Two current QUT opportunities have confirmed application windows: the Westpac Tech Futures Scholarship closes on 10 December 2026, and the Interaction and Visual Design Memorial Scholarship closes on 2 November 2026. They support different groups of current students. Check the specific award rather than assuming all QUT scholarships use one deadline or benefit amount.
Compare the two current options
| Award | Audience | Closing date |
|---|---|---|
| Westpac Tech Futures | Eligible final-year or honours STEM students in 2027 | 10 December 2026, 5 pm AEDT |
| Interaction and Visual Design Memorial | Specified design capstone students graduating in 2026 or mid-2027 | 2 November 2026 |
Both are current-student opportunities, so they should not be presented as universal entry scholarships for anyone planning to start QUT. Other QUT awards have separate eligibility and application arrangements.
Westpac Tech Futures: funding and eligibility
The official QUT award page lists AUD $5,000 in flexible financial support and a nine-month leadership experience valued at $15,000. The combined value does not mean $20,000 is paid as cash.
Eligibility includes Australian citizenship or permanent residence, Year 12 completion in the specified 2021–24 period, a first undergraduate final or honours year in 2027, an eligible STEM discipline and GPA of at least 5.5. Leadership potential, technology-related impact and full participation in programme activities are also considered.
Up to 35 awards are offered across six partner universities, not 35 places solely at QUT. Applicants provide an academic reference and use the linked Westpac Scholars Trust system. Check all programme dates against your study and other responsibilities before applying.
Interaction and Visual Design Memorial Scholarship
The official design scholarship page lists a $5,000 award for a professional development initiative. It opened on 12 October 2026. Applicants must be enrolled in Experimental Visual Communication, DVB303, or Advanced Interaction Design, DXB311, and graduate in 2026 or mid-2027.
The application needs a written explanation of the development activity, its career benefit, timeline and budget. QUT recommends discussing it with the capstone coordinator; preference is given to work developing or relating to the capstone project. A report on outcomes is required after the activity.
Prepare the right application materials
Build a separate checklist for each award. For Tech Futures, check eligibility evidence, reference and leadership responses against the live form. For the design award, focus on the proposed initiative and its practical budget. Do not assume a document requested by one award is automatically required by another.
For a design budget, identify each activity and cost rather than supplying a single unexplained total. Explain what you will learn, how it relates to your practice and what outcome can be demonstrated. If a plan depends on an external event, verify that event’s availability before committing to it.
For a leadership response, use a specific decision or contribution. Describe the problem, your action and a result you can support. Keep your own role clear when writing about a group project.
How to apply
- Open the official page for the relevant award.
- Check course, year, citizenship and other criteria.
- Read the current form and conditions.
- Prepare the requested responses, reference or budget.
- Submit through the award’s linked system before its deadline.
Retain confirmation and use the contact details on the official page for questions. A saved draft is not proof of submission. Allow time for a referee or coordinator discussion before the closing week.
Selection and ongoing requirements
Tech Futures is competitive and involves shortlisting and interviews. The QUT page states conditions concerning continued enrolment, academic performance and holding other scholarships, with an Equity Scholarship exception. Confirm compatibility before assuming several awards can be held together.
The design award also has selection and reporting requirements. If chosen, retain records of the activity and its costs so you can explain the outcome accurately. Do not include either award as confirmed money until you have accepted a valid offer.
Related study and scholarship guides
See UNSW Business scholarships, the Rhodes guide and our QUT study overview. Check each programme’s current requirements separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tech Futures $20,000 in cash?
No. It combines $5,000 support with a separately valued leadership experience.
Can any design student apply for the Memorial award?
No. The named capstone and graduation conditions apply.
Do all QUT scholarships close together?
No. Each award has its own timetable.