What is the Asian Exchange Scholarship?

 

The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship is a remarkable opportunity offered to passionate and curious individuals looking to expand their worldview, embrace new perspectives and help build stronger ties between Australia and Asia. Our Asian Exchange Scholars receive funding to undertake studies in a selected destination in Asia for up to two semesters. This funding supports travel, study and living expenses as scholars immerse themselves in the cultural, social and political experiences the region has to offer.

Scholars can undertake studies in mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, provided there is an exchange agreement in place between their university and the host institution in Asia.

 

Here’s what you’ll get 

Up to 36 Asian Exchange Scholarships are awarded every year. 
Should you be chosen, you’ll get access to:
 
 

Generous funding

Receive $12,700 in financial support for your exchange in Asia and to participate in our Leadership Development Program. This funding can be put toward travel, living and study expenses such as flights, accommodation, food and textbooks.

Leadership development

Build leadership skills, learn about the Asia region and practice cross-cultural communication in our weeklong leadership residential in Singapore. You'll be joined by other scholars from across Australia before your exchange begins. 

W100 Scholars Network

Connect with an inspiring network of like-minded game-changers and achievers across all five Westpac scholarship streams and attend exclusive events like the Westpac Scholars Summit held in Sydney. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in mentoring as part of the W100 Network.

Become an Asian Exchange Scholar

 Applications are now open!

Ready to take your tertiary studies to the next level? Register your interest and we'll be in touch.

 

Westpac Scholars gathered together in the streets of Singapore

Key dates

2025 applications open

Wednesday 2 October 2024

Online Information Session 

5:00pm AEDT, Wednesday 6 November 2024. Register now.

2025 applications close

5:00pm AEDT, Monday 2 December 2024

University shortlisting

4-19 December 2024

National Selection Panel Assessment Period

11-13 February 2025

Notification of outcome

March 2025

Scholars Summit

7-8 April 2025

Eligibility requirements and FAQs

Who can apply?

We’re looking for Australia’s best and brightest. To be eligible you must: 

 

  1. Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  2. Be studying full-time at one of our 14 participating Australian universities.
  3. Be an undergraduate student (including Honours students) enrolled in second year or beyond when commencing the exchange.
  4. Hold a minimum of a credit average.
  5. 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.
  6. Be intending to commence exchange in semester 2, 2025, for the start of 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’.
  7. 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.

Our partner universities

The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship is offered at fourteen leading 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

Your proposed program of study can be in any field.

Caitlin Dempsey, Westpac Scholar

“I grew so much from my Westpac Asian Exchange experience; it has given me a lifetime of funny stories, bucket-list worthy experiences, lifelong friends, and rewarding exposure to other cultures.”

 

Caitlin Dempsey

2019 Westpac Scholar

Meet some of our Asian Exchange Scholars

Hannah Chen

Asian Exchange Scholar  |  2021
UNSW
Scholar profile

Sean Teh, Westpac Scholar

Sean Teh

Asian Exchange Scholar |  2016
The University of Western Australia
Scholar profile

Camille Luchs, Westpac Scholar

Camille Luchs

Research Fellowship  |  2022
Queensland University of Technology
Scholar profile