The Westpac Scholars Trust proposition is simple.
To back Australians who can make a difference by awarding 100 scholarships a year, forever.
Forever… let that sit with you for a moment.
Since the Trust’s inception, $40m has been awarded to individuals with the drive and potential to shape Australia’s future. In 2022, the Trust awarded $4.6m to 100 Westpac Scholars, growing the cohort to over 640 inspiring Australians.
Through the scholarships, the Trust pursues ambitious priorities, including:
- Developing world-class leaders, through transformative leadership programs.
- Empowering the scholar network, through lifelong access to inspiring communities.
- Fostering long-term mutually beneficial partnerships with Australian universities.
- Delivering measurable impact, sustainable for the long-term.
The Asian Exchange program, for Australian undergraduate students, forms part of a suite of the Westpac Scholars Trust Scholarship offerings. This commitment… forever… builds a thriving living legacy for young Australians and universities to continue engagement in Asia.
Amy Lyden, CEO of the Westpac Foundation & Scholars Trust, says “The Asian Exchange Scholarship underscores the deep commitment of the Westpac Scholars Trust to enhance Australia’s ties with Asia.” Nations within the exchange cluster reflect our key trade and investment markets, represent our large diaspora populations, have deep geopolitical ties and partner with us across government, industry and communities to address unique regional challenges.
The Scholarships
Across five unique offerings, scholars are empowered to invest time and energy into their studies, research and leadership development. They include;
- Research Fellowships – providing early career researchers tools and opportunities to uplift their ground-breaking research.
- Social Change Fellowships – for social entrepreneurs looking to invest in leadership and accelerate their impact.
- Future Leaders Scholarships – for postgraduate coursework and research students to develop leadership capability.
- Young Technologists – for high school graduates considering tertiary studies in STEM and a career in technology.
- Asian Exchanges – for undergraduate students pursuing an exchange in Asia.
A 2022 review of Trust activity delivered a deep dive into program impact and scholar feedback. With 94% of scholars now more confident in contributing to the future prosperity of Australia, the network is delivering on its vision. The resulting ‘Creating a Stronger Australia Together’ impact report is available here.
Ms Lyden notes, “our Asian Exchange Scholars are courageous, curious, and adventurous, and through our Asian Exchange Scholarship program, we nurture their development to help them grow as leaders and broaden their perspectives so that they can create even greater impact in the future.”
Currently 50% of Australian learning abroad students explore the Asia-Pacific region. So, the Westpac scholarship investment sits impressively alongside these experiences; a uniquely crafted program to elevate and amplify the exchange. A turbo boost, if you like.
An Asian exchange
Since 2015, the Trust has awarded 259 Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarships, valued at over $3.2m. Investing in a new generation of leaders, it’s not simply a scholarship. The year-long immersion curates leadership development opportunities, global engagement and networking and mentoring; preparing scholars for impactful careers that will guide Australia’s engagement in Asia.
Sam Wall, Asian Exchange Program Lead for the Westpac Scholars Trust says “The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship equips our Scholars with culturally competent leadership skills and Asia-capability to empower them to engage with and within Asia more effectively.” Leadership development, skills in the context of the Asia-Pacific and cross-cultural communication; are features of a weeklong leadership residential in Singapore. This brings the Australian scholar cohort together before exchanges commence.
The Westpac investment in the 2-semester study in Asia accelerates a scholar’s impact and leadership, propelling their careers forward. Scholars receive funding to support travel and living expenses, immersing themselves in the cultural, social and political experiences. Study is hosted in mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, through existing exchange agreements between the home university and partner institution.
Key to program longevity… (remember it’s forever) … is the W100 Network. This intentionally cultivated community is inclusive of scholars across the five programs, a diverse collection of purpose-driven Australians at all career stages. The network builds friendships, allies, mentors and national collaborations, connecting scholars with industry leaders and world-class experts through the Westpac Group. An inspiring group of like-minded game-changers they attend exclusive events, including the Sydney Westpac Scholars Summit. The talent of the W100 network is on display here.
Mr Wall, who also manages the Trusts W100 Alumni program, feels “there’s never been a more important time in our nation’s history to engage with Asia, and international student mobility plays a significant role in that engagement through establishing people-to-people connections at a grassroots level.” The opportunities for educational institutions, government and industry partners are also elevated through this concentration of exceptional undergraduate talent in the region and should not be underestimated.
The value of the program continues to evolve. Launched earlier in 2023, the W100 HUB harnesses the inspiring network of game-changers, achievers, bright sparks and believers. This digital platform enables scholars to connect globally and is an attractive community for aspiring Asian Exchange Scholars – in a region where relationships are key.
Inside a short and covid interrupted decade, the Trust and Asian Exchange Scholarships have amplified how magnetic these networks are. There is much to learn through collaboration with university partners in Asia. They are reflected in some of the globes most productive research clusters and host influential education and industry partnerships that lead to knowledge generation, commercialisation and market impact. By any measure Australia’s future is with and in Asia, it’s an exciting, rich and kaleidoscopic fusion that we are deeply immersed in.
Forever starts now for the next cohort of Westpac Asian Exchange Scholars.
Review eligibility requirements and FAQ’s here.
Apply for a Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship here.
Applications for students across 14 partnering Australian universities close 5:00pm AEDT, Monday 4 December 2023
