Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

Facts and figures

  • Australia

  • Up to AUD$120,000 over 2–3 years

  • Applications open Jul – Aug 2025

Apply in July

Applications for the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship are currently closed.

Visit the website

The scholarships

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship supports everyday people who have big ideas and want to do graduate research or coursework related to sustainability, technology and innovation, social change or Australia’s relationship with Asia.

Westpac’s aim is to empower scholars to become leaders in their field, helping them to drive positive change and create a brighter future for Australia.

As a Westpac Future Leaders scholar you'll receive support for your graduate studies and living costs. You'll also have access to leadership and mentorship programs, and the chance to travel overseas to participate in networking opportunities with peers, senior business leaders and industry experts.

Your studies can be in any field, but they must contribute to the future of Australia in one of Westpac’s four priority funding areas:

  • Australia in Asia
  • thriving tech sector
  • an inclusive country
  • sustainable futures.

Benefits

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship provides:

  • Financial support with up to AUD$120,000 for your graduate studies and living expenses, provided over two to three years.
  • Leadership development, giving you access to Westpac’s nine-month course and personal development program.
  • Global experiences, with the opportunity to spend up to six months studying abroad to gain a global perspective and meet industry leaders around the world.

As a Westpac Future Leaders scholar, you'll also join the W100 Scholars Network – an inspiring network of collaborators, mentors and friends, all driven to create positive change.

Details

Value
Up to $120,000 over 2–3 years

Applications open
Jul – Aug 2025

Scholarship commences
2026

Study level
Graduate

Fields of study
Any

Study location
Australia

Study institution
Monash University

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship is created and funded by the Westpac Scholars Trust, which was set up in 2017 by Westpac bank to support a new generation of leaders who are eager to create a better future for all Australians. The Trust focuses on empowering scholars to set new standards in the areas of innovation and technology, sustainability, strengthening ties with Asia, and social change.

Each year, they offer 100 scholarships, (worth over AUD$4,000,000) to university students, researchers, and social entrepreneurs who are eager to reach their full potential and create a more sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and globally connected Australia.

Westpac’s programs are designed to empower you to invest your time and energy into what matters most – your studies, research, and leadership development.

Beyond funding, the programs also offer unique leadership development opportunities, global experiences, networking, and mentoring – all of which are vital in preparing scholars to lead successful and meaningful careers, and step up to lead Australia into a better future.

Applications

How to apply

The application portal is open only during the application period.

In the meantime, you can visit the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship website to register your interest and you'll be notified when applications open.

Key dates

Applications open
Jul 2025

Applications close
Late Aug 2025

Scholarship commences
2026

Resources