Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

Outline

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

Whether your focus is Asia, 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 Australias future in one of our four focus areas:

• Sustainable Futures: Responding and adapting to climate change is one of the worlds most urgent challenges. We want to accelerate innovative solutions to reduce Australia environmental impact and build a more sustainable future.
• Australia in Asia: The Asia Pacific is a dynamic and complex region deeply intertwined with Australias future. We want to strengthen people to people connections and foster ideas beyond borders.
• An Inclusive Country: Our nation holds enough space for all Australians to be included. We want to back changemakers building resilient communities and overcoming social injustice.
• Thriving Tech Sector: Technology is intertwined with our future, and todays bold ideas will transform lives tomorrow. We want to back the next generation of innovators creating solutions to benefit all Australians.

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 2020, or will complete your degree by 31 December 2025.
• 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 our participating university partners.
• Must commence study by July 2026. 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: 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.
• Supply two letters of reference, one academic reference and one personal reference (templates will be available via our website when applications open on 1 July).
• Be able to attend the National Assessment Centre in Sydney on 3-4 December 2025.
• Be able to attend the Future Leaders Scholars Leadership Development Program in Sydney in mid-February and another date, to be confirmed, in August/September 2026.
• Be able to attend the Westpac Scholars Summit in April 2026.

How to apply

Applications will open on 1 July 2025 and must be submitted by 27 August 2025, 5pm AEST.

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

Further Information

The 2025 Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Information Session will be held online on Wednesday 6 August 2025 at 1:00 PM. To register your interest and attend, click here.

Email: westpacscholars@westpac.com.au