comprising three units (37.5 credit points) or four units (50 credit points) in one semester.
    • maintain satisfactory academic performance as outlined in Swinburne’s Academic Courses Regulations 2013 or any other specific academic performance standards required for a particular course.
    • seek your own independent advice from the relevant authorities on the effect, if any, that the scholarship is likely to have on your eligibility for government benefits or any taxation implications.
  2. Payments are made in instalments per year, within four working weeks of the Census date of each semester/teaching period if you meet the conditions set out above.
  3. If you fail to maintain the conditions as outlined without any exceptional circumstances, you may:
    • forfeit your scholarship and
    • be liable to repay the scholarship payment.
  4. The scholarship does not apply to cross-institutional study undertaken at another educational institution.
  5. The scholarship cannot be deferred.
  6. If you take a Leave of Absence from your course, you will forfeit your scholarship, and you won’t be able to apply for the scholarship again when you recommence study after your Leave of Absence. In exceptional circumstances, Swinburne may approve continuation of your scholarship when you return from your Leave of Absence.
  7. You can’t hold this scholarship at the same time as a similar scholarship unless otherwise specified. Previous recipients of other ACCESS scholarships are also ineligible to receive another ACCESS scholarship.
  8. For Welcome Scholarship only: You must notify Swinburne of any change in your visa status and any change in the nature of Centrelink benefits.

You will be assessed within two weeks of the release of results for continuance of your scholarship. If your performance falls below the required average, the following steps apply:

  1. a) If you do not meet the required average mark and/or fail a unit, your scholarship will be suspended for the following semester/teaching period. Payment will not be made to you while your scholarship is suspended.
    b) If you meet the required minimum average in the semester/teaching period in which your scholarship is suspended, your scholarship will be reinstated for the subsequent semester/teaching period.
    c) If you do not meet the required minimum average in the semester/teaching period in which your scholarship is suspended, your scholarship will be cancelled and no further payments will be made.
    d) If you do not meet the required study load in any semester/teaching period, your scholarship will be cancelled.

You may apply for a review of the decision to suspend or cancel your scholarship if there were compassionate or compelling circumstances, i.e. circumstances outside your control that impacted your ability to study. 
Examples include:

  • illness/injury
  • bereavement of a close family member
  • natural disasters.

Request for a review should be submitted to scholarship@swinburne.edu.au, advising the circumstances with supporting documentation within five days of the advice.

Donor-funded scholarships

Your scholarship is funded through the generosity of a private donor. Please acknowledge their support in the biannual reports (see condition 8 below). These reports are forwarded to the donor.

1. As a recipient of the scholarship, you must:

a) Remain enrolled full time in the discipline you were enrolled in at the time of offer.

b) Maintain academic performance as below:

i) Maintain satisfactory academic performance as outlined in the University’s Academic Courses Regulations 2013 or any other specific academic performance standards required for a particular course.

In addition, for some scholarships, there are more rigorous academic requirements outlined in sections ii) through v) below.

ii) Maintain credit average, no fails:

  • Akamai Women in STEM Scholarship
  • Goldsmith Family Indigenous Education Support Scholarship; and
  • Intech Scholarship in Information Technology Scholarship

iii) Maintain credit average:

  • CaterXpress Computer Science Scholarship;
  • InfraBuild Steel Scholarship;
  • Sir Reginald Ansett Scholarship – Aviation;
  • Swinburne Philanthropy and Social Impact Alumni Scholarship;
  • The brWellington Accounting Scholarship; and
  • The CFO Solution Scholarship

iv) Maintain 65% average, no fails:

  • Goldsmith Family Women in STEM Scholarship

v) Maintain a distinction average:

  • The Charles D’Aprano Memorial Scholarship

c) Seek your own independent advice from the relevant authorities on the effect, if any, that the scholarship is likely to have on your eligibility for Government benefits or any taxation implications.

d) Notify scholarship@swinburne.edu.au if you:

  • Transfer to another course within the University;
  • Reduce your study load;
  • Want to take a Leave of Absence from your course;
  • Transfer to another institute;
  • Discontinue study in or withdraw from the unit Flight Instructor Rating Practicum (AVF80006) (only applicable to Piers Fowler Flight Instructor Scholarship recipient);
  • Cancel/change your travel plans (only applicable for travel scholarships); and/or
  • Cease living away from home and accept a university international exchange (Only applicable to GAF Scholarship).

2. Payments are made in instalments per year, within 4–6 weeks after the Census date of each semester/teaching period upon meeting the conditions set out above.

3. Scholarship payments will be suspended for period of time when you are on leave of absence. Please note: leave of absence is subject to donor’s approval.

4. You may continue to hold the scholarship while studying part-time, if you are a recipient of:

a) Swinburne Philanthropy Alumni Scholarship; or

b) Joe Manders Scholarship

5. For GAF Scholars only: Participate in voluntary community service and GAF Scholars Network.

6. For InfraBuild Steel (formerly Liberty Steel) Scholars only:

a) The recipient is highly encouraged to further collaborate with InfraBuild Steel through their Final Year Research Project (FYRP). The topic of the FYRP should be relevant to Steel manufacturing and agreed by the scholarship recipient, the Faculty and InfraBuild Steel. A final report of the project should be submitted to InfraBuild Steel.

b) The recipient must contact scholarship@swinburne.edu.au if they accept an on-going position with InfraBuild Steel.

7. You may be expected to be involved in University/Donor promotional activities/Events.

8. Submit a written report to the university, focusing on academic experience and the impact of the scholarship. This report must be submitted 5 days after results release of each semester/teaching period. 

9. Not behave in a manner which discredits the University or the Scholarship program.

10. Scholarship cannot be held concurrently with other similar scholarships unless specified.

11. The Scholarship does not apply to Cross Institutional study undertaken at another institution.

12. In the event that you withdraw or discontinue from your course or unit that is linked to the scholarship, you may be required to re-pay the scholarship amount in full.

13. Funds for your scholarship are provided through a generous gift from a private benefactor who takes great interest in your progress. If you cease or adjust your studies and are no longer eligible for the scholarship, please communicate your decision and the reasons to the scholarship donor, via scholarship@swinburne.edu.au.

You will be assessed within two weeks of the release of results, for continuance of your scholarship.

  1. If you do not meet the required study load (condition 1a) in any semester/teaching period your scholarship will be cancelled.
  2. a) If you do not meet the academic requirements for your scholarship as outlined in condition 1b) (for the relevant scholarship) your scholarship will be suspended for the following semester/teaching period. Payment will not be made to you whilst on suspension.
    b) If you meet the academic requirements for your scholarship as outlined in condition 1b) in the semester/teaching period you are suspended, your scholarship will be reinstated for subsequent semester/teaching period.
    c) If you do not meet the academic requirements for your scholarship as outlined in condition 1b) in the semester/teaching period you are suspended, your scholarship will be cancelled, and no further payments will be made.

You may apply for a review of the decision to suspend/cancel your scholarship, if there were compassionate/compelling circumstances. Compassionate and compelling circumstances are those that are/were outside your control which impact on your ability to study. Examples may include: illness/injury, bereavement of close family member, natural disasters.

Request for a review should be submitted to scholarship@swinburne.edu.au advising of your compassionate and compelling circumstances with supporting documentation within 5 days of the advice. 

Unsure what scholarship is right for you?

Search now