Remember The University of Western Australia in your will

UWA was founded thanks to a bequest from Sir John Winthrop Hackett. His dedication to the importance of education for the benefit of society led to the creation of a world-class university whose founding principle – to advance the prosperity and welfare of the people – still inspires us today.

Since the earliest days, many donors have followed in Sir John Winthrop Hackett’s footsteps and have supported the University with a bequest. Their generosity enables our students to fulfil their academic goals and inspires our world-class researchers to address many of the issues facing humanity today. Leaving a bequest will make an enduring contribution that can honour you, your family, or someone close to you, well into the future.

What is a bequest

A bequest is a gift left to a beneficiary in an individual’s will. There are several types of bequests which may include:

1. A residuary bequest (what is left of the estate once all legacies and costs have been paid) 

2. A percentage of an estate

3. A pecuniary bequest (a specific sum)

4. Assets such as real estate, shares and/or culturally significant works of art

Purpose of your bequest

Unrestricted or unspecified bequests to UWA will be allocated to the area of greatest priority by the Vice-Chancellor or Senate of the University at the time the bequest is realised. Unrestricted bequests are highly valued as they can be applied to the changing needs of the University and society, well into the future.

A restricted bequest can be stated for a specific purpose. If you wish to leave a bequest for a specific purpose or you wish to bequeath a culturally significant gift, we ask that you contact the Bequest Manager who can assist you with determining whether the University is able to accommodate and fulfil your specific wishes.

Bequest wording

The University recommends you seek independent legal advice with regards to writing your will.

The suggested basis for wording in your will is:

I give to the University of Western Australia….to be applied for the purposes of... and I direct that the receipt of the Vice-Chancellor or duly authorised officer of the University be accepted by my Trustee/s as a sufficient discharge of the same. However, if circumstances change and my wishes cannot be fulfilled, I direct that the Senate of the University allocate the bequest in such a manner as best approximates my wishes.*

*The last sentence of the paragraph ensures that, when UWA receives your bequest and the area in which your bequest is allocated no longer exists or is no longer relevant, the University is able to allocate it to an area that is closest to your original intention.

Alumni and friends who have included the University in their will are encouraged to contact the Bequest Manager so they can be acknowledged and thanked for their generosity during their lifetime. Informing us of your intentions also helps the University plan for the future.