In August this year, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, announced reforms to the New Colombo Plan (NCP) that committed to building Australia’s Indo-Pacific capabilities and deepening Asia literacy, including in languages.
219 Australian undergraduate students from 33 universities across Australia have been offered NCP scholarships for 2025. This represents a record number and a 46 per cent increase in scholars from 2024. This is in line with the Government’s commitment to double the number of scholarships awarded over time. These scholars will undertake study, language training and internships in 23 host locations in the Indo-Pacific.
The NCP is strengthening Australia’s capability in Asian languages. More scholars will head out to learn Mandarin, Japanese, Malay, Indonesian, Korean, Cantonese, Hindi, Thai and Vietnamese, among others.
2025 Japan Scholar and James Cook University Bachelor of Advanced Science student Kathleen Ryan will be studying marine biology and aquaculture at Tohoku University, Japan. She will also undertake Japanese language training as part of her scholarship.
‘The New Colombo Plan Scholarship is a privilege and an amazing opportunity that I believe will help me grow my awareness and build connections in the Indo-Pacific,’ she said.
For the NCP Mobility Program, 4,076 student grants have been offered to 40 Australian universities for projects in 30 host locations across the Indo-Pacific. These projects are 4 weeks to 2 semesters in duration. In meeting the Government’s commitment that the NCP offer longer-term, more immersive experiences, in 2025, more students will go to the region for longer. In 2025, 40 per cent of all projects are for one semester or more, compared to 18 per cent in 2024.
The NCP is investing in Australia’s future. The Indo-Pacific capabilities, including language skills, students will build during their programs will deepen links, broaden Australia’s national understanding of the region, and deliver on essential capabilities Australia needs.