Development grants
Learn more about the Graduate Research Activities and Development Scheme (GRADS)
GRADS is a funding scheme for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students to deliver events that build personal and professional skills and/or promote engagement with the wider University community.
The scheme is facilitated by the HDR Development team within the Graduate Research School.
Up to A$5,000 may be awarded to an eligible applicant to deliver an event for all HDR students or a nominated student group. The event must benefit HDR students by building personal and professional skills and/or promoting engagement with the wider University community. Examples might include:
All HDR students currently enrolled at the University of Sydney are eligible to apply. You can apply as an individual or as an organising committee comprised of HDR students.
Staff are not eligible to apply unless enrolled as an HDR student.
Funding amounts will vary depending on the scope and location of the event, with a maximum of A$5,000 being available per event.
Funding recipients will be responsible for planning, organising, delivering and reporting on the event within agreed timelines.
To apply, complete the online application form. You'll be asked to include:
You may submit one application for each event; however, you can submit separate applications for additional events, provided they are significantly different.
Your application will be assessed by a selection committee and judged on:
If your application is successful, we'll contact you by email and you'll be invited to attend the induction workshop. You'll then hold your event during the implementation period. Your event must conclude in 2025.
Once you've been invoiced for event costs, please send these invoices to the HDR Development team at hdr.development@sydney.edu.au.
Contact the HDR Development team at hdr.development@sydney.edu.au