The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship has officially opened applications for the 2026 intake, offering one of Australia’s most forward-leaning opportunities for future innovators in STEM. Designed exclusively for recent high school graduates who dream of shaping the world through technology, this program offers generous funding, international learning experiences, leadership development, and access to a national scholar community. This article breaks down what the 2026 scholarship offers, who can apply, how the selection works, and the key dates to remember.
What Is the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship?
The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is created for talented and curious young students passionate about technology, innovation, and using STEM to generate positive impact. Scholars selected for the 2026 cohort will be supported for up to three years as they begin their undergraduate STEM journey at one of Westpac’s five partner universities.
Beyond funding, scholars gain leadership training, international exposure in Singapore, paid internship opportunities, professional mentoring, and access to the prestigious W100 Scholars Network—one of Australia’s most dynamic communities of future leaders.
What the Scholarship Offers?
1# Up to $20,000 in Flexible Funding: Each selected scholar receives:
- $15,000 awarded over three years for study-related and living costs.
- $5,000 dedicated to participating in the Disruptive Leaders Program in Singapore.
The funding is fully flexible, allowing students to use it for course fees, resources, or essential living expenses to support their academic journey.
2# International Leadership Program in Singapore: All scholars attend the Disruptive Leaders Program, a week-long residential held in Singapore. This global learning experience focuses on:
- Leadership development
- Cultural competence
- Communication skills
- Innovation mindset
Scholars meet global tech experts and explore the future of digital transformation firsthand.
3# Access to the W100 Scholars Network: Becoming a Westpac Young Technologist Scholar grants lifetime access to the W100 Scholars Network—one of Australia’s most influential scholar communities. Benefits include:
- Exclusive events, including the Westpac Scholars Summit in Sydney
- Mentoring from industry leaders
- Connections across all Westpac scholar streams
- A national community of like-minded innovators
4# Networking and Internship Opportunities: Partner universities and industry networks open doors to:
- Paid internships
- Industry-based mentoring
- Collaboration with senior business leaders
- Skill-building workshops.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility for 2026
To apply for the 2026 Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship, candidates must:
- Have completed high school within the last two years.
- Intend to start an approved STEM-related undergraduate degree in 2026 at one of the five partner universities.
- Be available to attend the Disruptive Leaders Program in Singapore (July 2027). Travel and accommodation are fully covered.
- Be available for the 2026 Westpac Scholars Summit in Sydney (29–30 April 2026). All travel expenses are funded.
Note: Candidates do not need to hold a formal university offer at the time of applying.
List of Partner Universities for Westpac Scholarships
The scholarship is available at the following five Australian universities:
- Murdoch University
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
- RMIT University
- Western Sydney University
- University of Wollongong
Students may also apply for dual or double degrees, provided one component is an approved STEM discipline.
Apply: https://scholars.westpac.com.au/scholarships/young-technologists-scholarship/
Dates for 2026 Applications
Applications for the 2026 Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship will open on 2 September 2025, followed by an online information session on 25 September 2025 from 4–5pm AEST to guide prospective applicants. All applications must be submitted by 5pm AEDT on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, which is the official closing date for the 2026 intake.
After the deadline, shortlisted candidates will receive their outcome notifications between February and March 2026. Selected scholars will then be invited to attend the Westpac Scholars Summit scheduled for 29–30 April 2026. The last date to apply for the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship 2026 is 13 January 2026 at 5pm AEDT.