A New Colombo Plan scholarship is supporting Lisa Butson from the University of Newcastle to pursue her Bachelor of Development Studies in the Philippines. Lisa, who is undertaking a development studies internship at de La Salle University to study water and wastewater management, said the scholarship was a dream come true.

"A key issue for development in the Philippines, as in many parts of the world, is water. Access to clean water, proper sewage and sanitation are issues faced by many countries. I want to learn how to improve these conditions," Lisa said. As the top-ranked Philippines scholar, Lisa was named the New Colombo Plan 2017 Philippines Fellow.

The New Colombo Plan is a signature Australian Government initiative that aims to increase knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to live, study and undertake work placements in the Indo-Pacific.

New Colombo Plan scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, community leadership and a proven commitment to forging bonds across the Indo-Pacific.

Guidelines for the 2017 scholarship program are now online. The guidelines provide information–including eligibility requirements, the application process and deadlines–to assist Australian universities and undergraduate students to apply for a New Colombo Plan scholarship.

University nominations for the 2017 scholarship round will open in July 2016, with students' applications due by 31 August 2016.

For more information on the New Colombo Plan visit www.dfat.gov.au/new-colombo-plan, follow us on Twitter (@NewColomboPlan) or like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/newcolomboplan)