Overview

Step into your Startup Year (Graduate Diploma of Entrepreneurship) and enter a world of ideas, innovation and opportunity. In this hands-on program you’ll be supported by academics and industry experts to master every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Develop business concepts in cutting-edge spaces, solve pressing problems with real-world solutions and learn how to communicate confidently with potential investors.

View Graduate Diploma of Entrepreneurship course handbook
Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?

Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.

Upgrade your skills

  • Identify and develop entrepreneurial opportunities
  • Research, prototype and test your ideas
  • Use narrative and storytelling to pitch concepts
  • Practise sustainable and inclusive decision-making
  • Evaluate business models and leadership practices
  • Network with experts, investors and fellow entrepreneurs

Stretch your career further

Students can enhance their career opportunities by gaining additional leadership and management skills – an important asset in a today’s complex and changing business environment. The below examples demonstrate the types of roles graduates can attain.

  • Startup founder
  • Business owner
  • Product manager
  • Business development manager
  • Business consultant
  • Policy advisor or analyst

Key codes

CRICOS course code
116164E
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Why Swinburne?

Get a degree and the chance to establish your own venture in one hard-working program

Access state-of-the-art startup support from Swinburne Innovation Studio

Get the chance to apply for financial support through our in-house venture capital fund Swinburne Venture Ltd

STARTUP-HELP loans and income support available for eligible students

  • A woman with brown eyes and dark hair, wearing a navy blue shirt, smiles broadly.

    “Having a structured program and access to expertise from different areas through the university would have been a game changer for a startup like kandu, which focuses on accessible education ... A longer program like Startup Year can provide extended support and more collaboration opportunities."

    Mariyam Sayers , Swinburne alum and kandu sustainability founder, believes Startup Year will be a game-changer for students on the entrepreneurial journey.

Qualifications

Applicants are required to have one of the following:

  • A bachelor degree (or higher award) from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent;

Applicants are required to have one of the following:
• A bachelor degree (or higher award) from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent;

Other requirements

Applicants must submit a 200-400 statement or 1-2 minute video addressing why you are applying for this program, including if you have a startup idea or are applying without one.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

How credit points work

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Entrepreneurship, a student must complete 100 credit points of specified units.

6
Core units
=
Graduate Diploma

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Future-Fit Innovation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
ENT60011
Responsible Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
ENT60012
Springboard: From Idea to Opportunity
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
ENT60013
Startup Foundry
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
ENT70020
Show Me The Money: Fundamentals of Funding Startups
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
ENT70021
Launchpad: From Prototype to Market
Core unit, 25.0 credit points
ENT70022

2024 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$12,720

2024 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$12,720

Fees are estimates only

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2024 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

How do I pay my fees?

STARTUP-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Finances
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for STARTUP-HELP

STARTUP-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.

You’re eligible for a STARTUP-HELP loan, and you: 

  • are an Australian citizen doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or 
  • hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or 
  • hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens 
  • a pacific engagement visa (PEV) holder who is resident in Australia for the entire Startup Year course (note: a PEV holder becomes eligible from 1 February 2024)   
  • are undertaking a Startup course
Learn more about STARTUP-HELP

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2024 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
GD-ENT
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! 

Course code
GD-ENT
Apply directly
Course code
GD-ENT
CRICOS code
116164E
Apply directly
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Upcoming events
2025 Study Expo
12-November-2024