Welcome to the Westpac Scholars Expression of Interest Portal

Thank you for expressing interest in the Westpac Research Fellowship.

Getting Started

• Before commencing your expression of interest (EOI), we encourage you to thoroughly read the Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions.
• 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 EOI you confirm that you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
• You must have been awarded a PhD between 01 January 2020 and 31 December 2023; or have obtained an Eligibility Exemption (for career interruption) from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) or equivalent at your host university.
• You must commence your Fellowship by 30 June 2027.
• Your proposed research must contribute to the future of Australia in one of the Trust's priority funding areas; Asia-Pacific Leadership, Innovation for Impact, a Connected and Stronger Society and Sustainable Futures.
• Your proposed research must include international opportunities which will develop your leadership skills and global networks, such as; study tours for the purpose of research, attending a short course or conference, an internship or volunteering.
• You must be able to attend interview with the National Selection Panel in Sydney (Monday 23 or Tuesday 24 November 2026). Please note: domestic travel and accommodation costs associated with this event will be covered by Westpac Scholars Trust.
• If successful, you must attend the Westpac Scholars’ Summit in Sydney in April 2027. Domestic travel and accommodation costs associated with this event are also covered by Westpac Scholars Trust.

Navigation

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

Managing Your EOI

• 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 EOI

• Update your CV (Max. 4-5 pages, PDF Only).

Submission Process

• Review your EOI using the 'Review and Submit' button.
• You will not be able to submit your EOI until all the compulsory questions are completed and there are no validation errors.
• A few minutes after you submit your EOI, 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 EOI was NOT submitted.
• Incomplete EOIs or EOIs received after the closing date are not eligible. 

Wishing you all the best with your EOI!