New Colombo Plan 2015 scholars announced
Joint media release:
• Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Julie Bishop MP
• Minister for Education, The Hon Christopher Pyne MP
2 December 2014
A group of 69 of Australia’s most talented undergraduate students have been awarded New Colombo Plan scholarships to live, study and work in the region next year including in Thailand which will be hosting one Australian student.
Announced by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Education Minister Christopher Pyne, the students will spend up to a year in one of 17 locations across the Indo-Pacific region.
Minister Bishop said the recipients had demonstrated academic excellence, a strong commitment to engaging with our neighbours and the character to represent Australia with distinction.
“Sustained interest in the pilot locations of Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong has been complemented by demand by exceptional students to study in Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vanuatu,” she said.
“The top ranked scholar for each location will receive the additional award of NCP Fellow, in recognition of their achievement.”
Minister Pyne said the scholars came from 23 universities across all states and territories, reflecting the strong interest of universities and
students—and the broader community—in strengthening ties with the region.
“The scholars will study in a wide range of disciplines including language and culture, law, business, engineering and natural sciences, with nearly all scholars planning to undertake an internship or a mentorship,” he said.
This announcement follows the New Colombo Plan 2015 mobility round outcomes announced on 24 November supporting around 3150 students from across Australia to study in 32 Indo-Pacific locations.
The Australian Government has committed $100 million in new funding over five years to implement the New Colombo Plan. The New Colombo Plan 2014 pilot phase is supporting 40 scholars and more than 1300 mobility students.