Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship 2027

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 sustainable futures, innovation, social change or Asia-Pacific leadership. 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. 

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineAugust 20, 2026
• Study LevelMasters , PhD
• SponsorWestpac Scholars
• City to studySouth Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania
• School to studyAdelaide University, Australian National University (ANU), Monash University, The University of Queensland, The University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales (UNSW), University of Tasmnaia, University of Western Australia (UWA)
• Eligible CountryAustralia

Benefits

• Generous funding: Receive fully flexible financial support for your postgraduate studies and living expenses with up to $120,000 provided over 2-3 years.

• Leadership development: Build the solid foundations of a leader with our bespoke nine-month course and personal development program. 

• Overseas experiences: Spend up to six months abroad as part of your studies to gain a global perspective and connect with industry leaders around the world. 

Requirements

To be eligible for a 2027 Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship you must:

1. Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

2. Have completed your first undergraduate degree from 1 January 2021, or will complete your degree by 31 December 2026.

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 be commencing study by 31 July 2027.  You must not have commenced your postgraduate degree. ?

6. Doctor of Medicine (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: Asia-Pacific Leadership, Innovation for Impact, Connected and Stronger Society 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 and one personal. 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.

11. If a finalist, be able to attend the interviews with the National Selection Panel in Sydney (Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 November). 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 Melbourne from 14 - 18 February 2027. 

13. Be able to attend the Westpac Scholars Summit from 27 - 29 April 2027.

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Selection Process

• Your application will first be reviewed by Westpac Scholars Trust to ensure you meet eligibility criteria. It will then be provided to your intended university for shortlisting.
• Each university will nominate their top candidates and up to 34 finalists from across Australia will be invited to attend our National Assessment Centre in December in Sydney. Finalists will be asked to complete a Korn Ferry assessment prior to attending the NAC and record a short video.
• The NAC is chaired by our National Selection Panel, made up of senior industry and academic leaders, who will make the final selection of Westpac Future Leader Scholars through a rigorous and holistic process.

The National Selection Panel comprises senior industry and academic leaders responsible for the final selection of Westpac Research Fellows and Future Leader Scholars. Through the rigorous selection process, the panel is dedicated to recruiting Australia's best and brightest leaders, innovators and pioneers from all walks of life.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Apply now or nominate someone.  

For more information, kindly visit the Westpac Scholars webpage.