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. 

Up to 36 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:

• $12,700 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 Singapore 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 Scholars Network – a diverse and growing community of inspiring Aussies ready to collaborate, challenge and offer support. Plus, hard-to-access networking and professional development opportunities
• Attendance at the Westpac Scholars Summit in Sydney

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 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’.

Selection Criteria

Westpac Asian Exchange Scholars will demonstrate the following:

• Undergraduates who 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
• Ambitious students who want to learn more about Asian culture, language, traditions and business through a combination of academic study and cultural immersion
• Those willing to be active members of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network.
• Ideally people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds
• 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.

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

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
• Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
• 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 2025.

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.