2026/2027 Westpac Future Leaders Postgraduate Scholarship in Australia

Location: Australia

Program: Postgraduate (Master’s & PhD Degrees)

Eligibility: Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents

Duration: 2-4 years

Deadline: August 27, 2026

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The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded postgraduate program that supports exceptional Australians pursuing master’s or PhD studies at nine leading universities. Established in 2016 by the Westpac Scholars Trust to mark Westpac’s 200th anniversary, the scholarship aims to develop emerging leaders who will drive positive social, technological, and environmental change in Australia.

Each year, up to 17 scholars receive comprehensive funding, a nine-month Leadership Development Program, international study opportunities, and lifelong membership in the W100 Scholars Network. The program supports research and initiatives in four key areas vital to Australia’s future: Sustainable Futures, Australia in Asia, An Inclusive Country, and Thriving Tech Sector, empowering scholars to create lasting national and global impact.

Benefits of the Scholarship

This scholarship provides comprehensive support including:

Financial support of up to $120,000
International study opportunity funding for up to six months abroad to gain global perspective and connect with industry leaders
Conference and research travel funding for presentations, fieldwork, and academic meetings
Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) for direct research training costs
Equipment and technology funding to support research and study needs
Publication and dissemination costs covered
Bespoke nine-month Leadership Development Program
Lifetime membership in the W100 Scholars Network
Access to world-class university research facilities and resources
Exclusive invitation to the annual Westpac Scholars Summit

PhD students may receive the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship in addition to the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship
Combined value can exceed $200,000 collectively over the PhD candidature

The financial package covers:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Food and daily necessities
Travelling expenses
Books, supplies, and research materials
Conference attendance and fieldwork costs
Other benefits

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:

To be eligible for a 2026 Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship you must:

Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Have completed your first undergraduate degree from 2020, or will complete your degree by 31 December 2025.
Have achieved, or are on track to achieve, an average result of H1 or H2A equivalent or approx 75 WAM.
Have chosen to undertake a full-time Masters by Coursework or Research or a PhD at one of our nine participating university partners.
Must commence study in by July 2026. Current postgraduate students are not eligible. 
MD and Juris Doctor programs or a Masters by Coursework program longer than 2 years are also excluded.
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.
Have a worthy and viable post-study plan that benefits Australia.
Be able to attend the Future Leaders Scholars Leadership Development Program in Sydney in mid-February and another date, to be confirmed, in August/September 2026.
Be able to attend the Westpac Scholars Summit on 29th & 30th April 2026.

Note: Kindly check the official webpage for full and detailed requirements.

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Selection Criteria

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship selection process identifies exceptional emerging leaders with the vision and capability to create lasting positive impact in Australia. Applicants are assessed on leadership and vision (ability to inspire change, think strategically, and drive innovation), academic excellence (strong academic record, intellectual curiosity, and research potential), communication and collaboration (clarity, teamwork, inclusivity, and diverse thinking), character and values (integrity, resilience, generosity, and commitment to Australia’s future), and impact and alignment (clear post-study goals, alignment with Westpac’s focus areas, community involvement, and innovative thinking).