UNSW Co Op Scholarship  Scholarship 2026

The UNSW Co-op Scholarship is built for leaders and powered by industry. This prestigious program offers high‑potential undergraduate students the opportunity to gain up to 18 months of real‑world experience while receiving a scholarship of $21,600 per year.

If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder, or New Zealand citizen completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent), this scholarship could launch your career in Business, Engineering, or Science. For students exploring other fully funded opportunities in Australia, you can browse fully scholarships in Australia for international students to discover additional programs.

What the Co-op Program Offers

• $21,600 per year scholarship – financial support throughout your degree

• Up to 18 months of hands‑on industry experience – work with top companies while you study

• Leadership and development workshops – skill‑building camps and training

• Mentoring and support – ongoing guidance from the Co-op network

• Career planning – clarify your direction and build skills for your dream job

• Professional networking – meet future employers and connect with peers

• Community and belonging – a lifelong network of scholars and alumni

• Global opportunities – international exchanges and global events

For students also considering study options in New Zealand, you can explore New Zealand scholarships for all nationalities to compare opportunities.

Available Programs

Business

• Accounting & Business Management

• Actuarial Studies

• Business Information Systems

• Commerce Information Systems

• Finance & Banking

• Marketing

Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Chemical Product Engineering

• Computer Science

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Mining Engineering

• Photovoltaics & Solar Energy

• Renewable Energy

• Software Engineering

Science

• Advanced Mathematics

• Data Science & Decisions

• Materials Science & Engineering

Note: Not all programs are offered every year. Interviews will only be offered for streams once sponsorship is confirmed.

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship/Residency: Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, humanitarian visa holder, or New Zealand Citizen

• Education: Completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent) this year

• Gap Year Students: If taking a gap year (up to 2 years), you may apply in the year before university starts

Academic Requirement to Accept the Scholarship:

• Minimum 96 ATAR or equivalent (only EAS adjustment factors considered)

• You must gain entry into the chosen degree program at UNSW

• Indigenous and Gateway students – check adjusted ATAR information on the website

For students seeking financial aid options across the Asia‑Pacific region, you can review financial aids in Asia to find other programs.

What Co-op Scholars Look Like

The Co-op Program is not just about marks. Co-op scholars:

• Show initiative and leadership

• Make significant contribution to school or community

• Communicate well

• Enjoy working in teams

• Want to be active within the university and Co-op community

• Are genuinely interested in a career in industry or government enterprise in their chosen program

• Are ambitious and keen to contribute

Key Dates for 2026

• 1 May – Applications Open

• 30 September – Applications Close

• 16 November – Snapshot Due

• 11 November – Interview & Video Snapshot Invite

• 25 November – Interview Briefing Day

• 26 November – Interviews

• 11 December – Conditional Offer

Also mark: 6 September – Open Day

How to Apply – Step by Step

You can apply for up to three program streams that you have a serious interest in studying. You may interview for multiple streams but can only accept one Co-op scholarship offer.

Part 1 – Online Application
You will need to explain:

1. What most attracts you to the UNSW Co-op Program and your chosen academic fields

2. Your co‑curricular activities and the most important things you gained or learned from them

3. Your personal development – key strengths and real areas for improvement

4. A situation that highlights your leadership and teamwork

5. Your decision‑making or problem‑solving experiences

6. A significant achievement or project showcasing your creativity, agility, or originality

7. Where you see yourself after graduation

8. What attributes you have that will make you a successful Co-op scholar

Observe the character limits indicated in the application system.

Part 2 – Schools Assessment Page
Nominate your Careers Adviser or Year Level Coordinator to complete your Schools Assessment Page (SAP) within your online application. Nominate as soon as you register to give them plenty of time. The SAP submission deadline for schools is early October.

Video Snapshot
If you secure an interview, you will be sent a link to complete a short 2‑minute video to expand on your written application. You must complete your video to be interviewed.

Double Degrees and Double Majors

Double degrees are increasingly available through Co-op. However, Co-op scholars must start in a single degree. Many single degrees can already accommodate two areas of study (e.g., Accounting & Information Systems) as a double major. Double degrees need to be discussed with the Co-op team once you are in the program. If the double exists, there is a process to apply to gain sponsors’ approval.

Other Scholarships at UNSW

Check out the scholarships website for other opportunities for financial support at UNSW.

Final Thoughts

The UNSW Co-op Scholarship is a career‑development scholarship for high‑potential undergraduate students. It offers not just financial support but also real industry experience, leadership training, mentoring, and a lifelong network. If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident completing Year 12, and you thrive on challenges, this program is for you.

Applications open 1 May 2026 and close 30 September 2026. Prepare your application, nominate your Careers Adviser, and take the first step toward a future built for leaders and powered by industry.

Apply Now for UNSW Co-op Scholarship