UniSQ Graduate Excellence Award

The UniSQ Graduate Excellence Award is a program that recognises well-rounded, career-ready individuals who have gone above and beyond their academic studies to develop their graduate skills through sustained effort.

When undertaking the Award, you receive recognition for engaging in a diverse range of extra and co-curricular activities. These activities are assessed across three categories: Professional Development, Extra-curricular Achievement, and Contribution to the Community. The Award also acknowledges the development of skills, attributes, and personal qualities necessary for effective University study, success in the workplace, and good citizenship. By actively participating in this program, you can build your personal skillsets, expand your knowledge and awareness of the world around you, meet new people, enhance your career outcomes, and engage with the full UniSQ experience.

The Award is open to all current UniSQ students, with no cost to join or complete the program - just your time, effort, and a commitment to developing yourself.

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Complete eligible activities during your studies at UniSQ
Prepare and submit verification for each of your activities
Achieve 1000 activity points (minimum of 250 points in each of the three categories)
Submit a personal reflection on your time undertaking the Award and developing your graduate skills (assessed by a Panel)
Submit your final completion form
Receive an official activity transcript and be formally recognised at our annual UniSQ Student Awards ceremony

There is no set deadline for completing the Graduate Excellence Award: some students work to complete the Award quickly, while others take their time over the course of their program to earn points. It can be undertaken over the lifetime of your study at UniSQ and we encourage you to tailor your approach to fit your individual needs.

For more information about the activities eligible for recognition, activity categories, and activity verification documents, please see the Graduate Excellence Award – Activity Handbook.

The Graduate Excellence Award will help you develop a wide range of skills to help you become a well-rounded graduate. The Graduate Attributes Policy informs the following Graduate Skills recognised and developed by the Award:

Discipline-specific expertise and industry knowledge
Research, analytical and evaluative skills
Digital literacy
Communication and interpersonal skills
Teamwork and leadership
Cultural awareness and capability
Ethical practice
Resilience and adaptability
Critical and creative thinking
Self-direction and resourcefulness

Formal Recognition

Upon completion, you receive an official Graduate Excellence Award Transcript. This personalised document outlines the Award’s purpose and framework, providing an overall breakdown of your Graduate Skills and a complete list of your activities with their relevant skill markers. Transcripts can be used to show future employers your dedication to developing yourself, help you get ahead in your career with a clear record of your key experiences, and demonstrate your ability to actively engage in a variety of activities while studying.

Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)

You will also have the Graduate Excellence Award noted* on your Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) when you complete your academic program.

*Subject to requirements and assigned deadlines being met

For more information about the activities eligible for recognition, activity categories, and activity verification documents, please see the Graduate Excellence Award – Activity Handbook.

Still have questions? Reach out to the UniSQ Student Enrichment team.

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Hear from 2023 Award Recipient: Nina Sorley

The Graduate Excellence Award has “definitely expanded my skillset. You learn things in your studies, but there are so many Graduate Skills that don’t quite get hit in assessment tasks or in courses. So it’s been really great to diversify that skillset... it has encouraged and inspired me to try so many new things that I never would have ever considered, and it’s just brought upon other exciting opportunities for me.”

Hear from 2023 Award Recipient: Richard Dein D. Altarez

"Receiving the Award is like a very fantastic and momentous achievement in my life. The experience is extraordinary."