The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship offers Australian students an international experience to help develop their cross-cultural thinking and leadership skills, as well as access to networking opportunities with Australia-Asia thought leaders. 

Approximately 35 scholarships are awarded annually to undergraduates to undertake a university-approved exchange program in Asia for one to two semesters. Current exchange locations include mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan (pending no travel restrictions).

The scholarship is designed to forge meaningful relationships between the next generation of Australian and Asian leaders.

The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship includes:

• $12,250 to cover travel costs, accommodation, cultural immersion activities and other overseas expenses for up to two-semesters. Plus, participation in the Leadership Development Program
• A one-week residential experience in Asia to enhance cultural-competency, establish support networks and connect with Australia-Asia thought leaders
• Access to opportunities beyond the classroom to experience the local culture, build life-long connections and develop scholars as Asia-capable leaders
• Lifelong membership to the W100 – a diverse and growing network of inspiring Aussies ready to collaborate, challenge and offer support. The Asian Exchange Scholarship is one of five programs offered by Westpac Scholars Trust
• Attendance at the Westpac Scholars Summit in Sydney (travel restrictions dependent).

Eligibility Requirements

Scholarship applicants must be:

• An Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Studying full time at a participating Australian university (all fields of study are eligible)
• Undergraduates (including Honours students) enrolled in second year or beyond when commencing their exchange
• Holding a minimum of a credit average
• Intending to commence exchange study between July-October 2023 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

Selection Criteria

Westpac Asian Exchange Scholars will demonstrate the following:

• A genuine desire to create positive change by contributing to the future of Australia’s relationship in Asia
• A clear understanding of Asia’s role in Australia’s future prosperity
• A desire to learn about a specific Asian culture, language, tradition or business through a combination of academic study and cultural immersion
• The potential and ambition to contribute to strengthening Australia-Asia in their future endeavours
• A genuine desire to be an active member of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network.

For more information, including FAQ's, please visit Westpac.

To read a reflection piece from Natalie Ormond, a 2017 Westpac Asian Exchange Scholar please click here.

Where can I study in Asia?

China

• Fudan University
• Peking University
• Shandong University
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Tsinghua University

Hong Kong (SAR)

• Chinese University of Hong Kong
• City University of Hong Kong
• University of Hong Kong

Japan

• Chuo University
• Hosei University
• Kansai Gaidai University
• Kansai University
• Kwansei Gakuin University
• Kyoto University
• Meiji University
• Nagoya University
• Okayama University
• Osaka University
• Sophia University
• University of Tokyo
• Waseda University

Singapore

• National University of Singapore

South Korea

• Dankook University
• Pusan National University
• Seoul National University
• Yonsei University

Taiwan

• National Taiwan University

Application Outcome

The Westpac Scholars will notify applicants the outcome of their application in March 2023.

Contact

Direct all enquiries to Study Overseas ( +61 8 8313 8220)

Please note: Students cannot concurrently hold another merit based scholarship for the purpose of tertiary study in Asia. If students are offered an equity based scholarship, the home (Australian) University may, at its discretion, approve the additional scholarship.