Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Looking to apply for a Social Impact Scholarship?
Find answers to common questions about eligibility, how to apply, funding, and study options across our postgraduate programs at UNSW, Swinburne, UWA, and Flinders University.
Eligibility
Who can apply for a Social Impact Scholarship?Social Impact scholarships are open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents who are applying to study or continuing a postgraduate course in Social Impact at UNSW, Swinburne, UWA or Flinders University. Each university’s scholarship criteria varies slightly, but all are designed to support people committed to creating positive social change.
Can I apply if I’ve previously received a scholarship?
You can apply if your previous scholarship was for a different course or program. However, you cannot hold two scholarships for the same program of study. Students receiving a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) are still eligible for a scholarship. (Find out more about CSPs below.)
Do I need to have a background in the social sector?
Not necessarily. Many of our scholars come from business, law, education, or government. What matters most is your passion for driving lasting change and your motivation to study social impact.
Can I apply if I am a sole trader?
Yes you can! You don’t need to be employed by an organisation to apply. Sole traders, consultants, and self-employed professionals are welcome to apply, provided they can demonstrate a clear commitment to creating positive social impact through their work or community involvement.
Can I apply if the impact I’m passionate about is outside of Australia?
Yes. You’re welcome to apply if your work or passion for creating positive social impact extends beyond Australia. While many scholarship recipients focus on issues within Australian communities, we also recognise and value global perspectives and the contribution of international social impact work. Please keep in mind that to be eligible, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident.
What are the qualification or entry requirements?
Each university sets its own entry requirements for postgraduate study in social impact. These may vary depending on the course and your prior education or professional experience. We recommend visiting the website of the university you’re applying to for the most up-to-date information on admission criteria and supporting documentation.
Application Process
How do I apply?
Applications open 11 November 2025. Follow the link to the 2026 CSI Scholarships and select your preferred university to apply. Each university has a unique process to align with their academic calendar and ensure successful applicants can be notified before 2026 classes begin. The application takes about 30 minutes to complete and will ask you:
- Personal details including name, address, and contact details
- The social impact course you are commencing or continuing
- Your personal and professional motivations for applying for a scholarship
- What you hope to learn and achieve by studying social impact
When do scholarship applications close and when will I find out if my scholarship application is successful?
Each university sets its own application closing date, so please check carefully and submit your university application on time. Successful scholarship recipients will be publicly announced in late February 2026.
CSI UWA: Scholarship applications close 14 December 2026
CSI Flinders: Scholarship applications close 18 January 2026
CSI UNSW: Scholarship applications close 18 January 2026
CSI Swinburne: Scholarship applications close 1 February 2026
Do I apply for the course or the scholarship first?
You will need to apply for your preferred university course before submitting a scholarship application.
- Swinburne University: You must complete and submit your course application before applying for a scholarship.
- UNSW, University of Western Australia, and Flinders University: You only need to start your course application before completing your scholarship application form.
What if a written application isn’t accessible for me? Can I apply another way?
CSI Swinburne accepts video applications. For applicants to other universities, the Centre for Social Impact will also consider video or verbal submissions where an online written application may present a barrier to participation. If this applies to you, please get in touch with a member of the respective CSI team (listed below) to discuss your options.
> CSI Swinburne
> CSI UWA > CSI UNSW > CSI Flinders
Selection Criteria
What makes a strong or compelling application?
Each university has its own set of requirements, including one or more specific questions you’ll need to respond to. When preparing your answers, remember it’s not just about what you’ve achieved so far, but about your motivations for the future and how postgraduate study in social impact will help you reach your goals.
Our scholarship recipients share a strong commitment to creating sustainable solutions to the root causes of disadvantage. Their stories highlight the lasting impact that opportunity and philanthropic support can have both personally and across communities.
To summarise, scholarships are awarded based on:
- Your motivation for applying and to create positive social change
- Alignment with your personal and professional goals
- How the scholarship will support your growth in social impact
Do I need to be working in a particular area to be eligible?
No, we welcome a wide variety of applicants! The scholarships are designed to support people from all backgrounds and areas of interest who are passionate about creating positive social change. Whether your focus is environmental sustainability, community wellbeing, social justice, or something entirely different, we encourage you to apply.
Is selection based on merit or financial need?
CSI Scholarships are merit-based. Applicants are assessed on their demonstrated commitment to creating positive social change and their potential to contribute meaningfully to the social purpose sector. You are welcome to share information about your financial circumstances if you wish; while this is not a selection criterion, it can provide helpful context for the panel when reviewing applications.
Funding Details
How much funding is available and how many scholarships are awarded?
In 2026 the Centre for Social Impact is offering a total of $100,000 in scholarships to support passionate changemakers seeking to advance their education in social impact. The number of scholarships awarded changes every year. It really depends on the number and strength of the applications. There are typically more than ten scholarships awarded each year. Last year the standard was incredibly high and 20 scholarships were awarded of varying amounts.
