Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship 2027

Overview

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship is one of Australia’s most prestigious postgraduate awards. It funds Masters or PhD study at one of nine partner Australian universities. The scholarship is worth up to AUD 120,000 across the funded period and includes a structured leadership development programme alongside the academic year. Around 17 scholars per cohort. The 2027 cycle closes 21 August 2026.

Benefits

• Up to AUD 120,000 over the duration of the postgraduate programme.
• Annual return international travel grant for an exchange or research stay outside Australia.
• 18 months of structured leadership development through the Westpac Scholars Programme.
• Mentorship from a senior business or academic leader.
• Lifetime Westpac Scholars alumni community access.
• Career placement support and introductions to Westpac corporate partners.

Eligibility

• Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident.
• Holding or planning to apply for admission to a postgraduate programme (Masters by coursework, Masters by research, or PhD) at one of the nine partner universities: Sydney, NSW, Melbourne, Monash, ANU, Queensland, Adelaide, WA, or RMIT.
• Aged under 35 at the start of the programme.
• Bachelor’s degree with strong upper-second or first-class honours.
• Demonstrated leadership at undergraduate level or in the workplace.
• Cannot already hold a Masters or PhD in the same discipline.

How to apply

1. Open the Westpac Scholars Trust page at the source link.
2. Apply for admission to your chosen postgraduate programme at one of the nine partner universities. Westpac does not manage admissions.
3. Complete the Westpac scholarship application: academic record, leadership statement, two references, and a 90-second video pitch on a global challenge you care about.
4. Submit by 21 August 2026.
5. Shortlisted candidates attend an in-person assessment day in October 2026. Final scholars are announced in November 2026 for February 2027 entry.