Scholarship details
The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship invites all outstanding students to apply for the academic year of 2024-2025. The scholarship is one of the well-known prestigious awards for the students who will will pursue their Masters Degree by coursework or research and PhD degree at any eligible universities in Australia.
About the Scholarship
The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship aims to provide assistance to ambitious individuals who possess innovative ideas and aspire to undertake postgraduate research or coursework in fields connected to technologies, sustainability, innovation and social change or Australia’s engagement with Asia. The scholarship seeks to empower these candidates, enabling them to emerge as influential leaders in their respective fields, catalyzing positive transformation and a promising future for Australia.
Source: Westpac Scholars Trust
Their unwavering commitment lies in shaping the future of Australia by dedicating resources to nurture a new future leaders, fueled by immense passion and determination to turn ambitious visions into reality. Annually, they provide substantial funding for 100 scholarships, amounting to over $4 million, intended for university researchers, students and social entrepreneurs. Their primary goal is to support individuals who genuinely yearn to unleash their full potential and contribute to building a more sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and globally interconnected Australia. Through this initiative, they strive to pave the way for a brighter and more promising tomorrow for our nation.
A financial support range from $12,250 – $400,000 across their five unique scholarship offers, their program empowers the scholars to invest their energy and time to what matters most on their research, studies and leadership developments. Westpac Scholars Trust supports Australians with the potential to make a positive impact. Each scholarship includes a transformative leadership experience to propel recipients to the next level. Leadership development is at the core of the scholarship, offering weeklong residentials, leadership 360 reviews, and online workshops to enhance critical soft skills.
The Future Leaders Scholars are provided with financial support for their postgraduate studies and living expenses. They also get the privilege of participating in leadership and mentorship programs, which offer valuable guidance for their personal and professional growth. Additionally, they have the exciting opportunity to engage in overseas travel and networking experiences, where they can connect with like-minded individuals, senior business leaders, and experts from various industries.
Scholarship Summary
- Applicants Nationality: Australian and permanent residence
- Degree Level: Masters or PhD
- Field: Any Eligible fields offered by their partnered universities
- Number of Awards: 17
- Scholarship Amount: $120, 000
- Scholarship Country: Australia
- Renewable: Yes
- Offered Annually: Yes
- Duration: Up to four years
List of the Participating Universities for the Scholarship Program
- Australian National University
- Monash University
- The University of Adelaide
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Queensland
- The University of Sydney
- University of New South Wales
- University of Western Australia
- University of Tasmania
Who can apply for the scholarship?
To be eligible for the scholarship awards the students must meet the following criteria:
- Australian citizenship or permanent residency (New Zealand citizens are not eligible).
- Completion of the first undergraduate degree within the last 5 years or expected to complete by December 2023.
- An average result of H1 or H2A equivalent or approximately 75 WAM.
- Enrollment in a full-time Masters by coursework or research or a PhD program at one of the participating university partners.
- Field of study for PhD and Masters by research applicants must have an ERA four-digit FOR rating of “well above world standard”; Masters by coursework applicants should choose an area of study with world-class standing.
- Planned commencement of study in 2024; current postgraduate students are ineligible.
- Proposed program of study should align with the Trust’s priority funding areas: Australia in Asia, Thriving Tech Sector, an Inclusive Australia, and Sustainable Futures.
- Inclusion of international opportunities in the study program, such as research study tours, attending conferences or short courses, internships, or volunteering, to develop leadership skills and global networks.
- A viable post-study plan that contributes to the betterment of Australia.
- Submission of two reference letters: one academic reference and one personal reference.
- Availability to attend the National Assessment Centre in Sydney on 5-6 December 2023.
- Commitment to attend the Future Leaders Scholars Leadership Development Program in Sydney on 18 – 23 February and another date to be confirmed in August.
- Ability to attend the 2024 Westpac Scholars Summit.
Application Process
- All applications must be submitted through the Westpac Scholars Trust’s online application system.
- Access the online system via the Westpac Future Leaders webpage.
- A downloadable PDF version of the application is available on the application portal to aid in planning your answers.
- Ensure that all fields in the application have text to progress to the next section; you can create text placeholders if you want to work ahead.
- Before submission, review your answers and supporting documents thoroughly.
- Once submitted, applications cannot be re-submitted or amended, so ensure accuracy and completeness before finalizing.
Required Documents
As part of the application process, the candidates must submit the following:
- The CV must no more than two pages
- University transcript of records
- Two reference letter
Selection Process
A Selection Committee will be reviewing all the applications. The candidates must be able to demonstrate the following:
- Academic excellence and notable achievements
- Potential to contribute to Australia’s future growth in priority areas.
- Possessing the attributes of a Westpac Future Leaders Scholar.
- Strong connection to Australia and a desire to give back.
It is important to refer to the official guidelines for complete details and overview of the selection process.
Scholarship Awards
The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship offers financial support of up to $120,000, encompassing research, study, leadership developments and global experience. However, the actual value of the scholarship may be less than $120,000, depending on the nature of the proposed program of study or research.
Scholarship Timeline
- Scholarship Opening: July 5, 2023
- Application Deadline: September 6, 2023
- Notification of the application outcome: December 13, 2023
