Westpac Bicentennial Foundation and Murdoch University today announced a new partnership designed to support young Australians who have a desire to create positive change through exploring their passion for technology.

• Murdoch University is one of five Australian universities to partner with Westpac Bicentennial Foundation in its Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship Program.
• 35 scholarships awarded annually across five universities nationally.
• Scholarship targets young Australians who are passionate about technology and its role in positively shaping Australia’s future.

Murdoch University is one of five universities across Australia which will award up to seven Westpac Young Technologists Scholarships each year to people under 26 to support the application of technology in their tertiary study disciplines.

In 2019, seven scholarship recipients at Murdoch University will receive $5,000 per year over five years, as well as internship opportunities, and ongoing access to networks and people who can help them develop their leadership potential.

Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Eeva Leinonen said the partnership would provide valuable opportunities for students across multiple disciplines to develop industry-relevant perspectives and capabilities that would set them up to become technology leaders and innovators of the future.

“Aligned with our University ethos, built on a free thinking tradition, the Westpac Young Technologists scholarships will encourage our talented students to apply their knowledge to address current problems and make a real difference to our society,” Professor Leinonen said.

According to Susan Bannigan, CEO of Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, this scholarship is designed for the next generation of technology-capable leaders passionate about technology and developing their leadership skills to enable change.

“The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is about creating opportunities for creative, future-focused young Australians from all backgrounds. We want to attract people who are curious and excited about the power of technology and how this can help shape a brighter future for all Australians.”

Ms Bannigan said Murdoch University’s priorities aligned well with those of Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship.

“The University has a strong focus on technology, diversity and social innovation,” she said. 

The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship is just one of five programs offered by Westpac Bicentennial Foundation.

Murdoch University Alumni and social entrepreneur Karen Wellington was recognised by the Westpac Bicentennial Foundation in 2016 for her work with CoderDojo, an organisation that provides free computer programming clubs for children. Her influence has seen the program grow from three to 132 clubs across Western Australia. 

“Westpac Bicentennial Foundation scholarships open doors and connect you to people that have potential to change the course of your life. It’s less about the financial support and much more about the networks and opportunities,” Ms Wellington said.

All Westpac Bicentennial Foundation scholarship recipients gain lifelong membership to the Westpac 100 Scholars Network.

Growing by 100 scholars every year, this network is designed to create opportunities for like-minded individuals to connect and collaborate to solve some of Australia’s biggest problems.

“The Westpac 100 Scholars Network is a unique network, bringing together inspiring people from all walks of life. It’s great that Murdoch University is now on board in an official capacity.

The University attracts so many diverse and talented students and we look forward to welcoming them to the Westpac Scholars Network.”

Applications for 2019 Westpac Young Technologists Scholarships at Murdoch University will open in October.

For more information visit www.westpac.com.au/scholarships.