Each university has a total pool of funds to award. The allocation of scholarship funds will be determined by the judging panel at each university. For example, $30,000 could be awarded as six $5,000 scholarships, three $10,000 scholarships, or two $15,000 scholarships.
Importantly, these scholarships are not full or cash scholarships. If successful, the scholarship amount is applied as a discount against course fees.
Are there any scholarships available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students?
CSI UNSW also offers additional Indigenous Scholarships. 2026 offerings are currently being finalised, and details will be added to the CSI scholarships page in the coming weeks. For more information, please reach out to the CSI UNSW team via email .
What can I use the scholarship funding for?
These scholarships are designed exclusively to support postgraduate study in either the Graduate Certificate in Social Impact or the MBA (Social Impact), at one of our four partner universities, including UNSW, UWA, Swinburne and Flinders. In a nutshell, these scholarships are designed to help reduce your course fees. Please note, scholarships are not available for:
- Fellowships
- PhD programs
- Business proposals
If you’re seeking funding for these areas, we encourage you to explore other options.
Does it cover full or partial tuition and are there other costs involved?
They are not full or cash scholarships. If successful, the scholarship amount is applied as a discount toward your course fees.
What is a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)?
A Commonwealth Supported Place is a spot at a university that's subsidised by the Australian Government. CSPs are designed to make higher education more accessible and affordable for Australian students. Students who receive a CSP don’t pay full course fees. Rather, the Australian Government pays a part of it. All eligible domestic applicants are automatically assessed for a Commonwealth Supported Place when applying for an eligible program - no separate application is required. Commonwealth Supported Places are currently available for:
- Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at UNSW
- Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at Flinders University
Can I still apply for a scholarship if I have a CSP?
Yes. Students receiving a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are still eligible.
Study Options & Program Details
What courses or programs do scholarships apply to?
CSI Scholarships apply to the following programs:
Flinders University
Swinburne University of Technology
UNSW Sydney
University of Western Australia
Are there online or part-time study options?
Yes, there are online and part-time study options available. See the table below for more details.
How much time should I allow for study?
The expected time commitment varies by university, course and whether you study full-time or part-time.
At CSI Flinders, you can complete the Graduate Certificate in Social Impact in as little as 3 months if you study full-time, though this involves completing all four subjects in a single term which is a significant workload. We strongly recommend studying part-time if you’re working or have other commitments.
At CSI UNSW, the Graduate Certificate can be completed in around 6 months full-time, which involves studying two topics per term. Flexible part-time options are also available.
At CSI Swinburne, the Graduate Certificate is offered part-time only, with students usually completing one topic per term over about a year.
At CSI UWA, the Graduate Certificate in Social Impact is also part-time, with students typically completing one topic per term over approximately a year.
No matter where you study, you’ll need to complete your Graduate Certificate within a maximum of two years.
All four universities also offer an MBA with a social impact specialisation. This typically takes 2 years to complete if you study full time. If you would prefer part time study, you have a maximum of approximately six years to complete an MBA.
What topics do the courses cover? What will I learn?
All universities focus on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to create positive social change through leadership, innovation, and measurable impact. To complete a Graduate Certificate, you’ll study four topics. Topics for the Graduate Certificate include (but are not limited to):
Swinburne University of Technology
- Social Impact Entrepreneurs and Social Innovation
- Corporate Responsibility and Accountability
- Social Investment and Philanthropy
- Evaluation and Impact Measurement
Core Program:
- Social Impact (Core Program)
Electives:
- Leading Change for Sustainability
- Social Impact Investment
- Demonstrating Social Impact
- Design for Social Innovation
- Social Impact Field Project
- Managing Just Transitions
- Leadership for Social Impact
- Corporate Responsibility and Accountability
- Collaboration and Policy Making for Social Impact
The University of Western Australia
- Demonstrating Social Impact
- Leadership for Social Impact
- Social Investment and Philanthropy
- Social Impact: Entrepreneurs and Social Innovation
- Demonstrating Social Impact
- Innovation for Social Impact
- Social Impact in Context
- Leadership for Social Impact
If you’re interested in the MBA (Social Impact), you’ll explore a broader range of subjects that build on these foundations - combining core business and management studies with advanced social impact themes. Specific MBA topics vary between universities, so we recommend visiting your chosen university’s handbook for the most up-to-date subject list and detailed course information.
Impact & Outcomes
How have past recipients used their scholarships to create impact?
While every recipient’s journey is unique, past scholars have used their scholarships to:
- Build leadership skills through postgraduate programs like the Graduate Certificate in Social Impact and MBAx (Social Impact).
- Innovate in the sector by creating inclusive employment, improving culturally safe services, and driving justice reform.
- Shift careers toward impact, moving from fields like engineering or policing into mental health, food security, and community development.
- Amplify change through organisations, leading nonprofits, social enterprises, and advocacy groups.
You can explore dozens of student stories of impact and meet some of our inspiring scholarship recipients here .
For further information please email csinational@unsw.edu.au