This scholarship was established by the Westpac Scholars Trust as part of Westpac's 200th anniversary celebrations, which was officially commemorated in 2017.
The scholarship is awarded to postgraduate students who are undertaking a Master by coursework or research or a PhD at one of nine participating world-class universities - which include ANU. In addition to demonstrating academic excellence in their own field of study, Westpac Future Leader Scholars will have the desire and potential to become leaders, inspire others and build collaborative networks across disciplines, and have a vision to contribute to the growth and prosperity of Australia.
Scholars will be exceptional people, chosen for their potential to make a difference to Australia's future in one of the Trust's four focus areas:
There are two scholarships available to prospective ANU students.
The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship provides the following benefits:
SUMMARY
VALUE
Up to $120,000 paid over 2-3 years
2 on offer
Payments made for 3 years
APPLICATION PERIOD
Student types
Domestic, Current, ProspectiveStudent levels
Master Degree, Postgraduate coursework, Postgraduate researchNumber of scholarships awarded
2 on offerSelection bases
Academic meritTo be eligible for a Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, you must:
Selection will be based on a candidate's academic achievements, world-class program of study, and focus on one or more of the Trust's priority areas. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:
Applications for the 2026 Westpac Future Leaders Program open on 1 July 2025 and will close on 27 August 2025, at 5:00 pm AEST.
All applications must be submitted through Westpac Scholars Trust's online application system. Supporting documentation required as part of the online application:
Applicants may be required to present proof of citizenship or permanent residency at any time during the selection process. Applications received without the above-mentioned documentation will not be considered by the Trust. Templates for the supporting documents are available on the Westpac Scholars Trust Website.
If you would like more information about preparing your application, please contact Philanthropic.Scholarships@anu.edu.au to speak with a Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship Awardee.
Please note: Intending applicants should also lodge an application for admission to a HDR program at ANU including identification of a potential supervisor to be considered for award of this Scholarship.
Date | Action |
1 July 2025 | Applications open |
Wednesday 6 August 2025, 1.00 - 2.00pm AEST | Online Information Session, register here |
Wednesday 27 August 2025 | Application close (5:00pm AEST) |
Mid-September to mid-October 2025 | University Shortlisting |
Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th December 2025 | Finalist Interviews with National Selection Panel in Sydney |
Mid-December 2025 | Notification of outcome |
Mid-February 2026 | Leadership Development Program Residential |
April 2026 | Scholars Summit |
Use contact details to request an alternative file format.
Click here to view the recording for the Westpac Future Leaders Information Session, held on 7 August 2024.
For more information about this scholarship, please email Philanthropic.Scholarships@anu.edu.au or click on the "visit our website" link below.
Website link