FAQs
What is a Westpac Research Fellowship?
The Westpac Research Fellowship, valued over $400,000 for three years (with the option to extend to five years), provides early career researchers with the funding and support they need to progress their research in Australia. Typically, two fellowships are awarded annually to innovators from our four partner universities. These innovators have outstanding leadership potential and a desire to help create a better Australia.
What is included in the Fellowship?
Salary: The Fellowship funds a full-time salary and on-costs for a period of up to five years (by agreement) from the date of award. The Westpac Research Fellowship does not fund salaries of Fellows who are receiving another salary funding Award (e.g. DECRA) at the same time.
If you are currently on another salary funding Award / Fellowship, or are the recipient of a salary funding Award at the time the Westpac Research Fellowship is awarded, you may request a reallocation of the Westpac-funded amount ($330,000 or part thereof) to another resource (or resources) that will directly contribute to your research (e.g. research costs and / or a research assistant); and/or an extension of up to an additional two years to utilise the Westpac Research Fellowship salary funding (which for the avoidance of doubt is capped at $330,000). For example, (i) the Westpac-funded amount could be apportioned over five years, (ii) the Westpac-funded amount could be utilised over years three to five following two years of a DECRA Award; or (iii) the Westpac-funded amount could be utilised over years four and five following three years of a DECRA Award with the remaining $110,000 reallocated to another resource that will directly contribute to your research.
These requests must be approved by the Westpac Scholars Trust and your host university and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Westpac Professional Development Fund (WPDF) & Leadership 360 Program: The Fellowship includes access to a $30,000 Westpac Professional Development Fund provided and administered by the host university. The Westpac Professional Development Fund is to be used by the Fellow to tailor professional development and global experiences that maximise the Fellow’s potential to contribute in their area of research and enhance their career opportunities. This could include conferences, travel for research or experiences and courses that support leadership development.
The Leadership 360 Program is a compulsory part of the WPDF and includes a comprehensive assessment of current leadership capability via a 360-feedback assessment, including a one-to-one debrief and a yearly facilitated one day group workshop with all current Westpac Research Fellows. For more information on the funding inclusions please see section 8 within the Funding Guidelines.
Access to the Westpac Professional Development Fund does not preclude you from accessing other support (e.g. existing department based support, applying for a VC travel grant etc.).
Access to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network: Money can help launch a vision but it takes a network of inspired and inspiring people to sustain it. That’s why every Westpac Research Fellow will be part of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network. Currently at over 840+ scholars and growing, this network connects those with bold ideas to build a better future for all Australians.
2025 Westpac Scholars’ Summit: All 100 Westpac Scholars from our five scholarship programs will come together in Sydney to participate in tailored workshops, hear from business and academic luminaries, and form connections with fellow scholars. It is compulsory to attend the Summit (paid for by the Trust).
How many Fellowships will be awarded in 2025?
There will be up to two fellowships awarded in 2025.
What is the value of each Fellowship?
Each Westpac Research Fellowship is valued at a minimum of $400,000 for three years (with the option to extend to five years). The final value may be less as each Fellow’s salary and on-costs will vary according to their university and at what level the Fellow is employed. Included in this amount is access to the Westpac Professional Development Fund and research costs.
Which Universities are participating in the Fellowship?
The Westpac Research Fellowship is offered at The Australian National University, The University of Melbourne, The University of Queensland and The University of Sydney.
What is the duration of the Fellowship?
The Fellowship is normally awarded over three years (with the option to utilise up to five years) commencing no later than 30 June 2025. The completion date of the Fellowship may be extended by the length of any parental leave approved by the host university. Please refer to the Funding Guidelines for the options around part-time.
What are the reporting requirements if my application is successful?
Annual Progress Reports: Fellows are required to submit an annual progress report. Progress reports will be required to be submitted to the Trust one month prior to the yearly anniversary of the Fellow’s commencement date.
Final Report: Fellows are required to submit a final report to the Westpac Scholars Trust within three months of completing their Fellowship.
What academic qualifications do I need to apply for a Fellowship?
