Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

Highlights

Value	Eligibility	Open date	Close date
Up to $120,000	Australian citizen or permanent resident Achieve an average result of H1 or H2A equivalent Masters by coursework or research or a PhD Commence study in 2024	TBC	TBC

How to apply

Apply here.

Key dates

Online information session: Tuesday 8 August, 4:00pm AEST.

University shortlisting: 26 September - 13 October 2023

National Assessment Centre: 5 - 6 December 2023

Notification of outcome: 13 December 2023

Benefits

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship will provide funding of up to $120,000 to support study, research, global experience and access to the Leadership Development Program. The value of your proposed program of study or research may be less than $120,000, and will depend on the type of course or research program.

Typically the duration of the scholarship will be 2-3 years, depending on the proposed program of study. It could range from 1.5 years to 4 years, including an international experience of up to 6 months. Masters by Coursework programs typically range from 1.5 years to 2 years; Masters by Research typically range from 2 years to 3 years; PhD programs typically range from 3 years to 4 years. 4 years is the maximum funding period for PhD applicants.

Who's eligible

You must:

be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (New Zealand citizens are not eligible)
have completed your first undergraduate degree within the last 5 years, or will complete by December 2023
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 within University of Sydney
have a field of study which, for PhD and Masters by research applicants has an ERA four digit FOR rating of "well above world standard" and Masters by coursework applicants, your proposed area of study must be in area of world-class standing
commence study in 2024. Current postgraduate students are not eligible

Background

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship supports outstanding postgraduate coursework and research students eager to make a difference in Australia through further education.

The program is designed to foster leadership potential and offers opportunities to gain global experience and life-long access to the W100 Scholars Network. Up to 17 scholarships valued up to $120,000 each are awarded every year to individuals from all backgrounds who are starting postgraduate study.

Terms and Conditions - Coursework

1. Background

a. In celebration of Westpac Group’s 200th anniversary the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation was established with the aim of educating and advancing Australians. The Westpac Bicentennial Foundation believes investing in Australia’s future leaders through education and support is the primary way our country will thrive in the next century.

2. Eligibility

a. Please refer to the Future Leaders Scholarship Website http://bicentennial.westpacgroup.com.au/scholarships/future-leaders/ for program details, and eligibility.

3. Selection Criteria

a. Please refer to the Future Leaders Scholarship Website http://bicentennial.westpacgroup.com.au/scholarships/future-leaders/ for selection process and criteria.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship value is stated in the offer letter.

b. The scholarship annual value will be paid in two equal instalments after the census date of each semester.

c. Deferral of the Scholarship is not permitted without the prior permission of Westpac and The University and it is not transferable to another University school, faculty or university.

d. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds.

e. No other amount is payable.

5. Ongoing eligibility

a. To continue receipt of the Scholarship, the recipient must maintain a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65 each semester.

b. Recipients undertaking an exchange during the tenure of this Scholarship are required to have achieved a Satisfied Requirements grade (SR) to receive their next payment.

6. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:

i. withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol,
ii. commences part-time study without prior approval,
iii. does not maintain satisfactory academic performance,
iv. is determined by the University to be guilty of serious misconduct, including, but not limited to, having provided false or misleading information as part of their Scholarship application,
v. is awarded an alternative primary scholarship. In such circumstances this scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative scholarship where the alternative scholarship is of higher value,
vi. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
vii. any other provision as indicated in these terms that would lead to termination.

b. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated.

c. Where a student is found guilty of serious misconduct or withdraws from the relevant course, the University reserves the right to request that any Scholarship funds paid to the Scholarship recipient be reimbursed.

Terms and Conditions - Research

1. Background

2. Eligibility

a. Please refer to the Future Leaders Scholarship Website http://bicentennial.westpacgroup.com.au/scholarships/future-leaders/ for program details, eligibility, selection process and criteria.

3. Selection Criteria

a. Please refer to the Future Leaders Scholarship Website http://bicentennial.westpacgroup.com.au/scholarships/future-leaders/ for program details, eligibility, selection process and criteria.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship will provide an annual stipend allowance per annum for up to three years of value mentioned in the offer letter, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

b. The Scholarship will also provide a lump sum payment in Research Period 1 of each year as mentioned in the offer letter.

c. No other amount is payable.

d. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funding.

5. Eligibility for Progression

a. Progression is subject to passing the annual progress review.

6. Leave Arrangements

a. The Scholarship recipient receives up to 20 working days recreation leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued. However, the student will forfeit any unused leave remaining when the Scholarship is terminated or complete. Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading and the supervisor's agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

b. The Scholarship recipient may take up to 10 working days sick leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the Scholarship. Students with family responsibilities, caring for sick children or relatives, or experiencing domestic violence, may convert up to five days of their annual sick leave entitlement to carers leave on presentation of medical certificate(s). Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor as soon as practicable.

7. Research Overseas

a. The Scholarship recipient may not normally conduct research overseas within the first six months of award.

b. The Scholarship holder may conduct up to 12 months of their research outside Australia. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC), and will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree. All periods of overseas research are cumulative and will be counted towards a student's candidature. Students must remain enrolled full-time at the University and receive approval to count time away.

8. Suspension

a. The Scholarship recipient cannot suspend their award within their first six months of study, unless a legislative provision applies.

b. The Scholarship recipient may apply for up to 12 months suspension of Scholarships for any reason during the tenure of their Scholarship. Periods of Scholarships suspension are cumulative and failure to resume study after suspension will result in the award being terminated. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC). Periods of study towards the degree during suspension of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the Scholarship.

9. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature upgrade or downgrade. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid stipend.

10. Termination

a. Unless terminated earlier under this paragraph, the Scholarship will terminate:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the student from their PhD,
II. upon the student having completed 4 years equivalent full time study for a PhD,,
III. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,
IV. if the student ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis,
V. if the recipient receives an alternative primary scholarship. In such circumstances this Scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative scholarship where it is of higher value. Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship is exempted,
VI. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
VII. If the student ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship, (other than during a period in which the Scholarship has been suspended or during a period of approved leave).

b. The Scholarship may also be terminated by the University before this time if, in the opinion of the University:

I. the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the terms of this offer,
II. the student fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or
III. the student has committed misconduct or other inappropriate conduct.

c. Stipend payments will be suspended throughout the duration of any enquiry/appeal process.

d. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated.

11. Misconduct

a. Where during the Scholarship a student engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the student’s application and eligibility for the Scholarship), which in the opinion of the University warrants recovery of funds paid to the student, the University may require the student to repay stipend amounts and any other payments made to the student in connection with the Scholarship. Examples of such conduct include and without limitation; academic dishonesty, research misconduct within the meaning of the Research Code of Conduct (for example, plagiarism in proposing, carrying out or reporting the results of research, or failure to declare or manage a serious conflict of interests), breach of the Code of Conduct for Students and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship.

b. The University may require such repayment at any time during or after the Scholarship period. In addition, by accepting this Scholarship, the student consents to all aspects of any investigation into misconduct in connection with this Scholarship being disclosed by the University to the funding body and/or any relevant professional body.