Asian Exchange Scholarship

FAQs

What is the Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship?

The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship supports young Australians to become Asia capable leaders, with a desire to strengthen ties between Australia and Asia, and actively contribute to Australia’s success in the region. Scholars undertake a university-approved exchange program, as well as immersive opportunities including internships, volunteering, intensive language courses in Asia.

In addition, scholars participate in a bespoke in-country leadership development program and experience development opportunities through the Scholars Summit and lifelong access to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network (W100 Network).

This scholarship is one of five scholarship programs offered by the Westpac Scholars Trust, backing people from all walks of life who have the drive and ideas to shape the future of Australia. The Trust partners with Australia’s leading universities to offer 100 scholarships a year, forever.

How much is the scholarship worth?

The scholarship is valued at $12,700. This goes towards funding your exchange and the Leadership Development Program.

Will Westpac Scholars Trust help us get visas for the Leadership Development Program?

All scholars are responsible for arranging their own visas for the Leadership Development Program, however we’ll provide a letter of support if required.

Must I do an internship?

We understand that, with the change of visa laws, it can sometimes be difficult to undertake an internship in Asia. As such, if you’re unable to do an internship we encourage you to get involved in the local community through volunteering and language studies. Demonstrating that you’ve looked into your options to create a well-rounded experience for yourselves will strengthen your application.

What are previous scholars doing now?

Scholars are making a growing impact across government, business and non-for-profit sectors while others are still furthering their studies. You can check out the profiles of our scholars and alumni here.

How can I ask further questions?

If you have any questions, please email: westpacscholars@westpac.com.au

What are the eligibility criteria for the scholarship?

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent citizen.
• Be studying full-time at one of the following participating Australian universities:
  • Australian National University
  • Monash University
  • Murdoch University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • RMIT University
  • The University of Adelaide
  • The University of Melbourne
  • University of New South Wales
  • The University of Sydney
  • The University of Queensland
  • University of Tasmania
  • The University of Western Australia
  • University of Wollongong
  • Western Sydney University
• Be an undergraduate (including Honours students) enrolled in second year or beyond when commencing the exchange.
• Hold a minimum of a credit average.
• Be intending to complete a university approved exchange program for one to two semesters in mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan, pending no travel restrictions.
• Be intending to commence exchange in semester 2, 2025, for the start of the semester at your host university in Asia, pending no travel restrictions. Please note, most universities in our selected destinations refer to this as the ‘Fall semester’.
• Not currently hold citizenship (including dual citizenship), permanent residency, or have resided 5+ years in your intended exchange destination.

All fields of study are eligible.

Do I need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to apply?

Yes.

Do I have to have to be enrolled in an existing exchange program to be eligible for the scholarship?

All Asian Exchange scholars must commence a university approved exchange program in semester 2, 2025, for one to two semesters at one of our selected destinations in Asia. Your selection and continued eligibility is dependent on your approval for the exchange program.

Can I undertake a virtual exchange or short-term mobility program?

No, you cannot undertake a virtual exchange or a short-term mobility (e.g. summer/winter intensives). The in-person exchange must be for 1-2 semesters.

How will I receive the scholarship money?

The funds will be administered by your Australian university before the commencement of your exchange program.

Does it matter how I spend the scholarship money?

Scholarship funds must be used to support your exchange, such as travel, living, and study expenses. This could include flights, accommodation, food, transport, textbooks and other study materials, and fees for clubs and societies at your host university.

Am I able to hold two scholarships?

Not if they’re concurrent. For example, if you’ve received an NCP mobility grant and have spent this on a previous trip, that’s fine. But you can’t put an NCP mobility grant towards the same exchange as your Westpac scholarship.

Where can I choose to go on exchange?

You can attend any university in the regions of mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, provided that there is an exchange agreement in place with your Australian university, pending no travel restrictions.

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, these destinations may change over time, pending government and university advice. If there are changes that affect your intended exchange destination, we will support you to redirect to an alternative destination, provided you continue to meet the scholarship’s eligibility requirements. We encourage you to be flexible with your choice of destination and to liaise with your university on travel updates.

Please note that you must not hold citizenship (including dual citizenship), or permanent residency, or have resided 5+ years in your intended destination. 

When can I go on exchange?

You should intend to commence your exchange in semester 2, 2025, for the start of semester at your host university in Asia, pending no travel restrictions.

A semester 2 start date allows scholars to complete their Leadership Development program before they commence their exchange.

Can I defer my scholarship?

It is not possible to defer your exchange beyond semester 2, 2025. If recipients are unable to undertake exchange in semester 2, 2025, they will have the opportunity to reapply for the 2026 application round.

How many other scholars will be in the same city as me?

This depends on factors such as the popularity of destinations, however there is usually a strong support network of scholars in each of the destinations.

What is the average duration of the exchange experience?

Semester 2, often known as the Fall semester in Asia, starts between August to October and ends around December to March the following year. If scholars are undertaking a year of exchange, the second semester of exchange will commence shortly after the first, and run until a few weeks before the beginning of the Fall semester. This varies depending on destination and host university. Many universities work through Christmas. We encourage scholars to supplement their time at university with an internship, language training, or volunteering.

I am considering work in government. Will visiting certain countries affect my ability to hold a security clearance?

We’re unable to comment on any impact your exchange may have on your security clearance.

What happens during the Leadership Development Program?

The Leadership Development Program includes a workshop at the annual Scholars Summit in Sydney, and a week-long in-country residential program at a global city in Asia. Previous residential programs have taken place at Shanghai and Singapore.

The program provides cross-cultural experiences, exposure to global thought leaders from academia, industry and government, and explores key topics to become an Asia-capable leader. It supports you to build on your strengths and develop targeted leadership capabilities that will allow you to succeed in your field, and beyond. You will also have the unique opportunity to connect and collaborate with your fellow Westpac Asian Exchange Scholars who, we hope, will become lifelong friends during and after your exchange.

What is the ‘ideal’ Westpac Asian Exchange candidate?

There is no ‘ideal candidate’. Our scholars come from all disciplines and backgrounds, are highly motivated with a strong generosity of spirit, and are ambitious to create positive change by contributing to the future of Australia’s relationship in Asia. We’re not as interested in hearing about whether you’ve topped your class in all your subjects: we’re more interested in you as a person, what you’re passionate about, and why this opportunity is right for you, now.