Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

Are you a problem solver with a genuine passion to make a difference? Are you considering postgraduate study next year?

 

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, valued up to $120,000, helps you access the support and networks you need to back your ideas, and create a positive impact in your community and beyond, through your research and studies.

 

With a focus on developing leadership potential, the scholarship includes a transformative Leadership Development Program to shape your unique skills. There is also an opportunity to add a global context to your education with tailored international experiences (provided no travel restrictions), and all Westpac Scholars get lifelong membership to the W100 – a diverse and growing network of inspiring young Aussies.

 

17 scholarships are awarded every year to individuals from all backgrounds who are starting postgraduate studies at one of our nine partner universities.

 

Scholarship details

Value: $120,000 approx. total

Duration: 3 Years

Availability: 17 scholarships offered

Application dates

Opening Soon

Open: 01/07/2025
Close: 29/08/2025

Options


This scholarship is for:

Academic merit

Areas of study:

  • Any Area of Study

At Institution:

  • University of Tasmania
  • Australian National University
  • Monash University
  • University of Adelaide
  • University of Western Australia
  • University of New South Wales
  • University of Queensland
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Sydney

Study level:

  • Postgraduate coursework
  • Postgraduate research

Study Load:

  • Full Time

Location:

  • NSW
  • NT
  • SA
  • QLD
  • TAS
  • VIC
  • WA
  • ACT

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this program you must:
– be an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
– have completed your first undergraduate degree within the last 5 years or will your degree by December of the applicable year;
– have achieved or are on track to achieve an average result of around 75 WAM;
– have chosen to undertake a full-time Masters by coursework or research or a PhD at one our participating university partners;
– must commence study in the next applicable year – current postgraduate students are not eligible;
– your proposed program of study must contribute to the future of Australia in one of the Trust’s priority funding areas: Australia in Asia, Thriving Tech Sector, an Inclusive Australia and Sustainable Futures;
– include in your proposed program of study international opportunities which will develop your leadership skills and global networks, such as: study tours for the purpose of research, attending a short course or conference, a period of internship or volunteering;
– have a worthy and viable post-study plan that benefits Australia and
– be able to attend the National Assessment Centre in Sydney, the Future Leaders Scholars Leadership Development Program in Sydney and the following year’s Westpac Scholars Summit.

How to Apply

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:
– academic excellence and achievements to date;
– the ability to articulate how their proposed program of study has the potential to contribute to the future growth and prosperity of Australia in one of the Foundation’s priority funding areas;
– the attributes of a Westpac Future Leaders Scholar;
– a strong sense of connection to Australia and the desire to give back.
 
Supporting documentation needed:
– CV of no more than two pages of 10 point arial font and line spacing of 1.5;
– all university academic transcripts;
– two references are required using the reference templates which are located on the Westpac Scholars Trust’s website – the referees you select should be people who consent to being contacted by the Trust. 
– a recent photo – high resolution of headshot is preferred; 
For PhD and Masters by Research applicants – you must also supply one letter of support from either your supervisor, dean of the faculty or head of school or equivalent.

Further Information

Your proposed program of study:

  • Can be in any field and must be relevant to the Trust’s focus areas; 
  • Include international opportunities, such as a period of study at an overseas university, an invited presentation at a conference significant to the discipline, or a period of internship or placement at an overseas organisation, which will develop your leadership skills and global networks; 
  • Underpin a worthy and viable post-study plan that benefits Australia.

Funding requests for the purpose of medical research as defined in the ARC Medical Research Policy available on the Australian Research Council website will not be considered; MD, juris doctor programs or equivalent are also excluded. Masters by coursework programs must be completed within two years. More questions? Go to our FAQs, download the Funding Guidelines or email westpacscholars@westpac.com.au.