The only competition where everyone wins
Winning $1000 would feel pretty good. But wouldn’t it feel even better to receive $1000 for yourself, and donate an extra $1000 to make a difference in an area you’re passionate about?
Introducing the Swinburne Giveaway Giveaway: your chance to win big and give back.
How it works
1. Choose your cause
There are four causes to choose from, so your ‘donation’ will be used to fund meaningful projects in an area you really care about.
2. Enter your details
Simply sign up for handy updates from us on navigating VTAC, choosing the right course and more, and we’ll automatically enter you into the draw.
That’s it! If you’re drawn as a winner of Swinburne’s Giveaway Giveaway, we’ll give you $1000 and donate another $1000 to an affiliated not-for-profit.
Choose a cause you care about
People at Swinburne are doing some pretty impressive things. And you can get involved when you study here, too: by studying courses in these areas, working on industry projects, and collaborating with people who care just as much as you do.
Check out some of the areas where Swinburne is working to make a difference, learn which courses align with each cause, and choose a charity you’d like us to donate $1000 to on your behalf.
Indigenous support
The Kiilalaana Foundation
The Kiilalaana Foundation offers safe spaces for young Aboriginal women around Victoria where they can gather, find guidance in their own pathway, and feel empowered. Your donation will help the Kiilalaana Foundation keep their space, operate their bus, and continue to provide much-needed services to First Nations youth and women.
The Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC) is responsible for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters at Swinburne. MTC encourages and supports Indigenous students to be in control of their own studies and succeed. Their Indigenous Student Services team offers academic skills support, scholarships to encourage indigenous students to engage in higher education, and a drop-in lounge that provides a quiet, culturally safe environment for students.
How you can get involved
Want to grow your understanding and appreciation of the world’s oldest living, continuing culture? Study the Bachelor of Arts and major in Indigenous Studies at Swinburne to learn concepts fundamental to Indigenous cultures, such as respect and relationships, connection to country, spirituality, and kinship.
Accessibility
Dylan Alcott Foundation
The Dylan Alcott Foundation is dedicated to helping young Australians living with disability gain confidence, fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams. Your donation will be used to provide strategic, tailored grants and scholarships that create real opportunities for individuals to thrive.
At Swinburne, we believe in bringing people and technology together for a better world. Our students have access to Swinburne’s dedicated suite of AccessAbility services, including employment support, assistive learning technologies, and accessible on-campus facilities like parking and study areas. And of course, our Dylan Alcott Foundation Scholarships.
Meanwhile, our students and researchers are doing exciting work in their fields – like designing accessible USB hubs, and prototyping fintech solutions for neurodiverse people. Swinburne is also home to Australia’s first Disability Employment Centre of Excellence.
How you can get involved
Want to use creative thinking to build a more accessible world? Learn how to design with solutions in mind through Swinburne’s Bachelor of Design. Consider a major in UX Interaction Design and create inclusive digital journeys, or choose Industrial Design (honours) and make meaningful material objects.
And if you want to make an impact through innovations in the healthcare industry, then a degree in biomedical engineering might be for you.
Queer community
Pride Foundation Australia
Pride Foundation Australia looks after some of Australia’s most vulnerable LGBTQIA+ communities. This includes individuals with disabilities, asylum seekers and refugees, and those dealing with homelessness. Your donation will fund impactful projects that support and advocate for disadvantaged LGBTQIA+ Australians.
From student clubs to support services, we're committed to fostering a welcoming, diverse environment. We hold several events throughout the year aimed at embracing our LGBTIQ+ community, like the annual Pride March and Wear It Purple Day.
Swinburne was the first university in Victoria to install gender neutral bathrooms, which are available across all our Melbourne campuses. The student-run Queer Collective also facilitates Queer Space, a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students to meet on campus.
How you can get involved
Find your tribe and a sense of belonging at Swinburne by joining a student club or collective. These groups provide a safe environment to socialise, engage in supportive dialogue and, most importantly, have fun!
Along with running Queer Space, the Swinburne Queer Collective hosts social events to support the Swinburne queer community.
The Swinburne Ally Network organises events, programs and learning sessions to raise awareness of LGBTIQ+ issues and celebrate our inclusive campus.
Gender Agenda is a student-led, staff-supported advocacy group for trans and gender diverse students, as well as allies. The club offers Q&A sessions, workshops, and various social events where students can talk about their experiences and connect with others in the same boat.
Education for all
The Smith Family
The Smith Family assists young Australians experiencing disadvantage to stay engaged in education and build a better future for themselves. Your donation will help young people in need to access the practical essentials they urgently require such as school books, school bag, stationery, the correct uniform and extra help with numeracy and literacy so they can keep up at school and go on to break the cycle of disadvantage.
Swinburne’s financial support services exist to ensure you have everything you need to succeed at uni. Whether you need help with budgeting, want to explore the grants and vouchers that might be available to you, or would like to access our on-campus Food Bank – we're here to help.
Not to mention our amazing Learning and Academic Skills Centre, where you can access study support to help you stay on track and excel in your course.
How you can get involved:
At Swinburne, we have many different courses and qualifications that can help you change the lives of young people in need.
Become a trained educator and inspire future classrooms. Or explore community services certificates and diplomas to learn vital skills as a youth worker. Interested in tackling the causes of inequality? Study a Bachelor of Arts and tailor your own specialisation with a variety of majors and minors – from Social Impact to Politics, Power and Technology.