Tech Futures Scholarship | Westpac Scholars

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Scholarships

• Tech Futures Scholarship

What Is The Tech Futures Scholarship?

Technology is shaping Australia’s future. But the future will not be shaped by technology alone. It will be shaped by people who ask the right questions, make thoughtful decisions and choose how technology is used to create lasting benefit for Australia.

The Westpac Tech Futures Scholarship is an immersive technology leadership experience for outstanding final-year STEM students who are curious about the future and motivated to make a positive contribution through technology.

Valued at $20,000 per scholar, the program includes $15,000 in leadership development and immersive technology experiences, alongside a $5,000 financial contribution. Scholars will explore how technology, leadership and innovation intersect, while building the networks, perspectives and confidence to navigate what's next.

Funding

You’ll receive $5,000 in fully flexible funding for your final year of study.

Leadership Development

Over nine months, you’ll participate in an immersive technology leadership experience valued at $15,000, designed specifically for final-year STEM students. There will be opportunities to learn from researchers, innovators and industry experts, while exploring the role technology can play in shaping Australia's future.

W100 Scholars Network

You’ll attend the Westpac Scholars Summit and join the W100 Scholars Network, a lifelong community of scholars from diverse disciplines, experiences and backgrounds.

Become A Tech Futures Scholar

Register your interest in our 2027 program today.

Key Dates

2027 applications open: 29 September 2026

2027 applications close: 10 December 2026

Shortlisting: December 2026 - January 2027

Finalist interviews: First two weeks of February 2027

Notification of outcome: Late February 2027

Westpac Scholars Summit: 28-29 April 2027

Leadership Residential 1: July 2027 (TBC)

Leadership Residential 2: September 2027 (TBC)

Who Should Apply?

To be eligible for a 2027 Westpac Tech Futures Scholarship, applicants must:

1. Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

2. Have completed secondary education (Year 12 or equivalent) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2024.

3. Be currently enrolled full-time in your first undergraduate degree and in 2027 will be in the 3rd, 4th or Honours year at one of our 6 partner universities :

• Murdoch University

• Queensland University of Technology

• RMIT University

• Western Sydney University

• University of Wollongong

• UTS

4. Be studying in a STEM discipline, including (but not limited to):

• Information technology, computer science, data science

• Software engineering, cyber security, AI or related fields

• Biomedical science, health technology or medical science

5. Have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a strong academic record, typically equivalent to a Distinction average (~70 WAM or above).

6. Demonstrate a commitment to a career in technology or tech-enabled impact aligned to one of the Trust’s impact areas:

• Innovation for Impact

• Connected and Stronger Society

• Sustainable Futures

• Asia-Pacific Leadership

7. Show leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive contribution to Australia’s future.

8. Be available to participate fully in the scholarship and leadership programs, including:

• Westpac Scholars Summit (28-29 April 2027)

• Two Leadership Program Residentials (July and September TBC)

9. Provide an academic reference (template provided in application).

Note: current or previous Westpac Scholars are not eligible to apply.

F A Qs

What is a Westpac Tech Futures Scholarship?

The Westpac Tech Futures Scholarship is an immersive technology leadership experience for outstanding final-year STEM students. It combines leadership development, immersive technology experiences, financial support and lifelong connection to the W100 Scholars Network.

Why has the scholarship changed?

For more than a decade, the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship supported students at the beginning of their university journey. The Westpac Tech Futures Scholarship builds on that legacy, supporting students at a different moment: as they prepare to take their next step beyond university. It is designed for students whose technical capability is already established and who are ready to develop the leadership skills, networks and perspectives needed to help shape Australia’s future through technology.

What does the leadership program include?

The leadership program is the core component of the scholarship. Over approximately nine months, scholars will participate in immersive leadership development, technology and innovation experiences, online learning and two residential programs. Scholars will have opportunities to learn from researchers, innovators and industry leaders while exploring how technology, leadership and innovation intersect.

Why is leadership a focus of the scholarship?

Australia’s future will be shaped not only by advances in technology, but by the people making decisions about how technology is used. The scholarship is designed to help emerging STEM leaders develop the judgment, self-awareness, adaptability and leadership capability needed to contribute responsibly and effectively in a rapidly changing world.

What is the W100 Scholars Network?

The W100 Scholars Network is a lifelong community of more than 1,000 Westpac Scholars from diverse disciplines, sectors and career stages. As a Tech Futures Scholar, you’ll join researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, policy thinkers and changemakers who are committed to contributing to Australia’s future and supporting one another throughout their careers.

What opportunities will I have as part of the W100 Scholars Network?

You’ll attend the annual Westpac Scholars Summit and have ongoing opportunities to connect with fellow scholars, alumni, industry leaders and experts. The network provides opportunities for collaboration, learning and professional relationships that extend well beyond the scholarship year.

How many scholarships will be awarded each year?

Up to 35 scholarships will be awarded each year across six partner universities.

