Volunteering
Getting involved at UWA
Getting involved in the UWA community is the perfect way to make an impact while at uni. There are so many causes you can get involved with and opportunities for one-off involvement or more long-term volunteering.
These programs not only benefit the people around you but can also help with your own personal and career goals.
Getting involved at uni can help you:
- Meet new people who share the same passions and interests as you
- Develop transferable skills, like leadership, time management and communication
- Make a difference in the community around you
- Build volunteer hours that can be formally recognised on your Supplementary Transcript*
*Depending on the program
What’s on offer
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Student Engagement Volunteers
Provide valuable support at events like O-Week through assisting at venues, packaging resources, wayfinding and providing general support.
What’s involved
You can choose what events to opt-in to depending on your availability. Orientation Week (February and July) and Open Day (March) are the two biggest events on the calendar each year.
Who would this suit
- Looking for more flexible volunteering hours
- Interested in behind the scenes work
- Interested in event management
Application process
Applications open in October for Semester 1 and April for Semester 2 each year.
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UniMentor
UniMentor is a peer-mentoring program where current students connect with new students and acts as a welcoming guide to help them get settled at UWA. You'll meet new people, share your knowledge and experiences, and be a role model for your peers.
What’s involved
After completing the Respectful Relationships online module, and attending the initial two hour training session (in-person and online), the time commitment is approximately one hour per week over eight weeks.
Who would this suit
- Second year students or above(48 points of study completed, or 24 in HDR) and are on good academic standing
- Interested in developing leadership and communication skills
- Confident in connecting with new people and offering guidance
Application process
Applications open in October for Semester 1 and April for Semester 2 each year. Eligible applicants will be contacted by email once your application has been accepted.
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Wellbeing Peers
Provide peer-to-peer support and outreach in areas related to alcohol, mental health, and healthy relationships. Wellbeing peers assist with outreach activities at residential colleges and across campus.
What’s involved
Volunteering hours can be flexible depending on your availability. Volunteer blocks are usually 2 hours. Commit to volunteering on an ongoing basis or participate in one-off activities and events throughout the year.
Who would this suit
- Interested in health promotion
- Feel confident having conversations about health topics with peers
Application process
Applications open in October for Semester 1 and May for Semester 2 each year.
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English Café
Help international students improve their conversational English skills, make new friends, and learn about Australian culture.
What’s involved
The time commitment is approximately one hour per week (Tuesday, 12-1pm in Sem 2 2025) over 7 weeks.
Who would this suit
- Want to meet students from around the world
- Want to share insights into Australian culture like slang, culture, and humour
Application process
Applications open in November for Semester 1 and April for Semester 2 each year.
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International Student Engagement Ambassadors
Help the International Student Support team with initiatives to support the welfare and social needs of international students, volunteer at international student events, and assist with enquiries at the International Student Lounge.
What’s involved
Hours are flexible and you can opt-in to activities to fit your schedule and study priorities. As a general guide, students usually commit to 2-5 hours per week with a maximum of 40 hours per semester.
Who would this suit
- Lived in Perth for at least one semester
- International student passionate about helping other international students
- Good role model for other international students
- Positive outlook on their experience at UWA and in WA
Application process
Applications open in October for Semester 1 and May for Semester 2 each year.
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Student Impact Grants: Up to $2,500 to make a difference at UWA and beyond
Applications are now open!
Student Impact Grants of up to $2,500 empower and support student-led projects that address key priorities, including;
- Student Belonging: events or initiatives that foster social cohesion and connection
- Student Wellbeing: mental health and wellbeing promotion and building safe, respectful and inclusive communities
- Equity and Inclusion: supporting underrepresented or disadvantaged student groups or improving accessibility and participation (including cost of living support)
- Sustainability and Climate Action: environmental sustainability projects or climate awareness and action
- Community Engagement: focus on volunteering opportunities or social impact
The grants support student-led innovation and leadership, providing another practical opportunity to develop leadership, project management, budgeting, event planning and delivery, collaboration skills and make a positive social impact.
This grant opportunity is available to all currently enrolled UWA students (Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Higher Degree by Research students) and is funded by the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Grant Categories
Your idea may be big or small, whether you want to improve student wellbeing, create a stronger campus culture and sense of belonging or tackle sustainability challenges, this is your opportunity to turn your idea into action. Choose the grant that best suits your project:
Micro Grant – $500
Student Initiative Grant – $1,000
Major Impact Grant (including HDR) – $2,500
Funding is available throughout Semester 2 2026 with Round One of applications closing August 9th and some funding reserved for applications submitted later in the semester, so don't worry if your idea develops after semester begins.
- Round One Applications: Close August 9th
- Semester 2 Applications: August 9th -September 21st
- Student Impact Grant Projects: Implemented Semester 2 completed by October 16th
- Project Reporting and Financial Acquittal due: Wednesday October 21st
Find more information about the Student Impact Grants [PDF, 83KB]
Your idea could be the next project that transforms the student experience. Apply today and make your impact.
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Girls+ in Engineering Student Ambassador Program
The Girls+ in Engineering (GiE) program inspires female and non-binary students to take advantage of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) study and career pathways, focusing on areas of science where women are underrepresented. Our GiE Student Ambassador program plays an integral role in addressing the gender imbalances in STEM in Australia by providing these role models.
The program provides a cohort experience and support for women+ at UWA, and offers our students regional travel opportunities, industry site visits and networking with foundational partner Rio Tinto, paid casual work, professional development, and volunteering hours recorded on your academic transcript.
What’s involved
There is no minimum time commitment for the GiE Student Ambassador program. Hours are flexible and you can opt-in to activities to fit your schedule and study priorities. We hope that our ambassadors are with us for the duration of their degree.
Who would this suit
- Female or non-binary students studying STEM areas, focusing on areas of science where women are underrepresented
- Passionate about encouraging high school students to explore STEM-related study areas
- Interested in connecting with our industry partners Rio Tinto, SLB and Newmont Australia
- Interested in travel opportunities
- Interested in meeting other students studying in their field
Application process
Applications open at the beginning of Semester 1 and Semester 2.
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Student Equity Student Ambassador Program
Our Student Ambassadors are a vital part of Student Equity, showing that students from diverse backgrounds thrive at UWA. As an ambassador, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a range of Student Equity initiatives — including school visits, on-campus events, and residential camps. You’ll also support the Broadway Connect program by assisting first-year students from equity backgrounds and sharing your university journey to help inspire high school students to explore tertiary pathways.
What’s involved
There is no minimum time commitment for the Student Equity Student Ambassador program. Hours are flexible and you can opt-in to activities to fit your schedule and study priorities.
Who would this suit
- Domestic students in their second year of study or above
- Studied at a Broadway school
- Been part of our Aspire or Fairway programs as a high school student
- Relocated from a regional, rural or remote area to study
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians
- Interested in working with high school students and regional travel opportunities
Application process
There are two intakes for the program per year: at the beginning of Semester 1 and Semester 2.
