Designers – do you want to make a positive, lasting difference in the world? If you’ve got a big design idea and need some assistance making it a reality, we’d love to help! To support creative ideas and help foster global change, Peppermint is offering one up-and-coming Australian designer $500 towards the tuition fees for the course of their choice (across any design discipline, including fashion, graphics, furniture, product, landscape, jewellery, web and more). You might have already started your course this March or you could be planning to do so later this year. It may be degree-length study or a short program that will help you learn new skills. All we ask is that you have a vision for social change or environmental responsibility, and that your chosen course will help you work towards this goal. Entries will be judged by a panel of experts specialising in various aspects of design and sustainability, including Ben Peacock, Founder of Republic of Everyone agency; Kelly Elkin, Fashion Designer and Founder of ALAS sleepwear; Kent Gration, Sustainable Furniture Designer and Creator of Wambamboo and Kelley Sheenan, Designer/Editor of Peppermint.

To enter, please email your answers to the following questions (along with a supporting document containing visual representation of your concept or business idea) to hello@peppermintmag.com with the subject line ‘Design for Change’ by 5pm, Friday 28th March 2014. Hit us with your best pitch!

1) How do you plan to use design to create positive change in the world?
2) What is your background in this area?
3) How will your work stand out from others already working in this field? What will be your point of difference?
4) Which course (at which institution) do you plan to study/are currently studying?
5) What is your five-year plan to bring this idea to fruition?

#peppermintdesigncomp

Need help finding the right course? There are a number of great institutions you can apply to in Australia, including (but not limited to) the following. Check out their design programs and get inspired!

Billy Blue College of Design
Shillington College
Open Colleges
International School of Colour and Design
RMIT University
University of Tasmania
School for Social Entrepreneurs
Centre for Sustainability Leadership
Raffles College of Design and Commerce
University of Southern Australia
University of Queensland
The Permaculture Institute
SEED International
Sydney University
University of Canberra

Terms and conditions: Competition is open within Australia only. Closing date is 28th March 2014. This competition is facilitated and funded by Peppermint Publishing Trust. Prize money is non-transferrable and non-exchangeable. Funds must be paid directly to the institution (or to the competition winner if tuition fee payment has already been made – proof of payment will be required in this instance). Winner will be notified by Wednesday 9th April 2014. Proof of enrolment to the agreed institution (as outlined in your application) will need to be provided within 12 months of the competition closing date, and payment must be made to the institution within this period also. The judges’ decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.