Westpac Scholars Trust has unveiled a bold new direction for its Asia engagement efforts, launching the Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship—a world-class leadership development program designed to deepen Australia’s ties with the Asia-Pacific region.
Replacing the long-standing Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship, the Fellowship marks a strategic pivot from traditional mobility funding to immersive, in-country leadership experiences. The redesigned program responds to a national need for high-calibre, Asia-capable leaders and fills a critical gap in the student mobility ecosystem.
A Fellowship for the Brightest and Boldest
The Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship is tailored for students who have already completed university-approved study abroad in the Asia-Pacific and are ready to take their engagement further. Over nine months, Fellows will participate in two residential programs across four Southeast Asian countries—Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam—alongside virtual workshops, leadership modules, and peer coaching.
This immersive experience is designed to build advanced Asia-capability, expand regional networks, and equip Fellows with the adaptive leadership skills needed to navigate complex cross-border environments.
“This is a world-class opportunity for the brightest and boldest Asia-engaged Australian students,” said Sam Wall, Program Lead. “We’re proud to offer a program that complements other initiatives focused on Asia-capability and positions Westpac Scholars Trust as a national leader in Asia-Pacific leadership development.”
Strategic Partnerships and National Impact
Delivered in partnership with fourteen leading Australian universities the Fellowship focuses on short-term, intensive in-country programs and forging deep regional partnerships. The program also builds on successful pilot collaborations with DFAT, including the integration of NCP alumni into Westpac’s Leadership Development Program in 2025.
Fellows will join the prestigious W100 Network—a lifelong community of changemakers supported by Westpac Scholars Trust—and contribute to Australia’s future prosperity by strengthening regional relationships and resilience.
Applications Open Soon
Applications for the inaugural Westpac Australia-Asia Fellowship open Tuesday 28 October. Eligible students must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, currently enrolled full-time at an Australian university, and have completed a semester-long study abroad program in the Asia-Pacific within the last three years.
“We’re looking for students who are curious, driven, and ready to build on their experience in the region,” said Amy Lyden, Westpac Scholars CEO. “This Fellowship is about unlocking potential and investing in the leaders who will shape Australia’s future in the Asia-Pacific.”
To learn more, register your interest or apply, visit our Australia-Asia Fellowship page.