Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

Applications for Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship are usually open between June and August annually. Valued up to $120,000, the scholarship provides postgrad students access to support and networks to help them back their ideas and make a real difference through their research and studies. 17 scholarships are awarded every year to individuals from all backgrounds who are starting postgraduate studies at one of Westpac's nine partner universities.

What makes this scholarship program unique?

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship includes:

  • up to $120,000 in scholarship funding over 2-3 years to cover costs including course fees, living expenses, learning experiences and travel expenses
  • a bespoke Leadership Development Program designed to foster potential of emerging leaders by building on your unique strengths and developing capabilities for success. It includes two residentials during the nine-month program
  • the opportunity to add a global context to your education, with tailored international experiences of up to six months
  • lifelong membership of the W100 – a diverse and growing network of inspiring Aussies ready to collaborate, challenge and offer support. Plus, hard-to-access networking and professional development opportunities
  • attendance at the Westpac Scholars Summit in Sydney

Key Dates - 2026

24 June 2026Applications open
23 July 2026Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship online information session (1pm AEST) - register here
20 August 2026Applications close (5:00pm AEST)
September 2026University shortlisting
23 & 24 November 2026Finalist Interviews with National Selection Panel in Sydney
Mid-December 2026Notify successful candidates

Meet Monash's Westpac Future Leaders Scholars

Roshini Balasooriya

"My favourite aspect of the scholarship so far has been the community it has afforded me, from the ever-supportive Westpac leadership team, to my brilliant peers who are striving to make much-needed change."

2023 Scholar

Queenie Cheung

"The leadership development program organized by the Westpac Scholar Trust has introduced me to a brilliant group of mentors, enlightened me with a new perspective on leadership, and strengthened my skills in team building."

2023 Scholar

Charlie Cooper

"The program has given me dedicated time to focus on my personal development and receive support to understand my strengths and how these can be used to best support the communities I work with."

2023 Scholar

Georgia Summerfield

"Every mountain I've climbed and all the years of putting my nose to the grindstone has led me to this exact opportunity—to stand with the brightest thought leaders in the country as A Westpac Scholar as I help tackle a global sustainability crisis."

2022 Scholar

Alex Wulff

"The Westpac Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship to me; it is an amazing opportunity to connect and collaborate with a supportive, diverse and inclusive community of individuals."

2022 Scholar

Mayleah House

"The scholarship is much more than money. Westpac has built a community of talented leaders across a diverse range of fields who support one another, challenge each other's thinking, and help each other grow."

2021 Scholar

Georgina Lau

"The Westpac Scholars program continually challenges me to view things from new perspectives and has inspired me to collaborate with people from across disciplines to create more meaningful change."

2020 Scholar

Kealan Pugsley

"Being a Westpac Scholar not only opens so many windows of opportunity and growth, but instils a sense of hope and excitement for the future of Australia."

2020 Scholar

More information

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