UNSW Carers' Support Fund

A grant scheme to support staff and HDR students

UNSW is committed to supporting all employees and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students balance work-life responsibilities and recognises the challenge of participating in career development opportunities while fulfilling roles as parents and primary carers. 

In 2023, UNSW replaced the Vice-Chancellor’s Childcare Support Fund for Women Researchers with the introduction of the Carers’ Support Fund, which broadens eligibility criteria to:

  • All UNSW employees (professional and academic) and HDR students of all genders with both childcare and primary caring responsibilities.
  • Participation in a wider range of career development activities, such as networking and fieldwork.

Access up to $2000

A group of people stood in a circle with arms round each others shoulders, smiling

The UNSW Carers’ Support Fund is intended to enable UNSW academic and professional employees and UNSW Higher Degree Research (HDR) Program students of all genders with primary caring responsibilities, to continue to enhance their careers on a national or international level by actively participating in conferences, workshops, symposiums or fieldwork, both online and in-person. 

The Fund

The program is dedicated to funding extraordinary caring costs, so that a dependent child/ren, parent, partner or family member (‘dependent/s’) may continue to be cared for while a UNSW employee or HDR student participates in an approved career development activity.  

How to apply

Applications for 2024 are open, and will be assessed on a rolling basis. Read more on the Conditions of Funding here.

Download Application Form

Download Acquittal Form

More information

The Women in Research Network (WiRN) is UNSW's leading forum for research-active women to connect and collaborate to build an equitable and inclusive research culture at UNSW.  

The Women's Wellbeing Academy (WWBA) connects people across the UNSW community to enhance and highlight our diverse multidisciplinary work in the area of women’s wellbeing.

UNSW is committed to helping students and staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements, where possible.