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What is Westpac Scholars Trust?
Westpac Scholars Trust backs exceptional students, researchers and social innovators to help them realise their potential and create lasting impact. In partnership with leading universities, we offer five scholarship programs focused on four areas critical to our nation’s future — technology and innovation, strengthening ties with Asia, creating a more inclusive country, and reducing environmental impact.
Founded in 2016 with a $100 million gift from Westpac Group, the Trust is committed to funding 100 scholarships every year, forever. Since then, we’ve supported 900+ Westpac Scholars and awarded over $50 million in scholarships to support next generation leaders — bold thinkers and changemakers committed to shaping a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
What is the Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship?
The Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship is a new, world-class, immersive leadership experience open to high-potential undergraduate and postgraduate students who have already completed a learning abroad program in the Asia-Pacific. It represents a bold step towards shaping the next generation of leaders who will navigate the challenges of our region through cultural agility and connection beyond borders.
Fellows will take part in a 9-month leadership development program, including two residential programs exploring four countries across Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam) where they will gain the skills, confidence, and connections to make a real impact — whether in business, government, academia, or the community — opening doors to global trade, technology, innovation and leadership.
Approximately 36 scholarships are available annually to undergraduate and postgraduate students from our 14 partner universities — building a network of Asia-capable leaders, which is so crucial for Australia's future prosperity and security.
What makes this fellowship program unique?
The Asia-Pacific offers unmatched opportunities for growth, innovation, and cultural exploration — where tradition meets cutting-edge progress. It also accounts for most of Australia’s global trade — it’s the hub of our economy, a tech innovation powerhouse, and a place where bold, forward-thinking leaders are shaping tomorrow’s world.
Designed for students who have already engaged with the Asia-Pacific and want to deepen that connection, the Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship includes:
1. World-Class Leadership Development Program
• A 9-month immersive experience designed for high-potential undergraduate and postgraduate students who have already engaged with the Asia-Pacific through learning abroad programs.
• All major expenses are covered, including flights, accommodation, and program costs (valued at approximately $16,000).
2. Two Residential Leadership Programs in Southeast Asia
• Residential 1: Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
• Residential 2: Jakarta, Indonesia and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
3. Skill and Career Development
• Online workshops and modules complement the residentials, enhancing Asia-capability and leadership skills — building cultural agility and strategic thinking.
• Opens doors to careers in business, government, academia, and community leadership with a strong Asia-Pacific focus.
4. Exclusive Networking Opportunities
• Lifelong membership of the W100 Scholars Network — a diverse and growing community 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.
Why is the Leadership Development Program so valuable?
Unlike traditional scholarships, the Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship prioritises leadership development, positioning students as future leaders in Australia-Asia relations. It combines adaptive leadership training with real-world challenges in the Asia-Pacific — building students’ cultural agility and strategic insight, connects them with leaders across sectors, and offers career-defining impact.
Graduates emerge ready to lead in business, government, and community roles with a deep understanding of Asia’s role in Australia’s future.
Who are we looking for?
• High-potential undergraduate and postgraduate students who hold a minimum credit average and have completed a minimum of one semester learning abroad in the Asia-Pacific. (Find out more about eligibility on our website: https://scholars.westpac.com.au/scholarships/austr...
• Individuals who are passionate about taking their Asia-Pacific leadership capability to the next level, are highly motivated with a strong generosity of spirit and are eager to create positive change in Australia.
• Those willing to be active members of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network.
• Ideally people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds who are Australian citizens or permanent residents and are studying full-time at one of our 14 partner universities during their fellowship year.
Important dates to note:
| 28 October 2025 | Applications open |
| 25 November 2025 | Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship Online Information Session (4.30pm AEDT) |
| 9 December 2025 | Applications close (5:00pm AEDT) |
| 10 – 23 December 2025 | Finalist shortlisting* |
| 23 December 2025 – 12 January 2026 | Applicants notified of shortlisting outcome |
| 27 January – 4 February 2026 | National Selection Panel – virtual interviews |
| 12 February 2026 | Notification of outcome |
*Application shortlisting will no longer be completed by universities. Instead, we will be asking you to verify the eligibility of some applicants against our criteria. This will be a low-resource process and will be completed between 17-22 December.
More information is available here:
- Email westpacscholars@westpac.com.au
- @Westpac Scholars on LinkedIn and Instagram
- Information session on Tuesday 25 November 2025 at 4.30pm AEST. Register now.