Swinburne Research Catalyst Scholarship

The Swinburne Research Catalyst Scholarship is designed to support high-achieving students who are passionate about scientific research. Its key objectives are to:

• Encourage excellence in scientific research and innovation.
• Provide financial support to enable students to focus on their Honours studies.
• Foster the development of future leaders in science and technology.
• Strengthen Swinburne’s research community by attracting talented students.
• Promote impactful research aligned with real-world challenges.

Any of the following Undergraduate (Honors) courses offered by Swinburne University:

• Bachelor of Science Honours (BH-SC)
• Bachelor of Computer Science Honours (BH-CS)

To be eligible for the Swinburne Research Catalyst Scholarship, applicants must:

1. Meet the following criteria:
   • Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or Australian Permanent Resident with Humanitarian Visa
2. Meet the following enrolment criteria:
   • be a commencing or continuing student at Swinburne in Semester 1, 2026
   • enrolled full-time in an eligible course (see courses eligible in section above).
   • studying on-campus
3. Achieved a Grade Point Average (GPA) to date of 2.5 or higher (Applications require an Academic Transcript to be provided). 
    
4. Submit a personal statement (500 words) addressing the following points:
   • Explain why you want to pursue Honours and how it fits into your academic or career goals.
   • Provide a summary of your proposed/intended Honours research project.
   • Reflect on how your research could contribute to science, society, or industry.
      
5. Have experienced financial and/or personal hardship which may have hindered access to education and provide evidence:
   
   Examples of financial hardship or low-socio economic status (but not limited to):

• Centrelink statement
• Payslips can be used if an explanation is provided in a personal statement

           Examples of personal hardship (but not limited to):

• Disability or medical condition (e.g. medical documents, letter from GP)
• Delay or interruption to career or studies because of family responsibilities or illness (e.g. explained in personal statement and/or medical evidence)
• Relocation from a rural or regional area in order to undertake tertiary study (e.g. explained in personal statement and/or lease agreement etc.)
• English as a second language (e.g. explained in personal statement and/or IELTS)
• Identification as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (e.g. explained in personal statement etc.)
• First in family to attend university (e.g. statutory declaration)

Each scholarship is valued at $2,000 for one year (paid bi-annually). There are multiple scholarships available to be awarded. 

Applicants should complete an online application form and submit with all supporting documentation by 10 April 2026.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For assistance when completing your application, please view the Scholarship Application Help Guide.

Fees and Scholarships Team, Student Administration.
scholarship@swin.edu.au