2026/2027 Westpac Research Fellowship in Australia

Location: Australia

Program: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Eligibility: Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents

Duration: 3 – 5 years

Deadline: August 25, 2026

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The Westpac Research Fellowship is a prestigious program by the Westpac Scholars Trust that supports exceptional early career researchers seeking to drive positive change in Australia. Offered in partnership with leading universities—ANU, the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and the University of Sydney—the Fellowship provides up to $400,000 over 3–5 years for postdoctoral research in areas such as sustainability, technology and innovation, social change, and Australia’s engagement with Asia. Beyond funding, Fellows receive mentorship, professional development, and access to an exclusive national network of scholars and leaders.

Established in 2017 through a $100 million philanthropic gift marking Westpac’s bicentennial, the Westpac Scholars Trust is one of Australia’s largest educational philanthropy initiatives, awarding around 100 scholarships annually across five streams. With over $45 million invested in 830+ scholars, the Trust’s mission is to empower future leaders and innovators to shape a stronger, more sustainable Australia.

Benefits of the Scholarship

This fellowship will provide the following to its recipients:

Minimum $400,000 funding over 3 to 5 years
Fully flexible funding that can be attributed toward:
- Your salary
- Learning and development experiences
- Overseas travel and international opportunities
- Research expenses
All travel and accommodation costs covered for interviews and Scholars Summit

Bespoke leadership course tailored for early career researchers
Personal development program to accelerate your career
Online training to help you succeed in academia and industry
Skills development for impactful research delivery throughout your career

Access to Westpac’s senior business leaders and industry experts
Connection with over 830+ Westpac Scholars across five scholarship streams
Study tours for research purposes
Other benefits

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Westpac Research Fellowship, applicants must:

Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Have been awarded a PhD between 2019 and 2022 or have obtained an eligibility exemption from the deputy vice chancellor
Must be able to commence your Fellowship by June 30, 2026

Your proposed research must contribute to the future of Australia in one of the Trust’s priority funding areas
Your proposed research must be in any field of world-class standing at one of the four partner universities

Must be able to attend interview with National Selection Panel in Sydney
If successful, must attend Westpac Scholars’ Summit in Sydney
Must meet any additional requirements from your chosen host university

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

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Selection Criteria

The Westpac Scholars Trust selection process is rigorous and comprehensive, conducted by a National Selection Panel comprising 10 senior industry, academic, and research representatives. Applications are first reviewed by Westpac Scholars Trust to ensure eligibility criteria are met, then candidates complete an online assessment which is submitted along with the full application to the host University for Analysis. Universities may conduct interviews before shortlisting up to two candidates per university to attend the National Assessment Centre in Sydney. At the National Assessment Centre, candidates are interviewed by the National Selection Panel who evaluate research excellence and innovation, including the quality, originality, and potential impact of the proposed research on Australia’s future in priority funding areas.