Welcome to the Westpac Scholars Application Portal

Thank you for expressing interest in the Westpac Tech Futures Scholarship.

Getting Started

• Before commencing your application, we encourage you to thoroughly read the Westpac Tech Futures Scholarship eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions available on our 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 eligibility requirements. To be eligible for a 2027 Westpac Tech Futures Scholarship, applicants must: 

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Must have completed secondary education (Year 12 or equivalent) between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2024.
• 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.
• Be studying in a STEM discipline, including (but not limited to): Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, AI or related field, Biomedical Science, Health Technology or Medical Science.
• Have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a strong academic record, averaging a WAM of 70 or above.
• Provide an academic reference (template provided in application).
• 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
• Show leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive contribution to Australia’s future.
• Be available to participate fully in the scholarship and leadership programs, including:
  • Westpac Scholars Summit (28-29th April 2027)
  • Two Leadership Program Residentials (July and September 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

• Preview the form by selecting 'Preview the form' or 'Download preview form' at the top of this page.
• Update your CV (Max 2 pages, PDF Only).
• Locate your university academic transcripts (PDF Only).
• Identify a suitable Academic Reference and use our templates to request a written reference from your referee (PDF Only).
• Locate/take a recent headshot (JPEG Only).

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!