Semester 2, 2025 grants are available in the following 4 categories:

1. Food security: addressing food availability, accessibility, and affordability on campus. The category emphasises creating long-term solutions to ensure students have consistent access to nutritious food and fostering awareness around food equity and sustainability. Projects in this category should aim to enhance students’ ability to access affordable food options, reduce food waste, or improve knowledge of healthy eating practices.
2. Cultural diversity: celebrating the rich variety of backgrounds, traditions, and experiences that students bring to the University and encouraging inclusivity. This category emphasises creating opportunities for students to share and learn about each other’s cultures, fostering mutual respect, and combating stereotypes or cultural barriers.
3. Student wellbeing: enhancing student mental and physical wellbeing. This category focuses on enhancing students’ overall quality of life through initiatives that address stress, mental health challenges, physical activity, and social connection.
4. Sustainability: advancing awareness of environmental issues and sustainable practices. This category encourages projects that integrate environmental consciousness into everyday student life, educate on global and local sustainability issues, and inspire individual and collective responsibility for a greener future.

Eligibility

Currently enrolled University of Sydney postgraduate student groups of 3–6 members can apply.

Grant value

Successful applicants will receive funding between $500 and $1000 per project.

Application process

To apply, groups must complete the registration form below. The application should include: 

• the project’s goals and objectives
• a detailed implementation plan
• a comprehensive budget plan
• anticipated outcomes
• an approach to assessing the project’s success. 

Selection criteria

Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Alignment with the grant categories: projects must demonstrate a clear connection to one or more of the defined funding categories. The review committee will evaluate the project’s relevance, potential impact, and innovation within these focus areas.
• Feasibility: the practicality and viability of the project will be carefully considered. This includes the reasonableness of the proposed budget, the adequacy of resource allocation, and the achievability of the project within the specified timeline. Applicants should provide a clear and realistic plan to ensure successful project execution.
• Innovation: priority will be given to projects that showcase creativity and originality. Innovative proposals that introduce fresh perspectives or solutions to challenges within the university community will stand out.
• Student engagement and community building: the evaluation will consider the project’s ability to actively involve students and foster a stronger sense of community on campus. Proposals should demonstrate how they will encourage participation and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive, and connected university environment.

Key dates

• Application deadline: 4pm Tuesday 26 August 2025
• Announcement of successful applications: Monday 1 September 2025
  
• Initiation workshop: Thursday 4 September 2025
  
• Project implementation period: Friday 5 September 2025 – Friday 24 October 2025.