You must have been awarded a PhD between 2018 and 2021; or have obtained an Eligibility Exemption from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) or equivalent if your PhD was awarded prior to 1 September 2018.
If my PhD was awarded before 2018, can I still apply?
If your PhD was awarded before 2018, you may be considered for an exemption to the eligibility criteria detailed in section 3.1b of the Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines if you have received an Eligibility Exemption from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) or equivalent of the host university.
An Eligibility Exemption will be provided up to a maximum of four years for reasons including: illness, international relocation (three months maximum - must be supported by the university), brief period of unemployment, COVID-related research delays, maternity or parental leave and/or non-research employment not concurrent with research employment. Confirmation of your Eligibility Exemption must be included in the Letter of Support accompanying your application.
What fields of research are applicable for the Fellowship?
Your proposed research must contribute to the future of Australia and align to one of the Trust's priority funding areas: sustainable futures, technology and innovation, strengthening Australia-Asia ties or building an inclusive Australia.
If successful, can I defer the Fellowship?
No. Successful applicants will be notified in December 2024 and their Fellowship must commence no later than 30 June 2025.
Can I apply in the future if I am unsuccessful?
As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a Westpac Research Fellowship in future years.
Can I apply if I am a Westpac employee or related to one?
Yes. The Fellowship is open to all Australian citizens or permanent residents who meet the eligibility criteria.
How much funding support will I receive?
You will receive a full-time salary plus on-costs at a rate determined by your host university for a maximum of five years. Refer to the Funding Guidelines (PDF 288KB) around part-time options.
You will receive up to $30,000 for professional development via a Westpac Professional Development Fund administered by the host university over the three years of your Fellowship. The final value of your Westpac Professional Development Fund will be determined as part of your Fellowship application. Refer section 8 of the Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines (PDF 288KB).
Who will remit Fellowship funds to the Fellows?
The Fellowship funding will be administered by the host university.
What is the Westpac Professional Development Fund and how can I access it?
The Westpac Professional Development Fund is included in your Fellowship. Each university will set aside and administer a $30,000 'Westpac Professional Development Fund' to be used by the Fellow to tailor professional development and global experiences that maximise the Fellow’s potential to contribute in their area of research and enhance their career opportunities. This could include conferences, travel for research or experiences and courses that support leadership development.
Access to the Westpac Professional Development Fund does not preclude the Fellow from accessing other support e.g. existing department based support, applying for a VC travel grant etc.
What exclusions apply to the Westpac Professional Development Fund?
Bench fees or the costs of scientific equipment or similar academic resources. The Trust expects such core costs to be covered by the university, and costs not directly related to studies (e.g. professional association fees, fees for patent applications, costs of dependents, mobile phones).
Are there any countries that cannot be included in overseas travel?
Travel to countries with a Level 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or Level 4 (Do not travel) rating by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are not to be included. Country's Alert Levels are listed on the smartraveller.gov.au website.
Will Fellows be required to hold travel insurance?
Fellows and their spouse, partner or dependent(s) will be expected to be covered by appropriate health and travel insurance (including coverage for existing conditions) for the duration of any time overseas as part of their Fellowship. Specific requirements in relation to insurance will be negotiated between the Fellow and their university.
Will the Westpac Professional Development Fund cover travel for my spouse, partner or dependent(s)?
No. The Westpac Professional Development Fund only covers the cost of travel for the Fellow.
Will Westpac Scholars Trust provide Fellows with taxation advice?
Fellows are responsible and encouraged to seek taxation advice regarding their individual circumstances. Westpac Scholars Trust makes no representation or warranty in relation to the taxation implications of any funds provided by the Foundation to a Fellow.
When can I apply and when do applications close?
Applications open 4 July 2024 and close at 5:00pm (AEST) on 28 August 2024.
How do I apply?
All applications must be submitted through Westpac Scholars Trust's online application system. This online system is accessed via the Westpac Scholars Trust's webpage. A PDF version of the application is available to download in the application portal to make it easier to plan your answers. Note that you will be unable to progress to next section of the application without text in the fields and recommend that you create a text placeholder to allow you to progress if you'd like to work ahead. Before submitting your application please ensure you have checked your answers and supporting documents as applications cannot be re-submitted or amended after submission.
