Scholarship details
Study levels
Undergraduate
Student type
Future students
Study area
All study areas
Citizenship
Australian or New Zealand
Application dates
- Applications open
- 28 July 2024
- Applications close
- 10 January 2025
What you'll receive
You'll receive:
- a $24,000 scholarship ($4,000 per semester) to be paid across three years (regardless of the degree you're studying). This is paid as a stipend after the HECS-HELP census date of each semester
- automatic membership into QUT's College of Excellence.
The scholarship will support budding student entrepreneurs and engage their passion for entrepreneurial action in the for-profit or for-purpose space.
In addition to financial support, we aim to give successful applicants a unique and engaging learning experience by giving them access to the QUT entrepreneurial community, experiential study options, and personalised career, entrepreneurial planning and review processes with an advisor.
Other benefits may also include:
- access to co-working in the foundry spaces
- opportunity to earn credit for operating your venture at QUT
- application to accelerate your venture by attending an MIT program
- possibilities of representing QUT Entrepreneurship through the Student Ambassador Program
- opportunity to share your experience widely including through QUT Entrepreneurship social media channels.
Eligibility
To receive one of the scholarships you must:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold a permanent humanitarian visa
- be starting university study for the first time
- be graduating Year 12 in 2024 or have graduated Year 12 in 2023
- have placed QUT as their first preference on their QTAC application
- have received a QTAC offer for a full-time place at QUT in a degree or a diploma
- be making a positive difference through entrepreneurial action such as establishing and operating an entrepreneurial venture for profit or for purpose
- be willing to work closely with a QUT Entrepreneurship advisor each semester to progress and review your action planning which will include participating in relevant entrepreneurial capability and career development programs
- be prepared to enrol in the four-unit Entrepreneurship minor (if not studying a double degree)
- be prepared to enrol in at least one relevant experiential learning unit where credit can be earned for your entrepreneurial action.
If you are a resident in the Bundaberg region or have attended a secondary school located within the Bundaberg Regional Council, you may be eligible to apply for the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Budding Entrepreneur Scholarship. Only one application is required to be considered for all Budding Entrepreneur Scholarships.
How to apply
There is a two-stage application process.
In stage one you must complete an online application and provide:
- a written 800-word statement on 'My passion to be an entrepreneur is driven by...'
- a three minute recorded video pitch on 'University study at QUT will prepare me for the challenges of being an entrepreneur by...'
- a letter of reference from a mentor or teacher who can attest to your passion
- statements and letters of reference should be saved as one PDF document.
All documents should be completed before starting your online application.
Stage two requires you to attend a virtual or in person panel interview (interviews with shortlisted applicants will begin the week commencing 20 January 2025).
Complete the application form
To be considered for this scholarship, you will need to submit your application by the close date.
QUT Budding Entrepreneur Scholarship application form
What happens next?
QUT Entrepreneurship will make the Budding Entrepreneur Scholarship offers from late January to those who have completed a scholarship application by the due date and placed a QUT degree as their first QTAC course preference. Scholarship offers are contingent upon admission into QUT.
You will only be notified if you are successful in being offered a scholarship.
Conditions
The expectation is that the scholarship will be held for a maximum of three years. However, to maintain the scholarship you must:
- remain enrolled in your QUT degree with a minimum study load of 24 credit points each semester
- pass all your units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 4.00
- participate in capability development and mentoring opportunities made available by QUT Entrepreneurship
- demonstrate your commitment to achieving your entrepreneurial ambitions by engaging in at least two meetings per semester with your QUT Entrepreneurship advisor as part of a performance planning and review possess which includes supplying written progress reports
- undertake the entrepreneurial minor and/or work integrated learning (WIL) and experiential learning units where these can be negotiated into the study plan
- submit written progress reports each semester to entrepreneurship@qut.edu.au for continued payment. These reports must first be approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Entrepreneurship and Regional Innovation).
You can defer your scholarship offer for six months.
You can't:
- hold any other QUT merit or academic scholarships. You may hold an Equity Scholarship. If you have any questions about holding other scholarships, contact us at scholarships@qut.edu.au
- defer your scholarship for 12 months. If you defer your course for longer than six months you may reapply for the scholarship, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements.
Terms and conditions for QUT Budding Entrepreneur Scholarship (PDF file; 178.6 KB)
Testimonials
Access to industry-experienced entrepreneurs
Sameel Deoji‘It’s the invaluable opportunities that mean the most to me. Whether it’s learning how to pitch, or having access to programs where you can take your idea from a grain of sand and turn it into a castle – there are so many activities for students, staff and alumni. This scholarship gives you access to industry-experienced entrepreneurs. Not only can you hear about their tireless, yet rewarding journeys, but they’ll provide you with advice on how you can enhance your business skills. My best mates from university are in the entrepreneurship program. I think it’s because we all function on the same wavelength and have huge ambitions.’
