New Colombo Plan 2015 scholars announced
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Sixty-nine of Australia's most talented undergraduate students have been awarded scholarships to live, study and work in the Indo-Pacific region next year - with Thailand set to host one student.
The students will spend up to a year in one of 17 locations under the New Colombo Plan.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the recipients had demonstrated academic excellence, a strong commitment to engaging with Australia’s 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.”
Australia’s Education Minister Christopher 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 regional ties.
“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 November 24 in support of more than 3,100 students from across Australia studying in 32 Indo-Pacific countries.
The Australian government has committed A$100 million (Bt27.5 billion) 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 1,300 mobility students.
