Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business or creating change within your industry? Imagine being your own boss and seeing your vision come to life online or on the shelves. Swinburne can help you turn it into a reality from pitch to product. If you have an idea for the next big thing, a course in entrepreneurship and innovation could turn that seed into success.

Build your career in entrepreneurship

Business, innovative thinking, and problem-solving skills are at the heart of our courses, so you'll graduate equipped with the knowledge to take your industry by storm. And you’ll be studying at a business school ranked in the top 5% worldwide.

Real industry experience is guaranteed in all our bachelor degrees, meaning you'll get the opportunity to undertake a professional placement, internship, or industry-linked project. This hands-on experience ensures that you’re not just learning theories but applying them in real-world contexts, gaining the skills and confidence to succeed in your chosen field.

You'll also have access to opportunities like Swinburne's Venture Cup, where entrepreneurs pitch their work for a cash prize and mentorship each year. Consider it our version of Shark Tank (minus the dramatic pauses). It's a chance to showcase your ideas, receive valuable feedback, and connect with industry leaders who can help turn your vision into reality.

Plus, surround yourself with like-minded students when you study at our Innovation Studio. You'll grow your business acumen, build networks, and access funding opportunities, all before graduation.

3 steps to become an entrepreneur

Dive into Swinburne's hands-on entrepreneurship and innovation courses, where you'll gain real industry experience and build valuable professional networks. And with each step, work towards your ultimate goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

1. Get a qualification 

Swinburne has a rich 30-year history of nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. We've developed a proven network of industry connections, extensive course options and purpose-built facilities to help you graduate ready to launch your startup.  

Postgraduate degrees

The 1-year Graduate Diploma of Entrepreneurship is an accelerated immersion in all phases of the entrepreneurship journey, from concept to launch. This sought-after qualification is part of the Government's Startup Year program. 
 
The 2-year Master of Business Administration, specialising in Entrepreneurship is designed in partnership with industry to equip you with advanced business skills.

Undergraduate degrees

The 3-year Bachelor of Business, majoring in Entrepreneurship, equips you with the foundational skills to drive innovation in the workforce or launch your own startup. You’ll connect with professionals to build your network and gain valuable industry experience. 

The 4-yr Bachelor of Business Professional, majoring in Entrepreneurship includes a guaranteed 12 month, paid professional placement. 

Unilink Pathway course

Looking for a pathway into the Bachelor of Business? The 8-month Diploma of Business (Business, Entrepreneurship and Management stream) will guarantee you entry into second year of the Bachelor of Business.

The 6-month Graduate Certificate of Entrepreneurship will hone your creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial skills to develop a high-growth venture.

Innovation Studio 

Explore our Innovation Studio to find the perfect masterclass or course for you, with options ranging from a few hours to 12 weeks. It's a great way to test your budding entrepreneurial skills.

Plus, as a Swinburne student, you can access the Luminate program to take your start-up to the next level.

2. Gain experience

Build your real-world experience with courses co-designed and delivered in partnership with industry.

As a budding entrepreneur you can also gain experience by:

  • networking in the Swinburne Entrepreneurship Club,
  • get immersed in the world of startups, investors, business strategy and innovation,
  • as part of your bachelor degree, participate in the 'Learning from entrepreneurs series', where you pitch to investor panels, and solve industry informed case studies or live industry projects
  • accessing the Swinburne Innovation Studio Accelerator Program and masterclasses, separate to the course in which you’re enrolled. 
  • work on your own business idea as a project,
  • work on projects for your local community group or social enterprises.

3. Build your network

As an aspiring entrepreneur, you’ll know that networking is crucial for success, which is why we started the Swinburne Entrepreneur Club. 

Here you’ll join other students, staff and alumni to nurture business ideas, foster creativity, grow knowledge and create a support system. Plus, access resources to kickstart or grow your business venture.

No matter which Swinburne entrepreneurship course you choose, you’ll get the opportunity to access industry and support networks at every stage of study.   

Explore entrepreneurship courses

Got an idea that’ll disrupt the status quo? Find the right course to help bring it to life.

