Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship 2025

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship is all about supporting everyday people with big ideas looking to pursue postgraduate research or coursework in areas related to sustainability, technology and innovation, social change or Australia’s relationship with Asia. Our aim is to empower these individuals to become leaders in their field, helping them to drive positive change and create a brighter tomorrow for Australia.

Our Future Leaders Scholars receive funding for their postgraduate study and living expenses, gain access to leadership and mentorship programs, have the opportunity to undertake overseas travel and participate in networking experiences with like-minded individuals, senior business leaders and industry-based experts.

Scholars must be intending to commence a postgraduate degree at one of our nine partner universities across Australia.

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship is offered at nine leading Australian universities:

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

Your proposed program of study can be in any field of world class standing at one of our nine partner universities, however, it must be relevant to the Trust’s focus areas: Australia in Asia, Thriving Tech Sector, an Inclusive Australia and Sustainable Futures.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirments
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineAugust 27, 2025
• ValueUp to $120,000
• Study LevelMasters , PhD
• SponsorWestpac Scholars
• City to studyNew South Wales
• School to studyAustralian National University, Monash University, The University of Queensland, The University of Sydney, The University of Western Australia, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales (UNSW), University of Tasmnaia
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship provides the following benefits:

• Up to $120,000 over 2-3 years to cover the cost of study and living
• Enrolment in the Westpac Leadership Development Program
• Lifelong membership in the Westpac 100 Scholars Network

For further details, see: Future Leaders Scholarship - Westpac Scholars

Requirements

To be eligible for a 2026 Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship you must:

1. Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
2. Have completed your first undergraduate degree from 2020, or will complete your degree by 31 December 2025.
3. Have achieved, or are on track to achieve, an average result of H1 or H2A equivalent or approx 75 WAM (the application form includes questions to provide further context to grades if required). 
4. Have chosen to undertake a full-time Masters by Coursework or Research or a PhD at one of our nine participating university partners.
5. Must commence study in by July 2026. Current postgraduate students are not eligible.?
6. MD and Juris Doctor?programs or a Masters by Coursework program longer than 2 years are also excluded.
7. Study in an area that will 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.
8. 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.
9. Have a worthy and viable post-study plan that benefits Australia.
10. Supply two letters of reference, one academic reference and one personal reference. Reference templates provided once applications launch.
11. If a finalist, be able to attend the interviews with the National Selection Panel in Sydney (Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th December). Westpac Scholars Trust will cover domestic travel costs for finalist to attend. 
12. 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.
13. Be able to attend the Westpac Scholars Summit in late March 2026.

Interview Dates and Process

Your application will be reviewed by Westpac Scholars Trust to ensure you meet our eligibility criteria. You will then be asked to complete an online assessment which will be sent to your home university alongside your completed application.

Your intended university will select top candidates to be shortlisted. Up to 34 scholars are then invited to attend our National Assessment Centre held in December in Sydney. This event is chaired by our National Selection Panel, made up of dedicated senior industry and academic leaders who will decide on the final selection of Westpac Future Leaders through a rigorous selection process.

Application Deadline

August 27, 2025

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to Westpac Scholars on westpacscholars.smartygrants.com.au to apply

First apply for admission to a graduate coursework or research degree at any of the partnering university, then apply for the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship.

For more information, kindly visit Westpac Scholars scholarship webpage.