Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship

Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship

2023 applications are now open for Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarships.

The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship, valued at $12,250 each, 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 from our 14 partner universities 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. If you’re an undergraduate who is passionate about developing Australia-Asia ties, apply for a 2023 Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship.

COVID update: Due to the impacts of COVID-19, exchange destinations may change over time, pending government and university advice. If there are changes, the website, applicants and successful scholars will be updated. Please note successful recipients will need to commence their exchange on 2 September 2023.

Applications close on Wednesday 30 November 2022 at 5 pm AEDT. 

Want to find out more?

Visit the Westpac Scholars Trust website to learn more or get in touch with our team

Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship Information Session

Calling all adventurers! Join the online information session for the Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship on Wednesday 26 October at 1 pm AEDT. Come along to hear more about the scholarship including application tips, funding guidelines and eligibility criteria. You'll also get to hear from current scholars about their experiences in the program.

Register now
Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship Info Session

Investing in tomorrow’s Australia-Asia leaders

Passionate about Australia-Asia ties? Apply for a Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship valued at $12,250 each and spend time studying at one of Asia’s leading universities.

Find out more and apply now

Westpac Scholars have a vision for themselves and for Australia. Dion studied in Shanghai with the help of a Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship and in future he’d love to work between Australia and China and inspire more Australians to connect with Asia.
 
 
 
 

Find out more

The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship, valued at $12,250 each, 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.

  • $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).

To be eligible for this scholarship, you need to:

  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student in the second year or beyond when commencing the exchange.
  • Hold a minimum credit average.
  • Meet UOW exchange requirements and applicant criteria.
  • Intend to study a one or two semester exchange.
  • Not hold or intend to hold another merit-based scholarship for the purpose of tertiary study in Asia.
  • Be eligible for or have received approval to undertake a semester-long exchange program at one of the below locations.

Eligible locations

China

Hong Kong

Japan

Singapore

South Korea

Taiwan

 

Scholarships are open to students who have the passion, ideas and drive to advocate for Australia's relationship with Asia.

Westpac Asian Exchange Scholars will demonstrate the following:

  • Undergraduates with a genuine desire to create positive change by contributing to the future of Australia’s relationship with 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 Aussies from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds.

To retain this scholarship:

  • Attend the Westpac Scholars Summit in April 2023.
  • Participate in an approved exchange program in Semester 2, 2023.

Before you submit your application, you need to: 

Apply now:

  1. Apply for the Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship: applications will be open from Monday 12 September to Wednesday 30 November (5 pm AEST) 2022. Scholarship guidelines and other useful information can be found at the Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship site.

  2. Apply for the UOW Exchange program in Spring 2023: applications close on 2 December 2022 for USA, Canada, Asia & UAE.

Note:

  • Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their scholarship application in February/March 2023. 
  • Once applications close for the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, they will contact the candidates to complete a video interview. The Westpac Bicentennial Foundation will convene selection panels to determine successful candidates. 
  • For information about UOW exchange programs to the Universities listed under the eligibility tab, please contact our team at study-overseas@uow.edu.au.