Browse entrepreneurship and innovation courses

How long does it take to train as an entrepreneur?

Wherever you are on your entrepreneurial journey, there's a course for you. These options are designed to provide the essential foundations and skills needed to bring your idea to market, regardless of your starting point.

Quick facts about entrepreneurship

50 million

12,000 active start-ups in Australia

3 trillion

The value of the global start-up economy

39

The number of Australian startups valued at over $100 million

594 million

Jobs created by startups between 2018 and  2023

Sources

What skills do entrepreneurs need? 

Technical skills:

  • financial literacy
  • product development
  • digital marketing
  • data analysis.

Creative skills:

  • innovative thinking
  • problem solving
  • critical thinking.

Soft skills:

  • resilience and adaptability 
  • leadership
  • communication
  • networking
  • time management.

Study entrepreneurship at Swinburne

Find the entrepreneurship program to suit you. Choose from accelerator programs, bachelor degrees, postgrad study or pathway programs.

Courses and study pathways

Duration: 1 year full-time

Entry requirements: Bachelor degree or higher award from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent.

Recommended course:

Graduate Diploma of Entrepreneurship

Duration: 8 months full-time or part-time equivalent

Entry requirements: Successful completion of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, and/or relevant work history

Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (includes Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees).

Recommended course:

Diploma of Business (UniLink)

Duration: 3-4 years full-time or part-time equivalent 

Entry requirements:  Successful completion of VCE or equivalent, relevant Unilink Diploma, complete or partial completion of approved tertiary qualification including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees.

Recommended courses:

Duration: 6 months to 24 months full-time or part-time equivalent

Entry requirements: Completion of a recognised bachelor degree in any discipline or the Postgraduate Qualifying Program (international applicants only).

Applicants with additional qualifications may be eligible to complete the Master of Business in less time.

Recommended courses:

Why study entrepreneurship at Swinburne?

  • Startup support from idea to funding

    We support startups from initial ideas to investor funding.

  • We’ve been training entrepreneurs since 1988

    Decades of experience in training entrepreneurs.

  • You’ll benefit from industry connections and support systems

    Leverage industry connections and support systems.

  • Gain access to Swinburne’s Innovation Studio

    Empower your journey with Swinburne’s Innovation Studio.

Frequently asked questions

Whether you’re planning life as a future entrepreneur or already in-market, Swinburne offers everything from UniLink pathway courses and bachelor degrees, through to advanced postgraduate programs. Find the course for you. 

Explore the programs at Swinburne’s Innovation Studio, perfect for developing or marketing a new business venture or really get started with the 1-year Graduate Diploma of Entrepreneurship as part of the government's Startup Year program.

While entrepreneurs don’t technically need a formal qualification, local and global research studies consistently indicate that entrepreneurs who hold a university qualification, experience higher levels of success, profitability and growth. They also found that the higher the level of education, the more likely a founder is to experience long-term success. 

Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that 61% of Australian entrepreneurs have completed tertiary education and the Startup Muster Report of 2020, found that 82% of Australian startup founders held a university degree. 

The benefits of a university education are that you’ll:

  • establish a network of connections and support,

  • learn practical knowledge and vital skills including finance, management, marketing and technology, 

  • undertake skills training in leadership, innovative thinking, problem solving and business strategy.

No – you don’t need to already have a business idea before enrolling as Swinburne has a diverse range of courses to cater for all stages of the entrepreneurship journey. 

There are different study options whether you want to explore entrepreneurship generally, have an idea you want to commericalise, or want to bring entrepreneurial practice into an organisation. 

Discover more about your different course options or book a one-on-one session with an expert to discuss what course will best suit your needs and goals.

The Graduate Diploma of Entrepreneurship offers you the opportunity to apply for financial support through an in-house venture capital fund. 

Start-up loan help and income support is also available for eligible students. 

  1. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Global Report, 2021
  2. The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2021
  3. airtree.vc
  4. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Global Report, 2022-2023

Explore all entrepreneurship courses

Our course guide has the details you want.

Download a guide now