Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

Outline

"Do you have the drive to make a difference?'

Whether your focus is the Asia-Pacific, new technology or social change the Westpac Scholars Trust is offering postgraduate study for talented individuals at Australia leading universities.

Scholars will be exceptional people, chosen for their potential to make a difference to Australia's future in one of our four focus areas:

• Sustainable Futures: Advancing individuals who are creating solutions to restore ecosystems, reduce environmental impact and build long-term climate resilience where people and planet thrive.
• Asia-Pacific Leadership: Equipping leaders with the networks, insights and cultural agility to build Australia's international partnerships.
• Connected and Stronger Society:Investing in leaders creating a more inclusive and connected Australia - from strengthening democracy to transforming education and tackling inequality.
• Innovation for Impact: Backing leaders advancing science, new technologies and entrepreneurship to solve complex challenges and create lasting benefit. Positioning Australia as a global leader in innovation for good.

The Scholarships are valued at up to $120,000 over 2-3 years and will be awarded annually for research or coursework studies at graduate level.

Partner Universities

The Westpac Scholars Trust has partnered with nine leading Australian universities to deliver the Future Leaders Scholarship. Scholarship recipients must undertake their postgraduate studies at one of the following nine universities, in a field of world-class standing:

1. The University of Adelaide
2. The Australian National University
3. The University of Melbourne
4. Monash University
5. The University of Queensland
6. The University of Sydney
7. University of Tasmania
8. University of New South Wales
9. University of Western Australia

Eligibility Criteria

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Have completed your first undergraduate degree from 2021, or will complete your degree by 31 December 2026.
• Have achieved, or are on track to achieve, an average result of H1 or H2A equivalent or approx 75 WAM.
• Have chosen to undertake a full-time Masters by Coursework or Research or a PhD at one of Westpac's participating university partners (UNSW included).
• Must commence study by July 2027. Current postgraduate students are not eligible. MD and Juris Doctor programs or any Masters by Coursework program longer than 2 years are also excluded.
• Study in an area that will contribute to the future of Australia in one of the Trust priority funding areas: Asia-Pacific Leadership, Innovation for Impact, Connected and Stronger Society 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.
• Supply two letters of reference, one academic reference and one personal reference (templates will be available via Westpac's website when applications open).
• If a finalist, be able to attend the National Assessment Centre in Sydney on Monday, 23 and Tuesday 24 November 2026.
• If selected, be able to attend the Future Leaders Scholars Leadership Development Program in Sydney in mid-February 2027.
• Be able to attend the Westpac Scholars Summit in March/April 2027.

How to apply

Applications will open on 24 June 2026 and must be submitted by 20 August 2026, 5pm AEST.

For information on how to apply please visit the Westpac Future Leaders website.

Further Information

The 2026 Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Information Session will be held online on Thursday, 23 July 2026 at 1:00 PM AEST. To register your interest and attend, click here.

Email: westpacscholars@westpac.com.au