APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
Scholarship Awarding University:
Several Universities
Type of degree:
Master’s and PhD
Scholarship Deadline:
Applications for this scholarship will end on the 6th of September, 2023 (5:00pm, AEST)
Scholarship Summary:
The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship supports Australian individuals who are undertaking post-graduate study that will ultimately make a difference to Australia in one of four areas; technology and innovation, fostering Australian-Asian ties, reducing Australia's environmental impact, and creating a more inclusive country.
As well as your studies, the scholarship provides a nine-month Leadership Development Program which will build on your personal strengths and give you the insights, learning and inspiration you need to make your mark on the world. 17 Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships are available for 2024.
Scholarship Applicant Criteria:
To be eligible for a Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, you must:
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (New Zealand citizens who are not also Australian citizens are not eligible to apply);
• Have completed an undergraduate degree after 1 September 2018, OR will complete by 31 December 2023;
• Have achieved or are on track to achieve an average result of H1 or H2A equivalent (approx. 75 WAM);
• Have chosen to undertake a Master by coursework or research or a PhD at one of the partner universities with demonstrated world-class capability in the proposed area of study;
Partner universities include;
• If undertaking a research program, the proposed area of research must be in a field of research with an Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) four digit Field of Research (FOR) rating of 5.
• Commence study in 2024 (Jan - Dec), not before.
• Whose proposed program of study and post-study plan must contribute to the future of Australia in at least one of the Westpac Scholars Trust's priority funding areas;
o Technology and innovation
o Strengthening the ties between Australia and Asia
o Enabling positive social change;
• Include international opportunities, such as a period of study at an overseas university, a presentation at a conference significant to the discipline, or an internship or placement at an overseas organisation which will develop your leadership skills and global networks; and
• Underpin a worthy and viable post-study plan that benefits Australia
Selection criteria will be based on the following;
a) Demonstrated academic excellence and are eager to undertake a PhD or full time Masters at one of nine universities, in a field of well above world standard.
b) Passionate about strengthening Australia's ties with Asia, driving technology and innovation, reducing Australia's environmental impact or creating a more inclusive country.
c) With a bold vision to contribute to the growth and prosperity of Australia who can articulate this vision and how postgraduate study will help make it real.
d) Possessing a desire and potential to lead.
e) Keen to be inspired by others, build networks and collaborate across diverse disciplines.
f) Confident in taking on challenges.
g) A desire to be part of and contribute to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network.
Value of Scholarship:
The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship provides the following benefits:
• up to AUD$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
• 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 (travel restrictions dependent).
Scholarship Application Guide:
To apply;
i. All applications must be submitted through Westpac Scholars Trust's online application system. Supporting documentation required as part of the online application:
• A CV of no more than two pages of 10 point Arial font and line spacing 1.5;
• A photo (headshot) of the applicant;
• (For PhD or Master by Research applicants only): A letter of support from the applicant's prospective ANU Research School stating that they are eligible to apply for entry into a PhD or Master by Research program, and including the name of the Research Supervisor;
• Certified copy of all university academic transcripts;
• Two references are required using the reference templates which are located on the Westpac Scholars Trust website. The referees selected should be people who consent to being contacted by the Trust:
o The first is an Academic Reference and needs to be completed by a person who is familiar with the applicant's academic record and understands the importance of their study program.
o The second is a Personal Reference and needs to be completed by a person who can demonstrate that the applicant has the attributes of a Westpac Scholar. This can be a previous work colleague or manager, however, should not be a family member or a person who currently or previously reported directly to the applicant;
ii. Applicants may be required to present proof of citizenship or permanent residency at any time during the selection process. Applications received without the above-mentioned documentation will not be considered by the Trust. Templates for the supporting documents are available on the Westpac Scholars Trust Website.
iii. Please note: A candidate does not need to have received an offer of a place at a participating Australian university prior to submitting an application, however, if an applicant is successful in being selected for a Future Leaders Scholarship, the award of the Scholarship will be conditional upon receiving official confirmation from a participating university of a place in the proposed program of study.
Scholarship Website:
Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Page.