Young Technologists Scholarships
Westpac Bicentennial Foundation Overview The Westpac Bicentennial Foundation is a scholarship fund with an exclusive focus on the education and advancement of Australians. A one-off contribution of $100 million will fund 100 scholarships and awards every year in perpetuity, to Australians from all walks of life who have the potential to shape Australia s future. The foundation was launched as a gift to future generations of Australians to commemorate Westpac s 200th anniversary in 2017. The Westpac Bicentennial Foundation aims to ensure that those who have the drive to shape Australia are given the chance to do so. What is the Young Technologists Scholarship? The Young Technologists Scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate students with the passion to bring about change through cutting-edge technology and innovation. Scholarships of $5,000 per year will be awarded to promising young students with a vision for where technology can lead and the impact it will have on our future. Our aim is to develop a pathway for the education of future technology leaders and inspire those currently under-represented in technologyrelated degrees, to pursue a career in technology. Why a Technology scholarship? For Australia to realise its full potential in the technology space we must invest in tomorrow s leaders today. With the digital economy now touching every aspect of our lives, world-class technology skills are vital to leverage the opportunities in this rapidly changing market. Careers in technology will be at the forefront of transforming the way we live. However, based on current trends, it is expected that the Australian technology industry will face a challenge to attract, develop and retain sufficient local talent. The Young Technologists Scholarships will strengthen Australia s pool of local talent, building a cohort of technology-literate future leaders. Importantly, the scholarships also aim to address the current lack of gender balance and diversity in technology graduates. Awarded on merit, the scholarships aim to broaden the base of students with the ambition to forge a career in technology. In this, our launch year, successful recipients have the opportunity to be the inaugural members of the Westpac Scholars Alumni program. This initial group of just 14 Young Technologists nationally has the unique opportunity to shape the program into the future.
What are the benefits? The Young Technologist scholarships provide the following benefits: $5,000 per year, up to five years Scholarship recipients will become members of the Westpac Scholars Alumni program and gain access to ongoing networking, learning and educational opportunities. Who are we looking for? What will make a Westpac Scholar stand out? We are looking for candidates who not only demonstrate outstanding academic potential but the drive to build a better future for Australia. Scholarships are open to students from all walks of life who have: 1. Passion for technology The motivation to pursue a career in technology using innovative thinking and exceptional problem solving skills 2. Focus on personal growth and development Seeking opportunities to continually advance their professional and personal lives 3. Commitment A desire to become an active Westpac Scholars Alumni member and to make an influential contribution to raising the profile of technology talent in Australia 4. Academic excellence Maintain a minimum Credit average for the duration of the degree.
Who can apply? To be eligible for the Young Technologists Scholarship, applicants must be: An Australian citizen or permanent resident Currently in Year 12 completing the Higher School Certificate and planning to enrol full-time in a technology-related undergraduate degree at the University of Wollongong Interested in enhancing Australia s future technology landscape. What degrees are eligible? Students must enrol in one of the following disciplines: How do I apply? Applications for the Young Technologists Scholarships are now open. Interested students should apply via: University of Wollongong www.uow.edu.au/about/scholarships/ug/listing/uow176963 Find out more at www.westpac.com.au/200years Bachelor of Computer Science Bachelor of Information Technology Bachelor of Business Information Systems. Applicants may enrol in a dual or double degree however this must occur from the point of application and include a Technology degree as noted above.
2014 Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.