Eight outstanding QUT students have been awarded the prestigious New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship at an awards dinner in Canberra last night (MONDAY 28).
The highly competitive scholarships were presented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Julie Bishop MP and Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Simon Birmingham MP.
They allow Australian undergraduate students to study and undertake internships or mentorships for up to 18 months in participating Indo-Pacific locations. Students are assessed on their demonstrated academic achievement, leadership in the community, and commitment to strengthening ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
QUT’s New Colombo Plan Scholar to Singapore, Dana Carmichael, said the opportunity to engage in international study, cultural, and work experience in the Indo-Pacific allows students to gain a competitive edge before entering the workforce.
“Companies are increasingly valuing employees with international experience and cross-cultural skills, and programs such as the NCP scholarship foster this professional development,” she said.
“High-achieving students want the best possible employment prospects upon graduation – building personal and professional capabilities whilst studying and interning abroad gives students an advantage over those without international experience.”
In 2017, QUT NCP scholars will be undertaking research placements in Korea, engaging with human rights organisations in Indonesia, building long-lasting connections with leading universities in Japan, and much more.
The full list of 2017 QUT New Colombo Plan Scholars and their placements is as follows:
- Eloise Adsett (Bachelor of Dietetics and Nutrition) – one semester exchange to Meiji University, Japan
- Heath Gabbett (Bachelor of Business/Laws) – one year exchange at Rikkyo University, Japan
- Suzannah Cooper (Bachelor of Engineering/Mathematics) – one semester exchange to Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
- Alexandra Tran (Bachelor of Engineering) – one year exchange to Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
- Julian Loh (Bachelor of Engineering) – one year exchange to City University of Hong Kong
- Jesse Christian (Bachelor of Business/Creative Industries) – one year study abroad to the University of Hong Kong
- Lauren Wilkins (Bachelor of Justice) – one semester exchange to Indonesia with the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies
- Dana Carmichael (Bachelor of Business [International]) – one year exchange to Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake said the awarding of eight NCP scholarships to QUT students was a testament to the academic and community achievements of the individual students, as well as reflecting well on QUT.
“QUT commends the Commonwealth Government on the Colombo initiative, and we will continue to champion this life-changing opportunity for our students. Not only will they improve their career prospects by studying in the region, they will also establish valuable networks with international businesses and expand their knowledge and appreciation of other cultures,” Professor Coaldrake said.
QUT congratulates all eight NCP Scholars and wishes them all the best for their studies overseas.
Visit the New Colombo Plan website for more information
Related QUT NCP success stories:
- New Colombo Plan connects QUT to Japan
- Attending Australia Week in China as a New Colombo Plan student delegate
- New Colombo Plan in the Pacific
Media contact:
Rob Kidd, QUT Media, 07 3138 1841, rj.kidd@qut.edu.au
After hours, Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901
