'Make a real impact': Eleven QUT students named 2025 Westpac Scholars
Eleven QUT students will receive scholarships plus bespoke leadership development after being named 2025 Westpac Asian Exchange and Young Technologist scholars.
The two respective programs aim to help deepen Australia’s ties with Asia and boost tech innovation.
Eight QUT undergraduates are among 34 students who will receive the Young Technologists Scholarship which strives to empower high school graduates to explore technology’s potential for good at their partner universities.
These students include Javier Bates, Shay Brokensha, Milly Clarke, Aleng Deng, Gemma Haynes, Jenna Raybould, Isaac Stumer and Lachie Wren.
QUT is one of only five universities nationally and the only Queensland university to offer this scholarship valued up to $20,000.
In addition to a personalised enrichment program and five-day Disruptive Leaders Program in Singapore, the scholars will join the W100 – a national network of driven and diverse people with a desire to create positive change.
Three QUT students – Franciska Jakab, Arjun Santhosh and Joseph Wheeley – are among 37 students to receive the prestigious Asian Exchange Scholarship.
This program will provide students with immersive experiences in Asia’s top innovation hubs, strengthening cross-cultural intelligence and networks.
Scholars will receive $12,700 in financial support for their exchange, attend the Disruptive Leaders Program in Singapore and join the W100.
Professor Mark Harvey, QUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Vice-President Business Development, said the students will be rewarded with life-shaping adventures.
“Thanks to the generous ongoing support of Westpac, these highly competitive scholarships will open the door to incredibly exciting opportunities for this group of ambitious and passionate QUT students,” he said.
“Those embarking on the Asian Exchange and Young Technologist programs with some of our leading international academic partners will be rewarded with empowering and life-shaping adventures.
“I wish these students all the best for the collaborations, connections and cultural learnings ahead.”
With this latest announcement, the Westpac Scholars Trust along with its university partners, has now finalised its 2025 scholar cohort, awarding over $5 million to 100 bright minds.
Applications for 2026 scholarships open in late 2025. Prospective students can register their interest to receive updates about application open days and Westpac Scholars’ news.
QUT Westpac Asian Exchange Scholars
Joseph Wheeley
Bachelor of Science
“I am looking forward to traveling to Nanyang Technological University in the vibrant cultural hub of Singapore. I hope to gain valuable insights, perspectives and experience that will enable me to be a more informed leader and researcher as I advocate for change in health and education for the youth in developing nations.”
Arjun Santhosh
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
“By doing an exchange semester at the University of Tokyo, I hope to increase my cross-cultural communication skills and learn a new language. As an undergraduate engineer, I am also excited to visit and hopefully intern at unique Japanese companies like Toyota, Honda and Sony.”
Franciska Jakab
Bachelor of Design – International
"The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship opens up incredible opportunities during my exchange at Mukogawa Women's University in Japan. I am deeply grateful for this support and for the mentors, friends and family who have helped me get here.
"Through my exchange, I aim to become fluent in Japanese, build meaningful connections and gain insights that will help me drive sustainability in the Australia-Asia fashion industry."
QUT Westpac Young Technologist Scholars
Isaac Stumer
Bachelor of Information Technology / Bachelor of Mathematics
“Through this scholarship, I intend to continue my studies in mathematics and IT to further my interests in simulation tech and the sustainability of Australia's emerging technologies.”
Shay Brokensha
Bachelor of Information Technology / Bachelor of Mathematics
“I'm incredibly honoured and excited to be a Westpac Young Technologist Scholar – it's not just an opportunity to learn and grow, but a chance to connect, contribute and make a real impact."
Lachie Wren
Bachelor of Information Technology
“Beyond the financial support the scholarship provides, I’m thrilled also at the chance to join the W100 network and take part in its associated activities – the interstate and international summit programs seem particularly invaluable.”
Gemma Haynes
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Information Technology
“I’m excited to continue learning and growing as I explore the expansive and ever-evolving technology industry through the scholarship program.”
Jenna Raybould
Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments
“The Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship will give me exciting opportunities to interact with like-minded students and collaborate with talented people who are driven to create positive change as part of the W100 Network.”
Aleng Deng
Bachelor of Information Technology
“Grateful for the opportunity, it means everything and I'm excited for the journey ahead.”
Milly Clarke
Bachelor of Data Science
“I'm excited to use data science to better people's everyday lives; the skills and opportunities this scholarship provides are invaluable in achieving this.”
Javier Bates
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Information Technology
“To me, this is more than just a scholarship – it's an opportunity to experience new things, connect with inspiring people, grow as a leader and create real, meaningful change.”
Media contact:
Lauren Baxter
QUT Media
media@qut.edu.au
07 3138 2361 / 0407 585 901 (After Hours)
