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. The 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.

The 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 the 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
• About Westpac Scholars Trust
• Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Postgraduate Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Postgraduate Scholarship
• Requirements for Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Postgraduate Scholarship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Postgraduate Scholarship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Postgraduate Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Postgraduate Scholarship

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship provides the following 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 Experience - Spend up to six months abroad as part of your studies to gain a global perspective and connect with industry leaders around the world.
• Lifelong membership in the Westpac 100 Scholars Network

Requirements for Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Postgraduate Scholarship Qualification

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 Sydney in mid-February 2027. 
13. Be able to attend the Westpac Scholars Summit in March/April 2027.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Postgraduate Scholarship

• 2027 Applications Open: Wednesday 24 June 2026, 9.00am AEST. Apply now. 
• Online Information Session: Thursday 23 July 2026, 1.00 - 2.00pm AEST - Register for the online information session.
• 2027 Applications Close: Thursday 20 August 2026, 5.00pm AEST
• University Shortlisting: September 2026
• Finalist Interviews with National Selection Panel in Sydney: Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 November 2026
• Notification of outcome: Mid-December 2026
• Leadership Development Program Residential: Mid-February 2027?
• Scholars Summit: TBC March/April 2027

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC 2027
Chevening Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• Apply now or nominate someone. 

For more information, kindly visit Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship webpage.