What is the value of each scholarship?

Each scholarship is valued at $20,000. This includes a leadership development and immersive technology experience valued at $15,000, plus a $5,000 financial contribution.

What is the duration of the scholarship?

The core technology leadership experience will run over approximately nine months in 2027 and includes the Westpac Scholars Summit, two leadership residentials and online learning between in-person sessions.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents who completed year 12 between 01 January 2021 and 31 December 2024. They must be currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree and will be in their third, fourth or Honours year in 2027 at one of the six partner universities. Applicants must be studying a STEM discipline, have a strong academic record, show leadership potential and be committed to making a positive contribution to Australia’s future through technology.

Do I need to study full-time?

Yes. Applicants must be enrolled full-time when they apply and remain eligible for the 2027 scholarship program.

What are the academic requirements?

Applicants should have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a strong academic record, typically equivalent to a Distinction average of around 70 WAM or above.

What fields of study are eligible?

Applicants must be studying a STEM discipline. This may include information technology, computer science, data science, software engineering, cyber security, artificial intelligence, biomedical science, health technology, medical science and related fields.

Which universities are participating?

The scholarship is offered through six partner universities: Murdoch University, Queensland University of Technology, RMIT University, the University of Technology Sydney, Western Sydney University and the University of Wollongong.

Can I apply if I have already commenced my degree?

Yes. The scholarship is specifically designed for students who are already studying and will be in the later stages of their undergraduate STEM degree in 2027.

Can I still apply if I have deferred my studies and will re-enrol in 2027?

Yes. But you must be a full time student in 2027 to participate.

Can current or previous Westpac Scholars apply?

No. Current and previous Westpac Scholars are not eligible to apply.

Do I need to be a Westpac customer or employee?

No. You do not need to be a Westpac customer or employee. The scholarship is open to eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Can I apply if I am a Westpac employee or related to one?

Yes, provided you meet all eligibility requirements.

What can I use the $5,000 financial contribution for?

The $5,000 contribution is fully flexible and is intended to support you during your final year of study.

What program commitments must I be available for?

Scholars must be available to participate fully in the program, including the Westpac Scholars Summit in Sydney on 28 and 29 April 2027, two leadership residentials planned for July and September 2027, and online learning between in-person sessions. Residential dates are to be confirmed.

When can I apply?

Applications open on 29 September 2026 and close on 10 December 2026.

How do I apply?

Applications must be submitted through the Westpac Scholars Trust online application system available via this webpage.

What will I need to provide with my application?

Applicants will need to provide information about their academic record, interest in technology, leadership potential and commitment to contributing to Australia’s future. An academic reference is also required, using the template provided in the application.

What makes a strong applicant?

Strong applicants will demonstrate academic achievement, curiosity about the future of technology, leadership potential, good judgment and a commitment to using technology to create lasting benefit. They will also show a willingness to learn from others, contribute to the cohort and engage with the W100 Scholars Network.

How will scholars be selected?

Applications will be assessed by the partner universities and Westpac Scholars Trust. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview during the first two weeks of February 2027.

When will applicants be notified of the outcome?

Applicants will be notified in late February 2027.

Can I submit more than one application?

No. Applicants may submit only one application for the 2027 program.

Can I defer the scholarship?

No. The scholarship cannot be deferred because it is tied to the 2027 program and its scheduled learning experiences.

I missed the application deadline. Can I still apply?

No. Late applications will not be accepted.

Can I get feedback if I am unsuccessful?

Westpac Scholars Trust is unable to provide individual feedback to all applicants. Candidates who attend an interview may receive feedback.

How will I know my application has been received?

After submitting your online application, you will receive a confirmation email with your application number and a copy of your application.

Will Westpac Scholars Trust provide taxation advice?

No. Scholars are responsible for seeking independent taxation advice about their individual circumstances. Westpac Scholars Trust makes no representation or warranty about the taxation implications of scholarship funding.

I am having technical problems with the application system. Who can I contact?

Please email westpacscholars@westpac.com.au.

How You’ll Be Selected

Your application will be assessed by your university and top candidates will be shortlisted. Candidates will then be invited to attend an interview to determine their selection. The interview panel will be made up of Westpac Scholars Trust and university staff.

Our Partner Universities

The Westpac Tech Futures Scholarship is offered at the following universities:

• Murdoch University

• Queensland University of Technology

• RMIT University

• Western Sydney University

• University of Wollongong

• UTS

Amy Thompson

Young Technologists Scholar | 2018

RMIT

Scholar profile

Heath Manning

Young Technologists Scholar | 2021

RMIT

Scholar profile

Elisa Chiremba

Young Technologists Scholar | 2021

Murdoch University

Scholar profile

• Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship

• Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

• Westpac Research Fellowship

• Westpac Social Change Fellowship

• Westpac Tech Futures Scholarship

Send us an email via: westpacscholars@westpac.com.au

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