Welcome to the Westpac Scholars Application Portal

Thank you for expressing interest in the Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship.

Getting Started

• Before starting your application, we strongly recommend reviewing the eligibility requirements and Frequently Asked Questions available on the Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship website.
• This portal is powered by SmartyGrants. If you require system support, download the Help Guide for Applicants.
• For any accessibility requirements or adjustments, email westpacscholars@westpac.com.au with your preferred method of communication (phone, email, national relay service) and the team will gladly contact you to assist.
• To preview form questions, select ‘Preview the form’ or ‘Download preview form’ at the top of this page
• If you have any questions, please contact us at westpacscholars@westpac.com.au.

Email Communication

• To begin an application you will need to register with SmartyGrants.
• The email you use to register will be considered your ‘Primary Email’ address and communications will be sent to this address.
  - Please sign up using a personal email address.
  - Your university email address can be added as a secondary email address.
• By creating a profile in our SmartyGrants platform, you agree to receive occasional email communications from Westpac Scholars Trust to stay informed about important application dates, eligibility requirements, and helpful hints about the submission process.
• Should you wish to opt out of these communications, please email westpacscholars@westpac.com.au. Alternatively, you can unsubscribe upon receipt of any of our emails.

Eligibility

By commencing an application, you confirm that you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• I am an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
• I am studying at one of the 14 participating Australian universities (undergraduate or postgraduate) during my Fellowship year (see website for full list);
• I currently hold, or have graduated with, a minimum of a credit average;
• I have completed a learning abroad program in the Asia-Pacific. This experience was:
  
  • undertaken in-person for a minimum of 1 semester (or 4 months);
  • an approved program administered through an Australian university;
  • commenced in or after semester 1, 2024;
  • undertaken at one of the eligible destinations (see FAQ tab for full list)
• I am able to attend:
  • Westpac Scholars Summit: Sydney, 28 - 29 April 2027;
  • Residential 1: Singapore & Malaysia, 28 June - 2 July 2027;
  • Residential 2: Indonesia & Vietnam, 27 September - 1 October 2027.

Navigation

• Use the Form Navigation box to jump to any page.
• Use 'next page' and 'previous page' buttons to move sequentially.

Managing Your Application

• Save frequently while completing the form as it does not auto save.
• To pause: click 'save and close' then log out.
• Resume later through the 'My Submissions' link.
• Download a PDF copy anytime using the 'Download PDF' button.
• Review questions in advance by clicking ‘Preview the form’.
• Consider drafting your responses offline. 

Session time-out warning

For security reasons, your login session will expire after 20 minutes of inactivity. Saving your form or navigating to another page resets the timer. You’ll be prompted 90 seconds before your session expires, with the option to extend your session or log out.

Use of AI

We seek authenticity and encourage you to answer questions in your own words, drawing on your own thoughts and experiences. While AI tools can support editing, we encourage you to avoid using them to generate content, as genuine, personal insight is central to our assessment.

Preparing for Your Application

• Set aside time to complete this application. This form will take approximately 3 hours to complete.
• Preview the form by selecting 'Preview the form' or 'Download preview form' at the top of this page.
• Locate/take a recent headshot (JPEG Only). Note: If you progress to the Selection Panel, this image will be shared with the panel. It will not be assessed.
• Locate your university academic transcripts (PDF Only).
• Locate proof of eligible learning abroad program (PDF Only). This can include:
  • Academic transcript from host/home institution;
  • Official letter of acceptance/admission from host institution (must include official letterhead);
  • Confirmation letter/email from your host/home institution.

Submission Process

• Review your application using the 'Review and Submit' button.
• You will not be able to submit your application until all the compulsory questions are completed and there are no validation errors.
• A few minutes after you submit your application, you'll receive a confirmation email with your submission attached.
• Check spam/junk folders if confirmation email is missing.
• If you have not received a confirmation email, it means your application was NOT submitted.
• Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date are not eligible. 

Wishing you all the best with your application!