4 April 2014

The University of Queensland has applauded Westpac for its inspirational and philanthropic gift to Australia’s university students.

This week, Westpac announced the creation of its Bicentennial Foundation fund, which will provide $100 million for scholarships and awards for Australian university students, graduates and post-doctoral researchers.

The scholarships and awards will be granted in partnership with Australian universities.

UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Advancement) Ms Clare Pullar said Westpac had made an extraordinary philanthropic endowment to higher education and it would help shape generations of leaders across every sector.

“A new era of corporate philanthropy has dawned in Australia,” Ms Pullar said.

“Westpac’s vision in creating such powerful opportunities for university students from under graduates to post-doctoral researchers, especially in engagement with Asia, will transform leadership development of young people.

“The long-term impact for Australia will be profound." 

Universities Australia has launched its own Keep it Clever campaign, which highlights the “role of university education and research in creating the economy of the future”.

Media: UQ Communications Carolyn Varley  0413 601 248, c.varley@uq.edu.au.