What is required to be a strong applicant?
Selection is based on an applicant's academic achievements, research plan, and focus on one or more of the Westpac Scholars Trust's priority areas. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Academic excellence and achievements to date.
- Ability to articulate how their proposed research has the potential to contribute to the future growth and prosperity of Australia in one of the Trust's priority funding areas.
- A supportive and high quality research environment.
- A desire to be part of and contribute to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network.
- Strong leadership potential and alignment with the attributes of a Westpac Research Fellow (see Appendix A in the Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines (PDF 288KB)); and
- A strong sense of connection to Australia and commitment to improving the lives of others.
What supporting documentation is required?
The following support documentation is required to be submitted with the online application:
A) Your Curriculum Vitae with at a minimum:
- Formal qualifications and any prizes, awards, honours and other esteem indicators.
- Appointments, including consultancies.
- Research/creative activity outputs, including bibliographic details, year of publication, individual contribution by percentage; and evidence of impact; and
- Research/creative activity funding, including title of grant, funding body, grant category, individual contribution and role in the grant, year, total grant value, any patents and evidence of impact.
B) A letter of support is required from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) or equivalent using the template located on the Westpac Scholars Trust website (templates will be live once applications open). The Letter of Support is required to confirm that your application meets the eligibility criteria and the support from has the support of the university for your proposed Research Budget.
C) Two references (from different referees) are required using the reference templates located on the Westpac Scholars Trust website. The first is an academic reference and needs to be completed by a person who is familiar with your academic record and understands the importance of your proposed research project. The second is a personal reference and needs to be completed by a person who has known you for at least two years and can demonstrate that you have the attributes of a Westpac Research Fellow. This can be a previous work colleague or supervisor, however, should not be a family member nor a person who currently or previously reported directly to you.
Download the letter of support and reference templates.
You may be required to present proof of citizenship or permanent residency at any time during the selection process.
What makes a good application?
A good application takes time to develop. There are comprehensive Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines (PDF 288KB)which you should review prior and whilst you develop your application. In addition, there are a number of questions within the application that contain guidance to assist you in formulating your response. Please be aware many of the sections have specified word limits.
Can you please provide an overview of the selection process?
The selection process is a comprehensive approach that draws on a range of online assessment tools and the expertise of selection panels within the Westpac Scholars Trust, the universities and the National Selection Panel. It will consist of four stages:
- Stage 1: Eligibility assessment – Westpac Scholars Trust
- Stage 2: Online assessment to be undertaken by all eligible applicants (TBC)
- Stage 3: Shortlisting – host university shortlisting
- Stage 4: National Assessment Centre (interviews) – 4-5 December 2024
- Notification – December 2024
Please refer to the Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines (PDF 288KB) for more detail.
Who will be assessing my application?
Over the entire selection process, your application will be read and assessed by a varied group of people with diverse experience and backgrounds including Westpac Scholars Trust staff members, business leaders and senior academics both outside of and within your university. We strongly encourage you to articulate your ideas in a way that people outside of your area of expertise can easily understand.
How do I know if the Westpac Scholars Trust has received my application?
Once you have submitted your online application you will receive an email confirming that your application has been received. This email will include your application number along with a copy of your application.
When will applicants find out if they are successful?
Applicants shortlisted for the National Selection Panel will be notified mid-October.
Successful applicants will be notified in mid-December 2024.
I missed the application window, can I still apply?
No, late applications will not be accepted.
Can I get feedback on my application if I am unsuccessful?
Unfortunately the Trust is unable to provide individual feedback due to the volume of applications we receive. However we will provide feedback to candidates who reach the National Assessment Centre stage. Your University is involved in the shortlisting and can be approached for feedback also.
I am having technical problems with the online application system, who can I contact?
Please contact the Westpac Scholars Trust team at westpacscholars@westpac.com.au.
I need more help with my application, who can I contact?
Please be sure to review the Westpac Research Fellowship Funding Guidelines (PDF 288KB) thoroughly. If you still need help with your application, please email westpacscholars@westpac.com.au and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
